The University of Wyoming has selected the fourth cohort of the Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps, an initiative of UW’s College of Education and Trustees Education Initiative.
The program supports teacher retention and effectiveness across Wyoming by fostering mentoring relationships between experienced educators and early-career teachers. This year’s cohort includes 18 educators from districts throughout the state.
“Good teachers make a difference, but the great ones help other teachers get better,” says Colby Gull, managing director of the Trustees Education Initiative. “Mentoring is how greatness gets passed down from teacher to teacher. This is where real growth happens — for the mentor and the mentee. The Wyoming Teacher Mentor Corps is designed to help early career educators remain joyfully in the field of education so they can positively impact student success by providing a high quality, well-trained mentor.”
“One of the most inspiring efforts housed within the Trustees Education Initiative is the Wyoming Teacher Mentor Corps,” says Jenna Shim, the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean and a professor in the College of Education. “It reflects our deep commitment to supporting early-career educators by connecting them with experienced, passionate veteran teachers who serve as mentors. This partnership not only strengthens teacher retention but also builds a culture of professional excellence and shared purpose across Wyoming’s schools. It is a privilege to champion such transformative work.”
Teachers from Fremont County include:
- Fremont County School District 1, Lander
Kayla Freese, a teacher at Gannett Peak Elementary School, has 17 years of classroom experience, primarily in early elementary grades. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and is completing a second master’s degree in curriculum design and technology. She is passionate about early childhood education and lifelong learning in Wyoming.
Sami McRae, who teaches second grade at Gannett Peak Elementary School, has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She enjoys mentoring students and colleagues and supporting growth in reading, writing and math. She is passionate about helping students and colleagues grow in confidence.
Diane Weller, a teacher at Gannett Peak Elementary School, has 19 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher and instructional facilitator. She focuses on building self-efficacy among adult learners and supporting student success.
- Fremont County School District 14, Ethete
Michelle Trahnstrom, a teacher at Wyoming Indian Elementary School, has 30 years of experience teaching grades K–5 in multiple states. She enjoys watching students discover the world around them and new concepts they can accomplish.
You can see the full list of teachers from around the state, here.
For more information about the Wyoming Teacher-Mentor Corps, click here.