Travis Duncan

Beth Blatt

Jacob Gogan

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CODY — Educators and administrators from Livingston Elementary, Eastside Elementary, Cody Middle School, Cody High School and Heart Mountain Academy joined colleagues from across the state for several days of professional learning, collaboration and celebration of excellence in education at this year’s Wyoming TeacherCon and 307 Principal Leadership Academy and Conference.

One of the conference’s highlights was Cody High School receiving the prestigious Excellence in Education Award from State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, honoring the school’s innovation and achievement in preparing students for post-secondary success. Cody High educators Dean Olenik and Elizabeth Hanson were selected to present to educators from across Wyoming, sharing insights into the Cody High Pod Model of instruction, which continues to draw interest for its personalized, team-based learning approach, according to a release.

“I am incredibly proud of all the work Elizabeth and Dean have done in creating a classroom without walls,” CHS Principal Mitch Espeland said. “Their presentation on embracing true interdisciplinary collaboration will hopefully inspire other teachers in Wyoming who want to create deep connections for students both academically and in their peer relationships.” 

Also recognized during the conference was Travis Duncan, social studies teacher at Cody Middle, who received the statewide Excellence in Civic Education Award. Chosen from among all Wyoming educators, Duncan was honored for his exceptional commitment to teaching American government, civics, and U.S. history in a way that deeply engages students in the democratic process. 

Parallel with TeacherCon, principals from across the state gathered for the 307 Principal Leadership Academy, a unique partnership between the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Association of Secondary School Principals and the Wyoming Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals. Principals Beth Blatt (Heart Mountain Academy), Jacob Gogan (Cody Middle School) and Jeremiah Johnston (Cody Middle School) worked with other principals from across the state with the goal of becoming mentor principals to help support the next generation of school leaders across Wyoming. 

“Serving as a mentor principal allows me to extend my reach beyond the walls of Heart Mountain Academy,” Blatt said. “It is incredibly rewarding to support new principals across Wyoming as they navigate leadership challenges and build school cultures that are grounded in purpose and student success.”  

Gogan also took center stage at several points throughout the conference. He presented to educational leaders on Cody Middle’s enrichment program, highlighting how Cody Middle School provides meaningful opportunities beyond the core curriculum to deepen student engagement. He also participated in a statewide leadership panel alongside other principals before delivering the conference’s closing keynote address, where he reflected on his passion and purpose in leading Cody Middle School.

“There is no greater privilege than leading the staff and students of Cody Middle School. Our building is filled with incredibly dedicated and hard-working teachers who go above and beyond every single day to serve our students,” Gogan said of the middle school. “We are fortunate to have such a strong team at Cody Middle School, and it is an honor to represent their work and impact across the state.”