CMSP Intern Instructors
Embedded Files
A big thank you to our Spring 2025 instructors!
Becky Calhoun- North Carolina
Delaney Plemmons - Missouri
Kaeli Robbins- Utah
Olivia Ciolino - Illinois
Working as an intern at CMSP was by far one of the most important and formative experiences I've had working with students, and was where I discovered how much I like working with middle schoolers.
- CMSP Intern, Amelia
FAQ - Intern Instructors
FAQ - Intern Instructors
What types of careers can this internship prepare me for?
Your future career opportunities will depend greatly on your background and education, but an internship with CMSP can help you in your preparation for a variety of future positions. Although our priority is to train you to work with NCSD students on our campus, CMSP training covers teaching skills, outdoor education, and some field research. Previous CMSP interns have moved on to positions as science teachers, field researchers (in herpetology, tropical carnivores, forest health, rangeland, and more), ski instructors, ropes course leaders, park rangers, graduate students, and a wide variety of outdoor education jobs all over the U.S.
Do I write my own curriculum?
The CMSP staff design curriculum aligned with Wyoming State Standards, and interns have the opportunity to adjust lessons to meet the needs of students. As the semester progresses, interns begin to develop their own lessons with support from the Program Director and Instructional Technician.
How large are the student groups?
Group size varies depending on the class and whether it is a day or overnight program. We aim for smaller groups of ten students or less per intern instructor. The CMSP staff and interns work together to provide the best experience possible for students.
How much of our teaching is outside? Do we teach inside when the weather is bad?
Programs often start with some introductory instruction in our lodge classrooms. However, most of your teaching is outside in the field. Unless the weather poses a safety hazard, we go outside regardless of the rain, wind, or snow. We are often outside for hours each day in all types of weather. We have extra gear, and lessons are flexible to allow for warm-up breaks as needed.
What if I’m not already knowledgeable about the geology of Casper Mountain, the trees of montane environments, wildlife in the Rockies, or anything else about Wyoming?
CMSP staff members have been trained in snow science, outdoor education, mountain ecology, and wilderness medicine. During the first two weeks, you will receive intensive training and have the opportunity to practice and develop your skills. Although some background in science or education is beneficial, it’s not a problem if you have never been north of Florida. We will help you learn what you need to know to teach our students and enjoy our wild and scenic teaching environment.
Do I need to be physically fit?
While you don’t need to be a marathon runner, this job can be physically taxing. You are required to carry a daypack filled with teaching materials and you must be able to hike several (2-3) miles at a time. In winter students and instructors use snowshoes or skis to get around in the field. You will be hiking every day on uneven terrain and in all weather conditions.
The people, place and environment were the perfect intro into this field and changed my outlook on just about everything. The job was challenging, but gosh if I didn't learn a thing or two about patience, supporting others, working as a team, the different approaches to handling situations/people.
- Stuart, CMSP Intern
Do you want to become a CMSP Intern Instructor?
Do you want to become a CMSP Intern Instructor?
We hire enthusiastic instructors interested in exploring place-based science education and improving their teaching skills. We use the outdoors to introduce students to field studies and to develop a new appreciation of Casper’s backyard. Our program is located at the top of Casper Mountain (8,000 feet) in a montane forest. We use a camp owned by the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming as our indoor classroom and for housing.
Interns teach a curriculum based on the Wyoming State Standards and designed to meet the needs of students and classroom teachers. While some lessons and activities are taught indoors, a significant portion of the teaching is done in the field. The weekends provide opportunities to explore the outdoor recreation opportunities on Casper Mountain and around the state of Wyoming.
Interns receive two weeks of training at the beginning of their internship. The initial training focuses on classroom management, wilderness safety, the local ecology, CMSP and NCSD procedures, and the curricula offered by our program. Training will continue throughout the semester so that interns can improve their skills and provide an opportunity to learn more about lesson planning and curriculum design.
Please visit the Natrona County School District or contact the program director for more information.
Report abuse