Snapshots: Supporting Rural Teachers

 

The Wyoming Rural Teacher Corps introduces students to opportunities in small towns around the state.

 

By Micaela Myers

 

Torin Chavez of Cheyenne took a break from college to serve as a quartermaster in the U.S. Navy. Eight years later, he returned to the University of Wyoming with renewed drive and determination, making a vow to take advantage of any opportunities for growth. Now a senior majoring in elementary education, he is entering his third year in the Wyoming Rural Teacher Corps. 

“I have gained a lot more than I ever imagined I would from the program,” Chavez says. Those gains include friends, a support network, mentors and information. 

“We meet every month and go over different aspects of rural schools and teaching,” he says. “Many discussions are based on readings and hearing from presenters who teach at rural schools. I attended the 2024 National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference held in Savannah, Ga., and experienced how rural educators are teaching all over the country. We’ve gone on trips to schools on the Wind River Reservation, in Jackson Hole and other locations. There’s also the annual Rock River STEM Night, where we set up STEM activities for the students focused on place-based education. We also have our capstone event that allows us to see the projects other members in the group have worked on throughout the year and be able to present to other educators. I can’t forget to mention the trip we took to Teton Science Schools, which was a great time.”

The corps was created four years ago to help rural schools better attract and retain teachers. So far, nearly 40 UW students have participated. 

Chavez is currently student teaching at Clawson Elementary School in Horse Creek, Wyo., where he works with five different grades at once — an experience he believes is making him a better educator. He encourages other students to explore rural teaching opportunities. Upon graduation this December, Chavez hopes to secure a job in a rural setting. 

“Many people don’t know about or overlook rural schools and how valuable they are to their communities,” he says. “There’s a whole population of people and students who don’t live in cities or large communities. These schools not only provide an education for those students but can also act as a community hub in many ways. A program such as the Rural Teacher Corps is a great way to grow interest in future educators (in teaching in rural schools) and help them venture deeper into their degree field. Schools will always need a teacher, and programs like this are a great way to make sure that those positions stay filled.”