I can’t believe we’ve already been in school for over a month.  Time really does fly when you are having fun!  It has been wonderful being back together!

I encourage you to visit our website at thayne.lcsd2.org often to see updated information.

Meet our new Special Education teachers:

• My name is Cori Engelhardt.  I am originally from Star Valley.  After graduation, I went to play basketball at Black Hills State University. I have lived in Spearfish, SD, for the past 25 years and decided to move back to be closer to family.  My husband, Dave and I have two girls, Olivia (17) and Kenlee (14). We love anything outdoors, and have a passion for hunting and fishing.  We also love sports and I continue to play volleyball and basketball as much as I can.  My favorite things to do are to watch my girls play sports and spend time with family.

• My name is Breanne Albee. I’m originally from Maryland where I received my Master’s of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education. I spent the first 8 years of my career teaching in Maryland. In the summer of 2016 I accepted the ELL Coordinator/Teacher position for Teton Valley and moved to Idaho. After teaching for another 3 years in Idaho, I moved to Wyoming to be with my husband. We enjoy spending time in the outdoors, entertaining our family, and relaxing with our dogs Nellie and Zoe. I’m very excited to be here in Lincoln County School District #2 and working with the students in staff at the elementary schools!

• My name is Troy Hayward.  Growing up on Utah I always dreamed of living in Wyoming to get good fireworks.  I went to school in Idaho and finished my B.S. and M.S. in Murray, Kentucky, then have worked in Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina and now Wyoming!  I love what I do whether the persons are older or younger, the motivation is helping others have a better life.  My family is 4 daughters and 1 son, Four of them live in Georgia and 1 in Utah.  I have been married a 2nd time to a wonderful person who supports me in anything. My hobbies are: home repairs, biking, running, traveling and playing the drums.  My goal is to get to Alaska and Hawaii, the only states I have not been in!

• My name is Brenda Bateman.  I grew up and attended school in Star Valley, Cokeville, Kemmerer, and Evanston.  I attended Eastern Wyoming Community College where I played volleyball for 2 years. I had a scholarship to play volleyball and pursue a secondary math degree in Texas, but my husband proposed to me the day before I left and I chose to proceed with that life. It was a good choice for me. 25 years later, I have 6 six children, 3 sons-in-law, and 1 beautiful granddaughter with another on the way. I completed my dual teaching degree from Western Governors University in special education k-12 and elementary teacher k-6 in January 2020 and immediately became a long-term Kindergarten substitute at Thayne Elementary. Previous to that, I was a special ed paraprofessional for 2 years. I love people in general, and I especially love kids. I hope to be able to support my students in such a manner that they know that they are loved, that they can learn, and that they are a valuable part of the world around them.