Background:

Hello, my name is Gwen Peterson and I am a teacher here at Seguín Elementary school. I teach 1^st-5^th grade Science Lab. I have had a great time teaching science. Everyday is filled with excitement and my students come to class enthusiastic to learn.

Last year I came across an opportunity to work with the National Park Service, through the program Teacher to Ranger to Teacher (TRT). The program allows school teachers to be a National Park Ranger for the summer. The goal is for the teacher to take what they learn during the summer and share it with their students back home. Hopefully, it will spark more interest in National Parks and more students will visit them each year.

Right away I knew the TRT program was something I wanted to do, so I applied and got a position at North Cascades National Park Service Complex in Washington State. During my 8-week stay, I learned about the park and its natural significance by speaking with scientists, working at the Visitor’s Center, leading hikes, and developing educational curricula. The experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity that made me think outside myself and realize the sheer grander of this country. During the summer my main concern was how I was going to translate my experience in a meaningful way to my students. I decided the best way to share my experience was by bringing the park to them.

The Event: Juan Seguin National Park Week, May 12-16

The week of May 12^th-16^th is dedicated as National Park Week at my school. It will be filled with events for the students. Each day they will have an interactive lesson on the park. Plus, North Cascades National Park education specialist Paula Ogden-Muse and interpretive park ranger David Williams will join us during the week and lead ranger programs for the students. Also, the students will have a picnic lunch, sing campfire songs, and take a picture with a bear. Don’t worry it’s not a real bear. The best part of the whole week is that for every activity a student completes they earn a point toward becoming a North Cascades National Park Jr. Ranger. If they become a Jr. Ranger they will receive a badge and certificate. Being a Jr. Ranger is very important and you might be wondering what a Jr. Ranger is. Well, a Jr. Ranger promises to learn, explore, and protect the places they live and learn about.

I am extremely excited for this week. It is going to be so much fun and the students will learn a ton! Check back later for updates, events, and pictures.

If you would like more information about the National Park Service’s Jr. Ranger Program, please visit:
http://www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm

If you would like more information on the Teacher to Ranger to Teacher Program, please visit:
http://www.nps.gov/wupa/forteachers/trt.htm