New Teachers at Burlington Schools

     Maddie Argento

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

I am teaching 4th grade in the Burlington Elementary School.

What is your background?

I’m originally from Wyoming and have always loved the outdoors. I spend much of my free time camping, fishing, paddleboarding, and boating. I also enjoy reading, baking, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

What inspired you to become an educator? 

I became an educator because I’ve always wanted to inspire children and provide a safe, welcoming place for them to learn. Several of my own elementary teachers made learning fun and made me feel valued in the classroom, and I hope to create that same experience for my students.

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #1?

I chose BHCSD #1 because of the strong sense of family within the district and the warm, welcoming environment. From the beginning, it was clear that this is a community where teachers and students are supported and given the tools, they need to be successful.

     Rebecca Burbridge 

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

I will be teaching fourth grade and will cover all core subjects.

What is your background?

This will be my sixth year in education and my fifth year teaching fourth grade. My path to the classroom began with many years of substitute teaching, followed by an opportunity to homeschool my daughter during her second-grade year during COVID. Those experiences helped confirm that education was where I was meant to be. I have spent the past five years teaching in Grand Junction, Colorado, and I am excited to bring those experiences home to Wyoming.

What inspired you to become an educator?

School was difficult for me growing up. There were few opportunities for intervention, differentiation, or scaffolding, and it often felt like you either understood something or you didn’t. I was frequently in the “didn’t” category, and over time, those struggles affected not only my academics, but also how I saw myself.

For many years, I believed that higher education wasn’t meant for someone like me. As a single mother, I eventually challenged that belief and went back to school to become a teacher. That experience changed my life and, ultimately, shaped the kind of educator I want to be.

I want to be the teacher I needed. I want to be the teacher who sees the child who is struggling—not as a child who “can’t,” but as a child who simply hasn’t found the right path yet. I want my students to know that needing extra help doesn’t make them less capable, and that making mistakes doesn’t make them less worthy.

Every child deserves a teacher who believes in them, especially when they are struggling to believe in themselves. I want my classroom to be a place where students feel supported, valued, and safe to ask questions, make mistakes, take risks, and discover what they are capable of. If I can help even one child believe in themselves a little more than they did when they walked through my door, then I will consider that a success.

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #1?

After spending the past five years in Grand Junction, Colorado, being away from my daughter and the rest of my family, my heart was ready to come home to the Bighorn Basin. Returning to Wyoming and becoming part of BHCSD #1 feels like coming full circle.

I am especially excited to begin this new chapter because my son will be joining the district as a second grader. Having the opportunity to not only teach in this community, but also have my own children learn and grow here, makes coming home feel even more special.

I am incredibly excited to be back in the community that feels like home and to have the opportunity to invest in the students and families here. I feel like this new chapter is exactly the rejuvenation and breath of fresh air I needed, both personally and professionally. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of BHCSD#1 and can’t wait to see what this new school year brings.

     Connor Jones

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

MS/HS English, Spanish, and Business

What is your background?

I grew up in Otto, and Burlington is my alma mater. I received my bachelors degree in English and Spanish education at BYU-Idaho in Rexburg and a masters degree in Learning Instruction Design and Technology from WGU. This is my seventh year of teaching, with positions in Idaho Falls, Cody, and most recently as the Spanish/PE teacher at Powell Middle School. My family and I currently live in Powell.

What inspired you to become an educator?

The amazing teachers of Burlington Schools inspired me to become an educator. Teaching runs in my family. My grandmother taught in Burlington years ago, and many of my greatest role models were my teachers when I went to school there. I want to give back to the young people of our community in the same way I was inspired as a student.

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #1?

Teaching in BHCSD #1 has always been my dream, and I’m so excited to be back in the community. It’s great to be back home.

Go Huskies!

     Skyler Manthey

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

I will be teaching middle and high school Agriculture and CTE courses, including welding, woodworking, small engines, and basic shop. I also serve as the FFA Advisor.

What is your background?

I have a Bachelor of Science in Diesel Technology – Equipment Management from MSU-Northern and served six years in the Montana Army National Guard as Military Police. I am also currently in a graduate program at the University of Wyoming for Secondary Education with an emphasis in CTE.

What inspired you to become an educator?

I became an educator because I wanted to share my real-world experiences and help students develop skills they can use throughout their lives.

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #1?

I wanted to teach in BHCSD #1 because I value the small-school atmosphere and strong sense of community. I’m excited to help students explore agriculture and the trades while becoming more involved in the community!

Kelsie Nelson

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

I am an Elementary Title 1 teacher here in Burlington. I will be working with different grades.

What is your background?

 I graduated from Western Governors University with my bachelors in Elementary Education.

What inspired you to become an educator?

 I was inspired to be an educator because of the kids. I have helped with numerous camps over the years and I loved seeing the child-like wonder. I want to be able to help shape the up and coming generations into good people. I want to help them be the best they can be. All kids need a person in their corner cheering them on and I want to be that for them.

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #1?

I started out subbing in BHCSD#1 and started building the relationships with the students and staff. Once I stated building those relationships, I knew that I wanted to stay in this district and teach.

     Blake Smith

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

High School Special Education Teacher

What is your background?

I’ve helped and been apart of special education for most of my life. 

What inspired you to become an educator?

I love to watch people succeed and get better through hard work.

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #1?

We have the best kids in the state and I love the people who I get to work with.