Future of Learning Event Held in Sheridan

April 12, 2025

News – Sheridan Media

A good crowd attended the Wyoming Future of Learning event at Sheridan College on Thursday, April 10. There were displays in the lobby, showing several new ways, students are learning in addition to the traditional way of learning, which normally consists of textbooks and a teacher to guide the students through the assignments.

Ryan Rivera, Buffalo High School vocational teacher, explained how the new learning can be demonstrated. He said his students had to use geometry and wood working to create a scale model of a house. They also used math skills and hands on experience to create a model of a skate park.

Stephanie Aitchison, job coach at SCSD#1, talked about her exhibit at the event.

After the group had a chance to visit the exhibits, they moved into Kinnison Hall to hear about the new vision for learning. Presenters included Dr. Walter Tribley, President of Sheridan College and Special Guest Governor Matt Gordon, along with superintendents and teachers from the schools who spoke on the subject.

Dr. Tribley welcomed the audience.

Dr. Bethany Bernasconi, Senior Consultant 2Revolutions spoke about the new frontiers in education

Scott Stults, Superintendent of SCSD#2, talked about the “Why” of education, saying that teachers should ask themselves “Why” they teach.

He added that with the partnerships in Sheridan and Johnson Counties, Sheridan College and businesses. “How can we add more “Why”. How can we provide more relevance to student learning.”

He said that they are working with local employers. “They need a viable workforce, and can we provide that workforce. The answer is yes,” He said they wanted to add more internships and more courses that are more relevance for kids so they can explore areas that they may want to pursue a career in. This gives students opportunities and options. They can have a goal in mind when they are still in high school.

Stults introduced Governor Mark Gordon, saying that Wyoming is fortunate to have a Governor who feels we have to do better in educating our kids. “We have to find a better way to educate our kids so they will stay in Wyoming,” he added.

Gordon talked about what Wyoming is doing.

The RIDE Initiative’s goal is to help elevate Wyoming’s primary and secondary education system into a position of national leadership. It is also a way to help students learn how what they learn in the classroom has real-world applications.

Several educators talked about how they are using work-based learning in their schools.

Katie Barker, SHS; Natalie Maxwell, Kaycee and Kami Kennedy, Buffalo.

Erin Kilbride, Whitney Benefits; Loyce Ellingrod, Arvada-Clearmont School; Jake Evans, Kaycee Principal, and Stephanie Aitchison, Job Coach at SCSD#1

Chase Christensen, Superintendent at SCSD#3, gave the closing remarks.

Whether they go to college, get a certificate or go into the work force.

He added that with work based learning they hope to keep more high school graduates in Wyoming.

He said that they wanted to increase high school graduation rates as well. He added that they need to make sure that students who need it most are the students getting that opportunity.

For more information on work-based learning, contact the school in your district to discuss the ways the schools can help students find their life goals.