Need for teachers in Wyoming? (Casper: university, areas, to work)

[James9283]

This is good to hear as well. Are there any towns or areas that you would suggest if I wanted a university nearby to work on a masters or are there areas with more oppurtunities than others? I understand that people in this region are very different than out east, not to say that this is a bad thing, and I have heard that the scenery is much better, is this really the case?

[MHT]

Originally Posted by James9283

This is good to hear as well. Are there any towns or areas that you would suggest if I wanted a university nearby to work on a masters or are there areas with more oppurtunities than others? I understand that people in this region are very different than out east, not to say that this is a bad thing, and I have heard that the scenery is much better, is this really the case?

In Wyoming the only University is the University of WY located in Laramie. There are distance learning classes though (online, etc.) that might work for you. Cheyenne isn't far from Laramie if a bigger town would be better. However, sometimes the interstate between Cheyenne and Laramie can be closed because of weather.

Of course anyone from WY thinks that this is the place to live. I think the scenery is much better. It just depends on what you like. I have a friend who grew up in D.C. she hated how brown it gets here and she thought it was very barren. (I'm in SE WY) I love it.

People are different here - in a great way! Much more friendly. I think anyway.

[ElkHunter]

Do not move to Wyoming. You will only encounter wonderful people, a wonderful view, great fun. So just stay home and vegitate. hahahaha That's all tongue in cheak. It is so beautiful out here, you can't believe it. Today, it's only 17 degrees, but there are deer in my yard, snow on the ground and most importantly. The mountians are white.

[Crazy-woman]

I am looking to move to there in April. I have searched the Net for information and have found very little. I went to a nearby bookstore and looked for a travel guide on WY...couldn't find any.

I am interested in understanding what crops grow well there, what are the time-frames for the seasons, what is the typical winter..length, temperature,etc.

I have friends there and will initially stay with them but I am hoping to move into the country side and build a "independent" home/cabin.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to look for info?

Excitedly,

CW

[sunsprit]

Info on growing seasons, crops, types of vege's to grow, gardening info in general ...

from the Univ of Wyoming, through the local county extension office. The extension agents know the crops, and there should be someone in the office who is responsible for the local horticulturist's program.

There will be a Master Gardener program, too ... although I believe that all of them have started classes for this year. You can contact the county agent to find out who's running the program and get in touch with the local Master Gardener's group. Nominal charge for the classes, and the MG groups do consults as a community service.

Some of the local nurserys will have a knowledgeable person on staff, but you'll have to stop in and visit to get more information. This is pretty variable; there's a lot of folks in the biz who couldn't tell you the difference between many varieties and soils and moisture and temps, etc.

The growing season is short here at altitude. Root vegetables, tomatoes, lettuce, squash, cucumbers will all grow well, if you choose the right varieties for the season (hint: don't plant just one type each year ...). A greenhouse may extend your productive season. Hot beds are also helpful for starting seeds and small plants, as long as you remember to "harden" off the plants when the days warm up.

[Crazy-woman]

Originally Posted by sunsprit

Info on growing seasons, crops, types of vege's to grow, gardening info in general ...

from the Univ of Wyoming, through the local county extension office. The extension agents know the crops, and there should be someone in the office who is responsible for the local horticulturist's program.

There will be a Master Gardener program, too ... although I believe that all of them have started classes for this year. You can contact the county agent to find out who's running the program and get in touch with the local Master Gardener's group. Nominal charge for the classes, and the MG groups do consults as a community service.

Some of the local nurserys will have a knowledgeable person on staff, but you'll have to stop in and visit to get more information. This is pretty variable; there's a lot of folks in the biz who couldn't tell you the difference between many varieties and soils and moisture and temps, etc.

The growing season is short here at altitude. Root vegetables, tomatoes, lettuce, squash, cucumbers will all grow well, if you choose the right varieties for the season (hint: don't plant just one type each year ...). A greenhouse may extend your productive season. Hot beds are also helpful for starting seeds and small plants, as long as you remember to "harden" off the plants when the days warm up.

Excellent info..you have some ideas I didn't think of.

I can't wait to transplant myself.

Thanks!

[keyhole51walleye]

There is a teacher shortage in some certification areas and there are a lot of us here that are retiring soon.

Having taught high school here for 30 years, I can tell you that Wyoming is a great place to live and teach.

Yes, the state is booming and house is scarce and expensive but there is no finer state in which to raise your children.

Clear skies,

[rlawson]

My family and I are moving to Casper. My wife has been a teacher for 10 years in California. What certification areas have shortages?

Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by keyhole51walleye

There is a teacher shortage in some certification areas and there are a lot of us here that are retiring soon.

Having taught high school here for 30 years, I can tell you that Wyoming is a great place to live and teach.

Yes, the state is booming and house is scarce and expensive but there is no finer state in which to raise your children.

Clear skies,

[Chris19]

If it is similar to South Dakota, industrial arts, mathematics, science, and special education would be areas that there are a need for teachers. In South Dakota, it is tough for schools to find and keep teachers who teach math, science, shop, and special ed. What does not help is that SD is very low in teacher pay. SD loses some of its teachers and teaching grads to neiboring states such as Wyoming, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Wyoming is a place with decent people and low crime.

[tekape]

I live here in Casper, and I think you have to look for the jobs (not a lot of advertisement). Google the Natrona County School District site or check out this one: WYOMING SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION or check out Casper College at www.caspercollege.edu as an alternative as well.