Gov. Gordon visits Kemmerer schools for RIDE Initiative

By Rana Jones, Gazette Reporter
Posted 1/22/25

KEMMERER — Gov. Mark Gordon visited Kemmerer schools on Monday, Jan. 13, to witness the implementation of the RIDE (Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education) initiative, a program …

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Gov. Gordon visits Kemmerer schools for RIDE Initiative

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KEMMERER — Gov. Mark Gordon visited Kemmerer schools on Monday, Jan. 13, to witness the implementation of the RIDE (Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education) initiative, a program designed to reimagine how education is delivered in Wyoming. The visit highlighted the district’s unique commitment to the initiative, as Kemmerer is the only district in the state where every teacher is actively participating.

RIDE, which was announced two years ago, emphasizes student-centered learning and encourages innovation in educational practices. The initiative’s flexible framework allows each district to adapt it to its specific needs, fostering localized solutions to modern challenges in education. In Kemmerer, the “all in” approach reflects a unified effort by educators and administrators to transform traditional teaching methods and better serve their students.

During his visit, Governor Gordon engaged with students and educators to learn more about the program’s impact. The RIDE initiative aims to address the lack of significant innovation in education, which has remained largely unchanged for over two centuries.

By contrast, other industries have undergone radical transformations, driven by rapid technological advancements. RIDE seeks to close this gap by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability in students’ skills essential for thriving in a fast-evolving world.

The governor’s visit included various student-led activities and presentations, showcasing how the program is being integrated into classrooms. For instance, student Laynee Walker shared the challenges of creating a recycled quilt without a pattern, illustrating the program’s focus on hands-on, problem-solving tasks. Such projects highlight how RIDE encourages students to approach challenges with innovation and resilience.

Student Chloe Schenavar interviewed the governor, who explained to her that the RIDE initiative started as an idea centered around the question: “What do we want our consumers of education to get?”

He said the goals of RIDE are to make sure education is relevant for students going into the world and giving teachers the ability to teach and engage with their classes.

Gordon explained the importance of getting students in internships.

“We want students to get real world experience while they are in high school and be equipped to go out into the world and make a difference,” he said.

In regard to the effects of the program so far, Gordon explained that every district is different, and that Lincoln County School District is the first district to go all in. “What I have seen today is remarkable. Just in how students have been engaged and how teachers have had a chance to learn and improve on what they are delivering,” he said.

Gordon explained that each district is different but said, “Learning can happen in almost any place.” Gordon said they will continue to look at assessments to determine if there is improvement. “One of the things in Wyoming is we are looking to build school choice,” he said, and added they hope to continue to give traditional schools the opportunity to act like a charter.

Gordon said RIDE is important to him because though he served on a school board and had kids that were successful, a big frustration was the standards and assessments that were developed somewhere else and did not involve the community, parents, students, or industries.

Another highlight of the visit was a discussion following the “Put Me In, Coach” presentation by Phil Thatcher. Students and the governor explored the importance of leadership and motivation, with one student emphasizing the role of humor in effective coaching.

Assistant principal and teacher Bart Jernigan, when talking about the RIDE initiative and the best way to approach it, said, “The easiest route doesn’t always lead to the most beautiful view.”

Teachers and administrators in Kemmerer have embraced the challenges of implementing RIDE, recognizing its potential to inspire a new generation of learners. The district’s commitment underscores a broader vision for education in Wyoming — one that prioritizes innovation, adaptability, and a focus on student-centered learning.

Gov. Gordon’s visit not only celebrated Kemmerer’s progress but also served as a model for other districts to explore the potential of the RIDE initiative. By reimagining education delivery, Wyoming is taking steps to ensure its students are well-equipped for the demands of the future.