Natrona County teacher is an "invaluable asset"
"I know it feels like you're like your hair is on fire, but it'll be fine."
That is the advice Natrona County Teacher of the Year Logan Spence has for new teachers.
Spence became a teacher to be part of the community and to coach. Over the years, his motivation has changed. Now, as a 15-year veteran, he is all about teaching and watching students learn.
Spence is the at-risk coordinator at Fort Caspar Academy and tutors third to fifth grade students at the Casper elementary school in math and reading.
Spence was not a reading teacher before moving to the Natrona County School District but said his school made the transition easy.
"You can't really work in this building and not learn how to teach reading," Spence said. "It's just one of the core, you know, foundational aspects of our building."
The people around him at Fort Caspar, he said, have taught him more about teaching reading than any course could have taught him. Being Teacher of the Year, he said, is not a solo accomplishment.
"You know, the best way to impact kids... is having a group of adults that feels like they can make an impact on kids," Spence said. "And we have that here, and so we feel like we can make a difference with kids. We're all pulling in the same direction, and I feel like that's really the major contributor to why we've had success."
His teaching style relies on instilling confidence and building relationships with students.
District Executive Director of School Improvement Nicole Rapp nominated Spence for the award. Rapp was the principal at Fort Caspar Academy before moving to the district level this year.
"Known for his exceptional rapport with kids, Logan consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every learner feels valued, welcomed, and supported," Rapp said. "His leadership and collaborative spirit make him an invaluable asset to the school community, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed."
Spence's current principal, Nicole Slee, described him as having a "servant's heart."
After winning the Natrona County Teacher of the Year award in June, Spence was eligible for the state Teacher of the Year competition.
The Wyoming Teacher of the Year was announced on Monday. Morgan Hahn of Lander Valley High School was named the winner of the 2025 competition.
Allison Allsop is the education and health reporter for the Casper Star-Tribune. She can be reached at 307-266-0544 or . Her Twitter account is Love Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.
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