UW Names Third Cohort of Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps

The University of Wyoming is welcoming the third cohort of the Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps, hosted by the UW College of Education.

This initiative continues to strengthen the fabric of educational mentorship across the state, aiming to enhance the skills and retention of new teachers through expert guidance and support.

This year’s cohort features 31 educators from diverse teaching backgrounds, selected for their exceptional contributions to education and their potential to guide new teachers.

“I am excited for this cohort of the Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps,” says Colby Gull, managing director of UW’s Trustees Education Initiative. “Each year, our mentoring program gets stronger, promising to provide excellent support to our mentors and new teachers.”

“In the Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps, veteran teachers do more than pass on knowledge; they ensure the thriving of quality education,” says Jenna Shim, the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean of the College of Education. “This vital connection transforms potential into excellence, capturing the essence of impactful mentorship.”

Members of the new cohort, listed by their school districts, are:

Albany County School District 1, Laramie

Crystal Graff, an experienced educator across multiple elementary grades, is keen on further contributing to the field after earning her master’s degree in middle-level science education and maintaining national board certification for a decade.

Jennifer Smith, an art educator and advocate, engages with UW art education students and has been recognized as Wyoming Art Teacher of the Year.

Carbon County School District 1, Rawlins

Ivey Bodine, a middle school math teacher, brings a robust background in secondary education and mathematics.

Katie Cline, a veteran fourth grade teacher and former basketball coach, emphasizes active involvement in student athletics.

Joel Moline integrates his experiences with 4-H, FFA and athletics into his teaching and coaching roles.

Nohemi Perea, an English as a second language teacher, focuses on language and cultural adaptation in her educational practice.

Andrew Salzman, director of bands at Rawlins High School, has been recognized multiple times for his impact on education.

Crook County School District 1, Sundance

Lila Kennah teaches both music and secondary science, drawing on a broad educational background to enrich her classroom.

Fremont County School District 1, Lander

Kylee Dripps promotes a love of learning in her kindergarten classroom, emphasizing engaging and nurturing educational practices.

Jessica Kiser brings a personal passion for outdoor activities into her role as a third grade teacher.

With 22 years of teaching experience, Jill Robertson advocates for comprehensive educational opportunities for all students.

Fremont County School District 21, Fort Washakie

Vivica Etter, transition coordinator at Fort Washakie School, focuses on leadership in educational development for children.

Fremont County School District 25, Riverton

Kelli Gard transitioned her passion from early childhood to culinary arts, enriching her high school teaching experience.

Goshen County School District 1, Torrington

Nicole Clayton, a high school science teacher with national board certification, enjoys integrating her passion for horse training into her educational approach.

Alyssa Jernigan, a recent graduate, is completing her second year of teaching kindergarten, realizing her childhood dream.

Laramie County School District 1, Cheyenne

Kara Benart aims to create interactive and collaborative science learning environments.

Angel Decker, a behavior intervention specialist, focuses on creating effective educational interventions and support systems.

Joy Fox-Jensen, continuing her passion for teaching after nearly 30 years in Kansas, now educates fourth graders in Cheyenne. She balances her life between teaching and caring for her animals on a small farm.

Codi Guthrie, a reading interventionist, uses her expertise in early literacy shaped over 13 years of teaching.

Amy Kassel, a veteran high school math teacher and curriculum coordinator, brings over three decades of educational experience.

Glen Kirkbride combines teaching with coaching, leveraging his extensive experience to build meaningful relationships.

Diana Wedl, a seasoned educator of over 31 years, engages in diverse educational roles from technology integration to classroom teaching.

Dawn Wiley has dedicated over three decades to improving educational programming and mentoring within at-risk communities.

Park County School District 1, Powell

Elizabeth Feller, with over 18 years in varied educational roles, is dedicated to integrating exploration and excitement into learning.

Park County School District 6, Cody

Katie McCue, a district elementary literacy coach, leverages her 17 years of experience to enhance curriculum development and teacher support.

Sheridan County School District 1, Ranchester

Ashley Mines, a middle school literacy coach, is committed to fostering literacy excellence through evidence-based practices.

Sheridan County School District 2, Sheridan

Lucas Dow, an assistant principal with numerous accolades, is dedicated to enhancing teacher support and student relationships.

Megan Garnhart teaches computer science at Sheridan High School and leads professional associations in Wyoming.

Sublette County School District 9, Big Piney

Tessa Christiansen, a special education teacher, creates empowering and inclusive learning environments.

Sweetwater County School District 1, Rock Springs

Crystal Richardson teaches computer science with a commitment to modernizing education through continuous learning.

Uinta County School District 1, Evanston

Kevin Blackwell, with 25 years of teaching middle school band and jazz band, values strong connections with his students.

For more information about the Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps, visit www.uwyo.edu/education/wyoming-teacher-mentor-corps/index.html.