The Teachers in Parks and High School Intern programs are paid work experiences that allow participants to learn about park resources through on-site training exercises that enable them to perform ranger duties. They’ll finish the program just in time for the new school year, sending them back to the classroom with fresh new knowledge and experience. 

“These programs are mutually beneficial,” said Susan Sachs, Education Coordinator for the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center, located in the Haywood County portion of the park. “The students and teachers get an in-depth study of resource education techniques, scientific methods and field research to enhance their skills and talents, and, in turn, the park creates advocates through better understanding of and appreciation for the Smokies.”

The programs were expanded this summer due to a variety of public and private funding, including Friends of the Smokies license plate funds, the Great Smoky Mountains Association and the Community Foundation of Haywood County. The funds supported five teachers and 24 high school students from North Carolina and Tennessee. 

North Carolina students include Kat Casey and Skyler Singleton of Smokey Mountain High School; Matthew Sullivan and Evan Young of Oconaluftee Job Corps; Laura Booth and Brett Treadway of Swain County High School; and Kyra Mehaffey and Hannah Ensley of Pisgah High School. The North Carolina teachers selected include Sharon Flowe of Tuscola High School.