New Teachers at Rocky Mountain

Name: Braden West 

College: Casper College and South Dakota State University 

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach? 

Rocky Mountain Middle/High School. I teach ag and welding. 

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience? 

I am from Sheridan, Wyoming. I grew up on my family’s cow calf operation, where we raise about 50 to 60 head of purebred Hereford and Crossbred Cattle. I have been involved in 4-H and FFA throughout my entire life. I put on livestock clinics throughout the summer, teaching kids the value of showing and raising an animal. I was a Wyoming Junior Hereford Association member and competed on multiple different Livestock Judging Teams throughout my time in college. I have experience with welding by welding at home on my family’s ranch and taking welding courses and classes in FFA and in high school. 

 

Tell us about your family. 

My dad is a third generation rancher from Sheridan. My mom grew up in Llewellyn, Nebraska, where her family raised purebred Hereford cattle. My grandma has lived in Sheridan all of her life and taught fifth grade for more than 30 years and now is retired. My grandpa on my dad’s side passed away last summer, but he owned the ranch and house my family lives in now. My grandparents on my mom’s side moved to Sheridan last summer, and it has been a huge blessing having them around. They raise about 300 head of Hereford cattle and have loved ranching since they were little. My younger brother is currently attending Blinn Community College in Brenham, Texas. He is pursuing a degree in ag business and animal science. From there he is either going to go to Oklahoma State University or the University of Wyoming for law school. He is also heavily involved on the Livestock Judging Team at Blinn Community College. My younger sister is currently at Bighorn Middle School, where she is an eighth grader and loves showing animals and livestock judging in her free time. She also travels all around the nation, competing at various livestock expositions and doing very well there. My dad is a banker in Sheridan. He is the president of First Northern Bank. He will be going into his 25th year of banking. 

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching? 

I got into education as a profession because I wanted to show the younger generation of students the true meaning of what FFA and agriculture is. I wanted to show them that if they  work really hard that anything is possible if they just believe in themselves. Since I have been a leader back home in my community, I wanted to show that I could be a leader and help guide and shape these students’ career paths and lead them into becoming what they want to be. I mainly enjoy giving back to the community and being involved in shaping students’ lives.

 

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn? 

My teaching philosophy is laid back, yet aggressive. I am not these students’ friends; I am a mentor. I am here for the students if they need anything, but I also am here to make sure that they are paying attention and staying on task, because if they don’t pay attention they will come home from school thinking they can act the same way to their parents. That isn’t fair to them or their parents for the way they are acting. I like being able to make sure that the students’ lives at school are filled with joy and happiness. I want to be a guide for them to pursue their dreams but not tear them down at the same time.

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year? 

I look forward to competing at multiple different FFA events with my students and getting more and more students involved within FFA. I want to be successful at these events and have them get their name called at the state FFA convention. I mainly look forward to teaching the students about FFA and agriculture and being involved in their daily lives at school. 

 

 

Name: Cheyenne Bendixen

College: Northwest College

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach?

RMMS special education para

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience?

I am a special needs mom, who has subbed in the special education department. I previously worked at a daycare as an assistant director and decided to alter my course and move into special education at the middle school. I am from all over the state of Wyoming, but graduated from Torrington.

 

Tell us about your family.

I am married to a former Marine, who works for the railroad now. I have two children, one daughter, who is 10 years old, and a son, who is 8 years old. We love the outdoors and being with family.

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching?

I got into education because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of kids. I like getting to know the kids and seeing them succeed.

 

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn? 

I believe that each student is an individual and must be treated as such. Caring about a student individually first will both inspire and motivate them.

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I am looking forward to getting to know all the students and staff. I am hoping to learn a great deal about them.

 

 

Name: Rachel Whipple

College: Western Governors University

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach?

Rocky Mountain High School special education life skills teacher

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience?

Special education background from Powell

Tell us about your family.

I am married to Steve Whipple. He is a special education teacher at Powell High School. I have two daughters, one 16 and one 19 years old, as well as an 8 year old son.

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching?

I became an educator because I love working with other like-minded, highly qualified professionals to help students succeed. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing students accomplish things they never thought they could and helping them see they are capable of much more than they realize.

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn?

My teaching philosophy is that every student can achieve success when given the tools, resources and opportunities to work toward goals. I inspire my students by leading by example as well as showing them that I am a person that cares about them as an individual and am invested in their future.

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I am looking forward to building a great team within my classroom where we all work together to help each other and our students find success. I believe that when we work together with our students’ best interest at heart, great things will happen, and I can’t wait to see what happens this year.

 

 

Name: Heather Pittman 

 

College: Chadron State College 

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach?

I am a para/job coach for the RMHS life skills class.

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience?

I am a small town girl from a big family from Chadron, Nebraska. I married a Wyoming boy in the energy field, where I fell in love with Wyoming. Yes, I am a Huskers fan, but because Nebraska and Wyoming are in different divisions I don’t have to choose. I love both teams. I have taught the last four years in rural West Texas in the high school and middle school setting.

Tell us about your family.

I come from a big family, I have six brothers and two sisters. I was raised to love God, country and family. My parents believed in always being of service in all that you do. I have been married for 20 years, and we have five children, who, yes, we call them the “Children of the Corn” (Nebraska reference). We have lived in many different states and have grown as a family. I love my children, and they are my world.

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching?

After I graduated with my first degree I wasn’t happy, so I went back to school and finished my teaching degree. I have always loved teaching new skills and watching the excitement children give when they master the skill. I felt I had something I could give back and help future generations.

 

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn?

My teaching philosophy is that every student can learn and has something unique to offer. I work to create a safe, supportive classroom, where students feel valued but also know they are expected to give their best effort. I inspire students by modeling integrity, setting high expectations and encouraging them to take pride in their work, knowing that success comes from persistence and effort.

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I am looking forward to getting to know the students and staff and creating an environment where we can grow and learn together. I am excited to continue my journey in the education world and be of service to all I meet. Also, I am looking forward to moving into my home in September so I don’t have to travel to work everyday. 

 

 

Name: Macy Jones

College: NWC, Powell

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach? 

I am a librarian aide at Rocky Mountain High School.

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience?

I grew up on a farm in Otto. I went to school and graduated at Burlington High School and then went on to NWC in Powell, where I got my Associate of Science in general studies. I married a Cowley boy, Brandon Jones, and we moved to Billings, where I also attended hair school and graduated with a cosmetologist license, as well. I worked as a hair stylist for about eight years before we had an opportunity to move back to Cowley. Once we got settled in Cowley I decided to start subbing in both the elementary and the high school. Once I got the opportunity to sub in the library I felt like this is my place. I am so excited to help Mrs. Rasmussen make the library a place everyone feels welcome and wants to be.

 

Tell us about your family.

We have two kids, one in high school and the other in fifth grade. We love watching them grow up in this community, to see them learn and be a part of a team in the sports they play. Our favorite thing to do is travel in the summer with Brandon and see new places, especially all the beautiful mountain scenery in Wyoming and Montana.

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching?

I got into subbing because I wanted to be a part of helping kids succeed and to become their best selves. Being in the library, my main focus is to get to know the students and to be someone they feel they can come to with questions and help.

 

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn?

Be real and honest. Listen to them and be an example of what you preach. Then teach them they are the key to their own success.

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

Meeting the students and helping in whatever way I can.

 

 

Name: Kirby Winland

College: BYU-Idaho

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach?

Rocky Mountain Middle/High School science

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience?

I grew up in the Lovell/Cowley area my entire life and graduated from Rocky Mountain High School, Go Grizz. After graduating high school I went to a year of college at NWC, served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then graduated college from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelors of Science in biology education, with a minor in natural sciences. I’ve spent the last four years teaching and living in the wonderful Burlington community with my wife and son.

 

Tell us about your family.

My wife Cassidy teaches at the middle school, and we have a son, who just turned 1 in August.

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching?

I got into education because I loved to learn. I remember from a young age asking my dad questions about the world and how he would give me real explanations using his science knowledge. It was amazing to get to learn how things worked. My favorite classes in college were the science classes. Being in education provides me with the opportunity to continue learning every day. The students’ questions can often be so interesting and insightful. Erwin Schrödinger once said: “The task is not to see what has never been seen before, but to think what has never been thought before about what you see every day.” The kids help me do this, and it leads to great learning.

 

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn?

My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that students learn best when they are actively engaged in constructing their own knowledge, with me serving as a guide to facilitate their journey. My role is to create an environment where students take ownership of their learning through exploration, inquiry and application. As a guide, I focus on fostering a growth mindset, emphasizing that mistakes are opportunities for learning, and that we are all learning together.

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

The opportunity to try project-based learning, teach some new classes and start developing relationships with the students and staff at RMMHS.

 

 

Name: Cassidy Winland

College: University of Wyoming

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach? 

Title I and sixth grade reading at RMMS

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience?

I grew up on a ranch outside of Encampment, Wyoming. I participated in volleyball,  basketball, track and field and FFA. After graduating from the University of Wyoming, I moved to Idaho to teach fifth grade. I have also taught in Basin and Burlington at the elementary and middle school level. 

 

Tell us about your family.

My husband, Kirby Winland, is the new high school science teacher. We have a one-year-old boy, who is the sweetest little guy.

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching?

I got into education because I am passionate about working with students, supporting their growth and helping them reach their full potential. 

 

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn?

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student has the ability to learn and grow when given the right support and encouragement. I focus on creating a respectful and engaging classroom environment, where students feel confident taking risks. I hope to inspire students to push themselves and be their best selves. 

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I am looking forward to being a part of the Grizz family. 

 

 

Name: Jadie Gifford

College: Ocean County College, New Jersey; St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach? 

RMMHS sped paraprofessional 

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience?

I grew up in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, moved to Florida to attend college and lived there until moving to Wyoming five years ago. I’ve worked in hospitality, sales and education. Teaching is where my heart is.

 

Tell us about your family.

I’m a proud mom of five, with two bonus boys. Two of my adult kids live in Florida, and one in Las Vegas, so we always have a great vacation spot.

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching?

I got into education because I enjoy helping children learn and grow their independence.  What I like most is seeing students gain confidence as they achieve their goals.

 

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn?

Every student can shine with a little encouragement, support and laughter.

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

This year I am looking forward to growing strong relationships with my students while creating an environment where they feel comfortable, supported and excited to learn. 

 

 

Name: Macie Muller

College: University of Wyoming

 

What and where do you teach and/or coach?

I am a special education/lifeskills paraprofessional at Rocky Mountain High School.

 

What is your background? Where are you from? What is your professional experience?

I was raised in Lovell and graduated from LHS in 2021. I moved to Laramie in 2021 to start the fall semester at the University of Wyoming and am planning on earning a degree in speech, language and hearing. I have previously worked in strictly the medical field as a CNA, specifically long term care, psychology and medical-surgical. 

Tell us about your family.

My mom and dad are Jennifer (Lopez, Muller) Bond of Lovell and the late Steve Muller of Cowley. My step-father is Joe Bond. I grew up with two brothers, Chris and Brody, and now have three step-brothers. My family likes to camp, go to movies and fish. (My brother is the most devout fisherman I’ve ever met.) My dad loved everything music and outdoors. I get much of my music taste from him. Brody is very active in his school sports and activities, and Chris takes much pride in his work as a bulk-loader as well as a mechanic. My mom is a gym rat and loves her family and animals unconditionally. Joe is the biggest jokester ever, but has a heart of gold. My family is my biggest supporter.

 

Why did you get into education as a profession, and what do you like the most about teaching?

I wanted a change in career setting, and I love the aspect of guiding students to live their best lives possible. It feels amazing to see the kids grow and become well-rounded and independent individuals.

 

What is your teaching philosophy? How do you get the most out of students and inspire them to learn?

One of the biggest ideologies that still benefits me is the idea of growth mindsets. When students are able to understand that growth and positive goals are in reach, their possibilities are endless. Supporting and truly believing in our students benefit them immensely, and knowing that they have someone in their corner can make all the difference.

 

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I am very excited to build new connections and relationships with my students and coworkers. I can already feel as though I will learn lots from those around me. Go grizz!