Former Plains student named Teacher of the Year

PLAINS – Ryan Boettcher, a former student of the Plains Schools, was recently named Teacher of the Year as a math teacher at Rocky Mountain High School in Cowley Wyoming.

Boettcher’s family moved to Plains when he was in fourth grade and lived in the area until he graduated from Plains High School. After graduation, Boettcher went to Dickinson State University to play football. He recalled he did not have much direction on where he wanted to go at the time and ‘kind of fell into teaching’ due to his background; his athletics history, and wanting to be a coach himself, also directed him towards teaching. 

He likes to say he was shaped by those around him and attributes a lot of his success to the late Roy Hanson’s teaching, as well as that of Carl Benson, and noted much of his own teaching is based off their styles.

“I guess I’m kind of a conglomeration of those two in some of the things I do,” he said. “I think you can share an award like that, being the district teacher of the year, with the people who were a part of your life along the way.”

Boettcher’s teaching career actually began at Rocky Mountain High. He taught there for two years before going to Bozeman for grad school. He traveled around Montana and the surrounding area for a few years and eventually made his way back to Wyoming. This year will be his 10th year in a row at the school with 12 years total under his belt.

“It’s kind of a roundabout story, I guess, to return,” he said. 

The former Plains resident was humbled to receive the award. He said it was nice to get the recognition from his peers and administration as well as getting the sign of appreciation. He also attributed part of his success to the parents who gave him so much trust and freedom to do things with the kids.

“I think I’ve built a lot of trust in this area and parents allow me to push their students,” he said. “I guess that’s what I’m known for a little bit, is trying to push them and get them ready for the next level.” 

He said he tries to provide opportunities for his students as a teacher. This comes back to his time as a student in Plains when Hanson was his teacher; as a sophomore, he was put in a fast track program for calculus. He has tried to put similar programs into effect at his current school. 

“That’s probably the biggest thing,” he said. “Just trying to provide opportunities and things that are different for kids.”

Boettcher’s family has since moved to Dickinson, North Dakota, though he still maintains some ties in Plains through classmates, friends and teachers. He makes it back for reunions, but felt he does not make it back to Plains enough.

“Plains is still home, so it’s always nice to come back,” he said. “It’s still a great place to be.”