The Educator of the Year program recognizes an outstanding elementary educator who demonstrates excellence in education by implementing innovative agriculture, minerals and energy, and outdoor recreation and tourism projects into their classroom and the surrounding community. A committee then selects one educator from an impressive pool who is awarded a cash prize of $2500.The award is funded by the Vermillion Ranch, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, and Mantha Phillips.
Neil Long, Baldwin Creek Elementary, LanderLong began teaching at Baldwin Creek Elementary School in 2023. Recognizing a need for an enriched curriculum incorporating social studies and science with literacy, Long introduced Wyo Wonders. Students in Mr. Long’s 5th grade class complete the Wyo Wonders Outdoor Recreation and Tourism unit before writing an opinion essay on the importance of the responsible stewardship of Wyoming’s land.
In these essays, students demonstrate their understanding of the interdependence of Wyoming’s key industries and how the land, wildlife, people, and industry all have a part to play in keeping the state vibrant and thriving. A quote from one student’s essay reads, “It is very important to be a good steward for many reasons. The reasons could be health, education, industry, money, recreation, water quality, and future generations. To me, being a good steward of Wyoming land is keeping wildlife and employment up and well.”
Ms. Marissa Powell, the Instructional Facilitator at Baldwin Creek Elementary, remarked, “The incorporation of Wyo Wonders’ curriculum not only captivates and resonates with our students due to Lander’s identity as an outdoor recreational hub, but also provides them with invaluable insights into their local economy. These benefits then extend to the Lander community. However, the Wyo Wonders’ curriculum by itself would not create these benefits. It is because of Mr. Long’s passion, enthusiasm, and dedication as an educator that allows students to take ownership of their learning and apply it to their lives.
We’re working to ensure that future generations of our state’s leaders, critical thinkers, and problem solvers become stewards for our state—and it’s only with your support that we can make it happen!