CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education, in collaboration with the Wyoming Army and Air National Guard, concluded the sixth annual Educator Leadership Rendezvous (ELR). This immersive, multi-day program brought together 50 educators, counselors, and school administrators from across the state to experience military leadership firsthand and strengthen the connection between civilian education and military career pathways
Participants were integrated into squads to foster team cohesion and leadership development. The program featured a series of aircraft exercises, including passenger flights aboard both a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a C-130 aircraft, which flew participants over Devils Tower. Leadership and confidence-building activities continued with 30-foot rock wall rappelling operations, joined by Major General Greg Porter, Adjutant General of the Wyoming National Guard. The event culminated in a tactical paintball competition designed to test strategic planning, communication, and trust under pressure.
“Thank you to the Wyoming Army and Air National Guard for partnering with us on this amazing program,” said Superintendent Degenfelder. “Our goal is to ensure Wyoming students are prepared for every opportunity after graduation, whether that means entering the workforce, attending college, or answering the call to serve. This immersive experience allows our educators to truly understand the modern military and grow as leaders so they can inspire, advise, and guide the next generation of Wyoming leaders.”
The Rendezvous aims to provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of the modern National Guard. By experiencing these challenges alongside Guard members, educators return to their districts better equipped to advise students on diverse career, technical training, and college-funding opportunities. This partnership underscores the importance of strong relationships between schools and the military in supporting long-term student success and a robust state workforce.
ELR will return for the summer of 2027. Registration details for interested educators and school staff will be released this fall.
Educators and members of the Wyoming Army and Air National Guard participate in the Educator Leadership Rendezvous, an immersive training for educators that builds leadership skills and familiarity with military career pathways.
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Media Contact:
Dicky Shanor, Chief of Staff
307-777-7675
dicky.shanor@wyo.gov
