UW Announces Fourth Cohort of Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps

The University of Wyoming has selected the fourth cohort of the Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps, an initiative of UW’s College of Education and Trustees Education Initiative.

The program supports teacher retention and effectiveness across Wyoming by fostering mentoring relationships between experienced educators and early-career teachers. This year’s cohort includes 18 educators from districts throughout the state.

“Good teachers make a difference, but the great ones help other teachers get better,” says Colby Gull, managing director of the Trustees Education Initiative. “Mentoring is how greatness gets passed down from teacher to teacher. This is where real growth happens -- for the mentor and the mentee. The Wyoming Teacher Mentor Corps is designed to help early career educators remain joyfully in the field of education so they can positively impact student success by providing a high quality, well-trained mentor.”

“One of the most inspiring efforts housed within the Trustees Education Initiative is the Wyoming Teacher Mentor Corps,” says Jenna Shim, the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean and a professor in the College of Education. “It reflects our deep commitment to supporting early-career educators by connecting them with experienced, passionate veteran teachers who serve as mentors. This partnership not only strengthens teacher retention but also builds a culture of professional excellence and shared purpose across Wyoming’s schools. It is a privilege to champion such transformative work.”

Members of the 2025 cohort, listed by their school districts, are:

Big Horn County School District 1, Cowley and Burlington

Kelli Orr, a teacher at Rocky Mountain Middle School, has more than 20 years of experience and specializes in English language arts. She prioritizes student-centered instruction and fosters a collaborative, inclusive classroom environment. She is committed to fostering supportive and dynamic learning environments.

Dana Romriell, a special education teacher at Burlington School, returned to school after raising nine children. Inspired by her own child with special needs, she believes every student can succeed with time, patience and support. She is passionate about helping students reach their full potential.

Campbell County School District, Gillette

Revea Smith, who teaches fifth grade at Wagonwheel Elementary School, was named the 2024 Teacher of the Year for the Campbell County School District. She holds a master’s degree in English as a second language and is a National Board-certified teacher. She also enjoys promoting leadership and confidence in young learners.

Carbon County School District 1, Rawlins

Julia Fineran, a teacher at Victory High School, has more than 18 years of teaching experience. She teaches social studies and brings a strong background in English instruction and mentorship. She enjoys building meaningful connections with students through alternative education. She has enjoyed taking on new challenges that support her growth as an educator.

Jessica Hofmann, at teacher Rawlins Elementary School, has taught first and second grade for 11 years in Rawlins. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her children and playing softball and golf.

Carbon County School District 2, Saratoga and Encampment

Tiffany Herring, a special education teacher at Saratoga Middle High School, began her career as a paraprofessional and holds a master’s degree in special education. She is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Leslie McLinskey, a teacher at Encampment K–12 School, teaches English language arts to students in grades 7–12 and sponsors the school’s National Honor Society. She also incorporates social-emotional learning and is a certified yoga instructor. She brings recent professional development in social-emotional learning to her classroom.

Fremont County School District 1, Lander

Kayla Freese, a teacher at Gannett Peak Elementary School, has 17 years of classroom experience, primarily in early elementary grades. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and is completing a second master’s degree in curriculum design and technology. She is passionate about early childhood education and lifelong learning in Wyoming.

Sami McRae, who teaches second grade at Gannett Peak Elementary School, has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She enjoys mentoring students and colleagues and supporting growth in reading, writing and math. She is passionate about helping students and colleagues grow in confidence.

Diane Weller, a teacher at Gannett Peak Elementary School, has 19 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher and instructional facilitator. She focuses on building self-efficacy among adult learners and supporting student success.

Fremont County School District 14, Ethete

Michelle Trahnstrom, a teacher at Wyoming Indian Elementary School, has 30 years of experience teaching grades K–5 in multiple states. She enjoys watching students discover the world around them and new concepts they can accomplish.

Goshen County School District 1, Yoder 

Hallie Murphy, a teacher at Southeast Elementary School, has been teaching for nine years and is proud to serve the community that helped raise her. She loves the ever-evolving nature of education and enjoys life at home with her husband and energetic young daughter. 

Laramie County School District 1, Cheyenne

Julie Calkins is the K–12 science and computer science coordinator for the district. She has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, academic coach and administrator. She is a passionate educator, beekeeper, quilter and volunteer.

Park County School District 1, Powell

Jill Ferguson, a teacher at Parkside Elementary School, has 21 years of experience and has taught in Rawlins, Lovell and Powell. She has taught deaf education and every elementary grade -- except second grade -- and has hosted four student teachers.

Charli Fluty, a physical education teacher at Powell High School, is a UW alumna. Originally from Saratoga, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family. She loves getting to spend her days with her incredible students.

Saint Joseph’s Children’s Home, Torrington

Janet Mundt has worked at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Home in Torrington since 1996. She is dedicated to supporting students who have experienced trauma and creating inclusive learning environments.

Sheridan County School District 1, Sheridan

Sarah Hogan works as a district special education instructional facilitator and has 12 years of experience in special education. She also serves as a certified Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) facilitator, supporting professional learning across her district. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Sweetwater County School District 1, Rock Springs

Samantha Worden, a teacher at Rock Springs High School, is a sixth-year teacher and a doctoral candidate at UW. Her research focuses on gamification and student engagement in secondary classrooms. She strives to blend practical experience with research to create meaningful, game-based learning experiences.

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