Cheyenne — Superintendent Degenfelder and the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) announce Care Coordination, a free statewide service connecting Wyoming students, families, and school district staff with mental health care providers both locally and nationally. This resource will create the opportunity for improved mental wellbeing while keeping Wyoming parents in charge. The program also furthers the WDE’s strategic plan initiative to value and support teachers.

“Mental and behavioral health of students was one of the top issues I heard about on the campaign trail, and it was an issue I promised to address. If our students are not physically or mentally well, we cannot expect them to learn,” said Superintendent Megan Degenfelder.

“Parents are the number one decision maker when it comes to their child’s physical and mental health. Our role in education is not to take the place of parents, but rather to connect parents with as many resources and choices as possible so they have all the tools to best meet their child’s mental health needs. Care Coordination does exactly that. Parents can get help for their child quickly, effectively and on their own terms.”

Not only does Care Coordination connect individuals with provider options, but it does so more efficiently and quickly. On average it takes an individual making 60 calls over four to five weeks to be matched with a mental health provider. With Care Coordination, individuals in need are typically matched with providers in under a week. This confidential and anonymous service will help those seeking care overcome the many barriers they experience such as language, long wait times, and insurance complexities.

There are currently 24 school districts participating in the Care Coordination program statewide.The WDE has contracted with Care Solace, a trusted national provider to deliver these mental health care coordination services.

“The services of Care Solace have proven invaluable. The assistance in connecting families with vital mental health resources has demonstrably reduced stress for both our caring staff and families facing crisis,” said Craig Barringer, Superintendent at Sweetwater County School District #2.

For more information about Care Coordination, visit https://edu.wyoming.gov/for-district-leadership/health-safety/ 

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Cheyenne — The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) has released the 2023-28 Wyoming Digital Learning Plan to ensure that Wyoming’s students have equitable access to opportunities at the forefront of digital learning that allow them to attain technological skills required by the workforce, postsecondary education, or military through student-centered strategies that respond to local guidance and needs. View a summary of the plan here.

“I am proud of the work to update the digital learning plan as it not only better prepares students for jobs through new increased opportunities to master the use of industry and workplace technology, but also develops digital citizenship and creates greater efficiencies and more streamlined support to our teachers,” said Megan Degenfelder, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The plan enhances student-centered learning by increasing technology and data use in the classroom, and supports educators to effectively implement these innovative resources into their practice. Student-centered learning will allow Wyoming students, including those with disabilities and English language learners, to have more control and responsibility in their education by actively engaging learning processes that best suit their needs and abilities. This also includes nurturing further collaboration between schools and community and industry partners to increase project and work-based learning opportunities.

Digital citizenship underscores the plan to ensure students possess skills to use digital tools, such as the internet, social media, and artificial intelligence, in a safe, respectful, and responsible manner. Data privacy and security is also prioritized to model best practices and assure that data is maintained in a safe and lawful manner.

Additionally, the plan offers strategies for addressing the plan’s themes at the state, postsecondary, district, and school levels. The recommendations can help each segment understand their role and guide decisions about where to focus efforts to best support students and respond to community needs.

Development of the plan was directed by the Digital Learning Plan Advisory Panel, a group of individuals with expertise from each segment of Wyoming’s education system; and was guided by stakeholder input via listening sessions, surveys, and focus groups. The WDE will work with the panel and additional partners to implement the state strategies identified in the plan as well as work with districts and schools to support their efforts to implement plans.

The plan aligns with Degenfelder’s 2023-27 WDE Strategic Plan, Governor Mark Gordon’s Reimagining and Innovating Delivery of Education (RIDE) initiative, and the Wyoming State Board of Education Profile of a Graduate initiative; and provides flexible strategies to incorporate technology and data into instruction, improve technology infrastructure, and support educator training at all levels of Wyoming’s education system.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Cheyenne — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder has signed on to a letter to the Department of Defense (DOD) from the Kansas Commissioner of Education, Randall D. Watson, and 29 additional state education leaders, requesting a new information sharing protocol for graduates who pursue a military career. View the letter here.

The letter supports a new partnership to better understand military service as a postsecondary option through data sharing between states and the DOD. The data would allow state leaders to better understand how the military can be a successful career option and how to support military career readiness.

The military is a unique and honorable career option but the military branches are experiencing reduced enrollment and oftentimes turning away young Americans who would like to serve because they do not meet academic and physical requirements. Without data to accurately understand which students are serving, in what roles, and for how long, many states do not include military service as an indicator when they evaluate school and student success.

“We simply must do better at preparing our students for military service. Wyoming was a national leader in including military readiness in its school accountability model. But that is just the beginning of our effort to ensure that every student who is interested in serving his or her country is informed and prepared to do so upon graduation” said Superintendent Degenfelder.

This group of state education leaders propose a model data sharing agreement, similar to ones made between the DOD and Department of Labor, to add state-specific enlistment and service date to longitudinal data systems. The start of this work would include the creation of a working group that defines military career readiness, specifies outcomes to measure success, and determines a timeframe within which to measure. The working group would also be charged with developing secure and lawful data protocols and policies.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Cheyenne — State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder and the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) have released the guidance for Establishing or Modifying Library Material Policy as outlined in the 2023-2027 WDE Strategic Plan.

School districts can utilize this meaningful guidance to evaluate or implement their own policies to best serve their communities, through local school district control. The guide also serves to help parents understand how these policies are created and how they can participate in the process. The guide was created by a statewide stakeholder group, including librarians, teachers, parents, administrators, district and state school board members and business leaders.

“Superintendent Degenfelder’s exemplary leadership has shone brightly in the development of the guidance for Establishing or Modifying Library Material Policy”, said Jay Curtis, Superintendent of Park County School District #1. “Her commitment to transparency and the inclusion of stakeholder voices has fostered an environment where every voice is not only heard but valued, resulting in a document that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our state. In addition, the guidance document reinforces complete local control over the creation of those policies, which allows for a product that is reflective of local voices and values in our unique communities across Wyoming.”

Degenfelder also shares what she believes are fundamental elements to any library material policy: that sexually explicit material should not be available in K-12 schools, parents having an absolute right to restrict access to any material they find inappropriate for their child, maximum transparency of material and creation of policy, and uniform application to all sexual orientations- not as a tool to discriminate.

“When I campaigned across the state of Wyoming for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, there were few issues that I heard about more from citizens than concerns about inappropriate materials and books in schools,” says Degenfelder. “There is absolutely no room in the classroom for inappropriate materials or influences. We must protect our children and we must protect public education.”

The overarching practices presented in the guidance ensure districts are meaningfully engaged with parents and the community when implementing or updating policy and equipped to draft sound policy. View the policy here.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – Wyoming State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder has been invited to testify before the United States Congress, House Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. The hearing titled “Protecting Kids: Combatting Graphic, Explicit Content in School Libraries” will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. (EST). Testimony can be viewed here.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Superintendent Megan Degenfelder and the Wyoming Department of Education congratulate two Wyoming schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Sagewood Elementary in Casper, and Southside Elementary in Powell were identified among the 353 schools honored. Both schools were recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category. View the complete list here.

“I am extremely honored to be part of the outstanding community of Sagewood Elementary,” says Principal Anna Lavin. “I am humbled and grateful for this recognition of the incredible achievements of our students and staff. I am amazed by the commitment the staff, students, and parents show each day to each other and our school. This recognition is a great celebration of the work my staff and students do daily.”

The National Blue Ribbon School award recognizes schools for their academic excellence and for closing achievement gaps between students. It affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for, and attaining, exemplary achievement. Around two dozen Wyoming schools have earned the honor in the last decade, some of them multiple times.

“We are humbled to receive the 2023 National Blue Ribbon School award. This award is proof of what our hard-working community of adults at Southside Elementary School do on an everyday basis, to ensure high levels of learning and growth for every student,” says Principal Scott Schiller. “When you combine that hard work with our students’ love for their school and teachers, and then add in the amazing support we receive from our Southside families and the community of Powell, we have an awesome recipe for student success!”

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. Nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award come from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Cheyenne  — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Brian Nesvik, Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and Governor Mark Gordon joined forces last week to announce a collaborative initiative to expand conservation education opportunities for Wyoming’s youth under Game and Fish’s Inspire a Kid campaign.

“Wyoming’s conservation heritage is a through-line that goes back generations,” Governor Gordon said. “Ensuring students have opportunities to experience hands-on learning and gain crucial outdoor skills and knowledge should be part of our commitment to tomorrow’s hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Starting in January, schools can participate in Trout in the Classroom, National Archery in the Schools Program and Hunter Education. All three programs align with Wyoming education standards.

“I was fortunate to come from a family that fostered conservation from a young age through hunting and fishing,” said Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder. “I learned life lessons in safety, self-sufficiency, personal responsibility, and gained a respect for the greater ecosystem and environment. These opportunities and lessons should be accessible to every single student, regardless of their background. These Game & Fish programs are fulfilling that mission. Despite opposition at the federal level, we will fight to protect these programs and their benefit to students and cherished Wyoming values.”

Conservation education programs to be offered include the following:

• Trout in the Classroom will allow students to explore aquatic ecosystems through hands-on experience. Over a semester, teachers and students raise trout from eggs and release them into approved local waterways. Teachers use a customizable interdisciplinary curriculum to fit their students’ grade levels. Students will learn about the life cycle and aquatic habitat of trout. This program is made possible by a partnership with Trout Unlimited.
• National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) teaches students discipline, focus, self-control and patience. This program equips physical education teachers with instructional training and equipment to teach students the sport of archery, focusing on safety and conservation principles. This program is made possible by a partnership with  the Wyldlife Fund.
• Hunter education is not a new program for Wyoming, but starting this fall youth will have an increased opportunity to learn about hunter safety and ethics as part of their school curriculum. Beyond firearm safety, the Wyoming Hunter Education curriculum encompasses a holistic, hands-on approach and teaches various topics, including wildlife management and conservation, wilderness survival, wildlife identification, bear safety, field care of game meat, marksmanship and game laws. The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board in collaboration with Game and Fish currently submitted a proposed hunter education endorsement for licensed teachers that is out for public comment. The deadline to submit public comment on the proposed endorsement is Nov. 1, 2023. This program is made possible by a partnership with the WYldlife Fund and Wyoming State Shooting Association.

“These programs play a vital role in fostering conservation ethic in our youngest citizens,” Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik said. “If we want to inspire the next generation of conservationists, we must start by teaching them about Wyoming’s wildlife and wild places at a young age. There’s no better place to do this than in our state’s schools and classrooms.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring these programs for schools in their area can contact Game and Fish or the WYldlife Fund. Visit the Game and Fish website to learn more about the programs.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE), in partnership with the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB), and the University of Wyoming (UW) has launched the WYO Education PD Portal, a statewide professional development system for all Wyoming educators. The portal makes it easy to find, register, and track progress for educator professional development (PD) opportunities.

“This initiative aligns directly with our Strategic Plan work to value and support teachers. I am so excited to announce this partnership with UW and PTSB to provide this comprehensive and innovative solution to helping teachers with their professional growth. This portal will reduce administrative burdens on teachers and connect them to the most relevant development opportunities for their careers,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.

The WYO Education PD Portal will allow educators to remain on the cutting edge of teaching best practices by streamlining access for all. Statewide partners including UW and individual school districts will also be able to list their PD events in the system. UW and PTSB credit will be tracked to ensure educators are able to maintain licensure.

“The Professional Teaching Standards Board is excited to partner with WDE and UW on the WYO Education PD Portal,” said PTSB Executive Director Brendan O’Connor. “We are hopeful that school districts and individual educators will find this one-stop portal easy to navigate and use to enroll in professional development opportunities that align with their educational goals. It will also help PTSB approve and track completed PD credits to make license renewal more efficient.”

The portal has already proven effective as a micro-credentialing platform for educators and students, allowing users to track progress across a range of curriculum to earn badges and credentials. Expertise gained can lead to additional endorsements on their teaching license.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – John Corbin, a high school social studies teacher at Cody High School, has been named the 2024 Wyoming Teacher of the Year in a surprise assembly.

Corbin, a Wyoming educator for 15 years, is a strong advocate for civics education. He believes that all students should have the opportunity to learn about the history and government of their country.

“John Corbin is an outstanding educator who truly prioritizes civic engagement and preparing students to be good future American citizens,” said Megan Degenfelder, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “John’s work instills in students a patriotic appreciation for our system of government and a sense of obligation to participate, to sacrifice for the future of their community and democracy, something we need now more than ever.”

Corbin is a National Board Certified Teacher and has received numerous awards including the John P. Ellbogen Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence in the Advancement of Quality Civics Education. He supports other educators as a teacher leader and mentors student teachers as they grow in the profession.

“John Corbin is an incredible teacher, leader, coach, lifelong learner, and person. His dedication to students is unyielding,” said the Park County School District #6 Administrative Team. “He creates relationships with his students through engaged lessons and differentiates activities to aid in his students’ success. Whether it’s a multimedia lesson, a student-led debate, or a project steeped in history, the Constitution, art, and culture, his passion is evident. John works with a variety of extra-curricular activities to support the interests of his students, giving them the tools to be as successful as possible. John’s work, leadership, and commitment to both school and community serve as an example of the true impact educators can have in the lives of students.”

Corbin recognizes that creating a positive classroom culture is crucial to the success of an educator and his students. For him, pedagogically, there are several ways to meet the needs of his students, but Corbin always begins with relationships.

“The relationships I develop with my students are key to their success and unlock opportunities to reach them with knowledge, and instill a strong work ethic that they need to succeed,” said John Corbin. “I feel that teaching is a calling for me. It is my job whether I’m in this chair or out in my community helping other people reach their potential.”

As Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Corbin will represent the teaching profession in Wyoming and be a spokesperson for education. He will also attend state and national education events and conferences. In addition, he will be a liaison between the teaching community, the Wyoming Legislature, the Wyoming Department of Education, districts, and communities.

John Corbin, a social studies teacher at Cody High School, has been named the 2024 Wyoming Teacher of the Year. Image courtesy of John Corbin.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education, Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board, and the University of Wyoming will host a joint, hybrid media event at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15 in the Capitol Complex Auditorium, Basement-Level of the Herschler Building. Superintendent Megan Degenfelder will lead the celebration of the collaborative effort culminating in the launch of the WYOEd Professional Development Portal, providing districts and educators across Wyoming with a single, user-friendly resource for all aspects of professional development.

Media partners participating online can register here.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov