Spark by Ignite Wyoming

Every flame begins with a spark. As Wyoming explores what’s in store for our future, we can take comfort knowing that one thing is certain: our students are creative, talented, resourceful and resilient, and all of that potential is in great hands. Peek into Cowboy State classrooms to see how educators are igniting Wyoming’s future by sparking students today.

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Noelle Clark

Elementary Teacher

2020 reshaped what society considers essential. Coming from a low-income family, Noelle Clark has always emphasized that every job, and more importantly every person, is valuable. A college degree isn’t necessary to make important contributions to society. Conflict resolution, teamwork and patience are all skills her students practice daily in her classroom.
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Alexis Barney

Elementary Teacher

Alexis Barney, the 2021 Wyoming Educator of the Year, believes that the world needs critical thinkers and lifelong learners. A school community fosters this environment. By exposing her students to different ideas and cultures at a young age, these essential skills will support her students through their education and into adulthood.
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Zach Schneider

High School Theatre Teacher

Though most of Zach Schneider’s theatre students take their final curtain call in one of his productions, they never stop performing. Whether it’s a job interview, speaking in front of audiences, or presenting one side of an argument, schools build students’ confidence to be able to perform in each of these situations. It’s a skill that might start on stage, but it persists throughout life.
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Amy Simpson

Elementary Music Teacher

Schools are a real-world microcosm for students. The best public education will prepare them for the relationships, responsibilities and challenges they’ll experience as adults, so it’s vital that they’re always being exposed to different ideas and personalities. As a parent and music teacher, Amy Simpson believes that teaching cooperation and teamwork is the best way to build patterns for success. And it’s the best way to build Wyoming’s future.