Boren comes home to teach

Growing up in a small town, most teenagers can hardly wait to leave, but then there are many who return to their hometown and third grade teacher; Stephanie Boren is one of those "kids".

Born and raised in Thermopolis, Boren has spent the last nine years teaching in Sheridan County.

She and her husband, Sean, decided Thermopolis was going to be the best place to raise their children ages four, five and seven, so they made the move home.

"I've wanted to be a teacher since Mrs. Cordingly in first grade," Boren said. "Its funny, she retired last year and I started this year."

One of the great things about school in a small town is the students all know each other.

"These kids have been together since the beginning," Boren said. "In Sheridan, it was a very transient community so they were always losing or gaining classmates. Here, they've known each other forever so they're more relaxed with each other."

Another difference she's experienced here is the collaboration time.

"I know what to teach," she said, "but the collaboration benefits both the students and the teachers since we're all on the same page. It truly is best practice and is especially helpful for brand new teachers."