Angela Fio Lazarte Gonzales, a dedicated third grade Spanish teacher at Munger Mountain Elementary School in Jackson, Wyoming, has earned a top Fulbright award this fall. She will head to the University of Glasgow in Scotland for six months in 2026 to study ways to keep bilingual teachers in schools facing high turnover rates.
Meet the Award Winning Educator
Angela Fio Lazarte Gonzales brings passion to her classroom every day. She started teaching Spanish to elementary students in 2018, just a year after moving to Jackson from Peru. Over the past seven years, she has built strong ties with her students and families through hands on dual language lessons.
Her career stands out for its depth. With more than ten years in education, she holds an Instructional Leadership Certificate from Harvard University. This training has helped her guide others in the field.
Lazarte Gonzales leads her grade level professional learning community with ease. She mentors new teachers and pushes for programs that boost language skills and family involvement. Her work at the districts only dual immersion elementary school makes a real difference for kids from diverse backgrounds.
In a recent statement, she shared her excitement about the honor. She aims to represent her school, district, and the entire US education system well. Teacher shortages hit hard in places like Wyoming, and she wants to find solid fixes.
What the Fulbright Program Offers
The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program ranks among the worlds leading exchanges for educators. It lets top teachers travel abroad to dig into new ideas and bring them home. Sponsored by the US UK Fulbright Commission, this award focuses on research that sparks change in classrooms.
Lazarte Gonzales got the US Teaching Research Award on her first try. She did not expect it, but her strong application showed her commitment. The program supports accomplished pros like her to explore global teaching methods.
This chance comes at a key time. Education faces big shifts after the COVID 19 pandemic. Many schools struggle to hold onto staff, especially in bilingual roles. Her trip aligns with national efforts to build better support systems.
The six month stay starts in January 2026. She will work closely with experts at the University of Glasgow School of Education. This includes visits to local schools run by the Glasgow City Council.
Key Focus of Her Scotland Research
Lazarte Gonzales plans to tackle teacher retention head on. Her study looks at training and growth strategies for schools with linguistically diverse students. She wants to see how Scottish systems help educators stay long term.
High turnover plagues her team at Munger Mountain. A new bilingual teacher joins every year for the past seven. Factors like high living costs in the Tetons, heavy workloads, and lack of support play a role. She sees this as a wider issue across Wyoming and the nation.
In Scotland, she will examine professional teamwork and leadership building. These elements foster strong teams in multilingual settings. Her goal is to adapt proven ideas for US classrooms.
This research could lead to real tools. Schools might use better mentoring or family programs to keep talent. Post pandemic data shows retention rates up slightly, but challenges remain in rural areas like Jackson Hole.
Here are some key aspects of her research plan:
- Identify top training methods for bilingual teachers.
- Study how collaboration boosts job satisfaction.
- Explore leadership roles that cut turnover.
- Gather tips on supporting diverse student groups.
How This Fits Broader Education Trends
Teacher shortages affect many US districts today. In Wyoming, rural spots like Teton County face extra hurdles. High costs and isolation make it tough to attract and keep skilled staff.
Lazarte Gonzales work ties into ongoing talks about bilingual education growth. Dual immersion programs help kids learn multiple languages early. Yet, finding qualified teachers proves hard. Her findings could guide districts nationwide.
Scotland offers a fresh view. Its schools handle multicultural classes well, with strong community links. By comparing notes, she hopes to blend best practices.
Experts note that programs like Fulbright drive innovation. They connect educators across borders and spark new policies. This award underscores Wyomings role in global learning exchanges.
Past Fulbright Successes in Teton County
Teton County boasts a track record with Fulbright awards. Over the last decade, three educators from the area have won similar honors. This shows the regions commitment to world class teaching.
The table below outlines recent winners:
| Year | Recipient | School | Destination | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Angela Fio Lazarte Gonzales | Munger Mountain Elementary | Scotland (University of Glasgow) | Teacher retention in bilingual schools |
| 2023 | Chris Bessonette | Munger Mountain Elementary | Taiwan | Bilingual education methods |
| 2014 | Libby Crews Woods | Wilson Elementary | South America | Cultural immersion teaching |
These stories inspire local staff. Each returnee shared lessons that improved classrooms. Bessonette, for example, brought back ideas on language immersion that still shape lessons today.
Such wins highlight how small communities contribute to big changes. They also encourage more teachers to apply for global opportunities.
Lazarte Gonzales return in mid 2026 will likely spark workshops and talks. Her insights could help train the next wave of educators in Wyoming.
This Fulbright story shows the power of one teachers drive. It promises better paths for bilingual learning amid tough times. Readers, what do you think about efforts to keep great teachers in schools? Share your views in the comments and spread the word on social media to support education news like this.
