By Brad Johnson
The Register-Herald
— One teacher will be selected to fill a teacher-ranger position at the New River Gorge National River this summer, and officials are seeking candidates now.
“It’s a great opportunity for the teacher and for the parks system,” David Bieri, Sandstone district ranger, said about the Teacher to Ranger to Teacher program, which brings teachers into national parks to learn about the system and, in return, take that knowledge back to share with their students.
“We give them an overview of the whole park,” Bieri said. “They’ll get to work with all the divisions, do some resource management and then take that experience back into the classroom.”
The selected teacher will spend eight weeks working in a hands-on environment as a park ranger, performing various duties, including presenting interpretive programs for the general public, experiencing active science by working with park biologists and taking on special projects.
During the coming school year, the teacher will develop and present curriculum-based lesson plans based on the summer’s experience, and during National Park Week next April, the teacher-ranger will wear the National Park Service uniform to school, engaging students and other teachers in activities relating to national parks.
“Last summer was the first year we did the TRT program at New River Gorge,” Bieri said. “The teacher selected was Peggy Franklin, a guidance counselor from Fayette County. The program went very well and we’re looking forward to it again this summer.”
The selected teacher will earn $300 per week in supplemental income and will receive a ranger uniform. Continuing education credits may also be available. Science and history/social study teachers are especially encouraged to apply, but teachers of all grades and backgrounds are welcome. The selected teacher must come from a Title 1 school district.
The teacher-ranger position will be located at Sandstone Visitor Center. There is no park housing available. The deadline for applications is March 19.
For specific program details and information on how to apply, contact Bieri at 304-466-0417 or e-mail to dave_bieri @nps.gov.
— E-mail: bjohnson
@register-herald.com
