Be a National Park Ranger this summer in Flagstaff

Native teachers encouraged to apply for the 2009 Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Attention teachers! Have you ever wanted to wear a ranger uniform, receive training and work for the National Park Service in the Flagstaff Area National Monuments - Walnut Canyon, Wupatki or Sunset Crater Volcano - and in the adjacent Coconino National Forest? If so, then the National Park Service is looking for you.

This summer, the National Park Service is seeking teachers in and around the Flagstaff area - including the Navajo and Hopi reservations - to apply for the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program. This program is intended to provide a well-rounded experience for teachers in national parks as park rangers. From their experience the teachers will develop National Park Service materials to be shared with park visitors and for their students in the classroom.

Teachers/Rangers will get to experience the wonder of ancient American Indian village sites and the amazing geology and natural history of the San Francisco Peaks and will work on various public education projects and activities, including giving natural and cultural history walks and interpretive programs for park and forest visitors, conducting Junior Ranger programs, writing and/or reviewing curriculum-based school activities for all grades, and participating in community events and visitor outreach efforts.

This position has two missions. First, it will supplement National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service workforce. Secondly, it will allow the teacher to explore the national parks and forests in order to enrich his/her classrooms with a better understanding and appreciation of our nation's cherished natural and cultural resources.

The Teacher/Ranger will work as a regular team member of the National Park Service/U.S. Forest Service Interpretive Partnership Program. Duties will include interpretation of our local natural and cultural resources at different locales, which include the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, the top of the Agassiz Skyride at Arizona Snowbowl, evening "campfire" talks in three Coconino National Forest campgrounds: Bonito, Dairy Springs, and Pine Grove and a variety of locations for public education projects and activities such as natural and cultural history hikes and walks in the Flagstaff vicinity.

The Teacher/Ranger will acquire extensive background knowledge of our local natural and cultural resources, in both the national monuments and the Coconino National Forest. He/she will work in a team environment with the NPS/USFS Interpretive Partnership and park and forest staffs, as well as with local affiliated tribal nations. Additional duties may be performed as required, including emergency operations.

The Teacher/Ranger is expected to incorporate his/her NPS experience into the classroom curriculum during the upcoming school year. The Teacher/Ranger will develop curriculum-based materials aligned with Arizona curriculum standards. The Teacher/Ranger will conduct activities related to the National Park Service, including several presentations or units of instruction to classes, to colleagues, and to one other school within the district.

Teacher/Rangers will receive a $300 per week stipend and a uniform along with a week of ranger training at the parks in May or June. The position is for eight weeks between May 31 and Aug. 31. The deadline to apply for this program is Sunday, Feb. 1.

For additional information about teacher requirements for this program, or to obtain an application, contact Carol Kruse at (928) 526-1157, ext. 271 or e-mail Carol_Kruse@nps.gov.