Megan Degenfelder State Superintendent of Public Instruction | Wyoming Department of Education
Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, in collaboration with the Wyoming Department of Education, has announced the launch of the Innovator Network. This initiative aims to advance professional development for educators within the state by fostering an environment where teachers, principals, and other school professionals can connect and share their expertise.
Highlighting the importance of local expertise, Superintendent Degenfelder stated, “We created an Innovation Team at WDE several years ago, and it continues to deliver for Wyoming students. Our Chief Innovation Officer, Nathan Tedjeske’s vision for a community of Wyoming educators sharing best practices in innovation is long overdue. We have excellence occurring all over our state. Instead of spending countless dollars on out-of-state consultants, it is time we pay our best and brightest to deliver content that we already know works for Wyoming.”
The Innovator Network seeks to revamp how educators learn and progress in their careers by fostering a collaborative environment where educators can develop and share innovative ideas. This approach is meant to transform professional learning and create a sense of community among educators with similar interests.
Aaron Makelkey, a history teacher at Kelly Walsh High School, pointed out the significance of local expertise by stating, “The best reading instruction expert I know is in Lander. How many schools in Wyoming fly in or pay for trainers from out of state on this same topic? Those same school leaders will have an opportunity to connect with experts from down the road in our own state.”
Through the Innovator Network, educators can earn credits for re-licensure by participating in Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board-approved professional development opportunities. These opportunities will be offered at no cost and through the Canvas software system, which is already in use by districts and the University of Wyoming.
Darian Samuelson, a science teacher at Upton High School, emphasized the collaborative nature of the network, “Imagine a statewide community of practice, educators across Wyoming coming together, not to check a box, but to learn from each other, push each other, and innovate together. In our building we have the mantra, ‘Isolation is the enemy of success.’ This kind of network doesn’t just move the needle on instruction, it does wonders for teacher burnout. It reminds us that we’re not alone, and it gives us a sense of security and belonging that is far too rare in education.”
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