How would you like to teach history in a place like this? Known for its Collegiate Gothic architecture, Natrona County High School is on the National Register of Historic Places. It had the first indoor poor in the state of Wyoming, the second oldest JROTC unit in the United States, and is a 1:1 High Access school. These are only some of the pieces of NCHS’s innovative history.
I love teaching here. However, after a great job opportunity came along for my husband, it is time for my family to move on. I want to be sure they have some great candidates to choose from, so I decided to write a little about the job here. Maybe you’d like to consider applying?
Here is the official job posting. It doesn’t give you a lot, so here is some additional information.
Technology – As I mentioned before, NCHS is a 1:1 High Access school. This means that the ratio of laptops to students is 1:1. Each student is issued their own MacBook with a great variety of software to use in class and to take home. Along with a bent towards more liberal internet filtering policies, this provides great opportunities for the use of technology in the classroom.
Instructional Facilitators – Also known as Instructional Coaches, these master teachers are available to help you with your individual professional development needs. They provide a myriad of optional services tailored to individual teachers, as well as some college credit courses.
Professional Learning Community – NCHS will be entering its first year of official PLCs. I know people have different opinions of PLCs, but in this particular Social Studies Department, I see PLCs as a major strength. NCHS will be implementing a late start for students on Wednesdays to provide built-in collaboration time for teachers. In a department that already works very well together, PLCs are a bonus.
Funding – Lately, Wyoming seems to be one of the only states that is operating in the black. This, plus a state emphasis on education, has resulted in Wyoming being 6th in the nation in student spending (an average of $14,573 in 2008-2009). For someone who started their teaching career in the Michigan recession, being able to get adequate classroom supplies is an important consideration. And while salary is not my largest consideration for a job, the pay scale is competitive and if you are a National Board Certified Teacher, you receive an annual bonus from the State of Wyoming.
Classes – While I am unsure which classes will be shuffled and assigned to the new hire, I do know that it would most likely involve 2 preps. The mainstays of the department are 10th grade Modern U.S. History and 11th grade World History. We have honors and IB courses and several more specific electives (Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, World Religion, Asian Studies & African Studies). Our 9th grade Academy style position has already been filled. We are on an alternating A/B 90 minute block schedule.
The Staff – I can’t say enough about the staff in this building. When I came to NCHS, they welcomed me with open arms and did everything they could to help me out when I had my daughter.
The Social Studies Department – My number one reason for working at NCHS is the Social Studies Department. They are a wonderful group of professionals who are passionate about educating students. This is a “low drama” department that works hard to take care of one another and their students. They cultivate a collegial and collaborative atmosphere. They are a team that is always willing to share materials, help problem solve, and innovate new approaches to the curriculum. I love them and the hardest part about moving is having to leave this family.
If you are interested in this position, go here to see the steps to apply.
Note: I am posting about this opportunity because I want to help make sure the department has some quality candidates. While I am happy to answer general questions, please keep in mind that I am NOT involved in any way with application reviews or interviews for this position, and I am unfamiliar with the district’s new hiring process. The NCSD Human Resources Department will be more than happy to answer any questions about applying for this position. Good luck! 🙂
Not All Who Wonder Are Lost 