LUSK – Tracieanne Zerbe has spent the majority of her life teaching generations of young people from Niobrara County.

Zerbe spent her earlier years growing up in Colorado at her family ranch. From the time she was small, she held a passion for teaching, specifically kindergarten children. Her family eventually moved to Wyoming, where she attended Eastern Wyoming College and the University of Wyoming. Zerbe began her teaching career in 1988 after earning her teaching degree. She started with student and substitute teaching. She was then hired on full-time at Lusk Elementary/Middle School.

“I always wanted to be a teacher,” said Zerbe. “It was either teaching or be a waitress, and I never did get to be a waitress.”

Zerbe taught first grade for five-years taking on kindergarten teaching. Zerbe was able to teach under title one. This meant she played many roles as a teacher, from helping children with reading to co-teaching a class.

“I loved teaching under title one,” said Zerbe. “My favorite though was teaching the small children. I just love how everything is exciting for them.”

One of Zerbe’s favorite memories of teaching was her involvement with Musical Hands, which entailed teaching young children and adults how to use sign language with signing songs.

“It’s probably my biggest joy and passion,” said Zerbe. “I have always used sign language in my class and then to expand it with Musical Hands. We were able to perform the National Anthem at the College National Rodeo Conference. “

Zerbe told the Herald Musical Hands had entered a YouTube contest and the winner was decided by a vote. The prize was to perform at the College National Rodeo. The winning entry happened to be Niobrara County.

“The artist that we signed to was Shawn Mitchell and I contacted him in order to use his music for our video,” said Zerbe. “He was so supportive and sent out messages to vote for us. After that, we were invited back two years in a row.”

According to Zerbe, Musical Hands gained popularity and was able to sign the national anthem at several events including Wyoming Legislature, all state tournaments and other performances. Zerbe had a wide range of students from all grades. Homeschooled children and high school students performed in Musical Hands.

For the last two years, Zerbe taught her class to sign the Pledge of Allegiance. Some of her former students have used sign language in their careers. Zerbe’s father taught her how to sign. While she was at the University of Wyoming, she was able to further her education in sign language.

Eventually, Zerbe felt like it was time to hang up her hat from teaching. With both of her children married, Zerbe decided it was best to spend more time with her family and ranch.  

“I knew grand babies were going to be in the picture. So, I wanted to be available to help with them,” said Zerbe. “I was wanting to spend more time on the ranch, too.”

“I still love teaching, but I wanted to step out while I am still passionate about teaching,” said Zerbe. “I just wanted more time and not have to drive every day.”

Zerbe shared her thoughts about teaching throughout the years.

“It’s neat because I’ve had a second generation. I taught these kids and now I got to teach their kids,” said Zerbe. “I just love that. Just having that relationship, especially in kindergarten, you’re their first teacher and, a lot of times, their parents’ first teacher. For me, just being that support to help them navigate school, to love school and just help them. It is just so impactful.”

Zerbe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to teach so many young children throughout the years. Simultaneously, she is glad though to be retiring and looks forward to the next chapter in her life.