Tax dollars leveraged to fight wildfire and fund public education are getting a two-for-one deal with Marvin Cassler, a fourth-grade elementary schoolteacher and wildland firefighter.  Cassler extends valuable life lessons he learned on the fireline to teach fourth-grade students of Boulten Elementary School in Davis County, Utah. He credits the organization and efficiency of his classroom to experiences working as a summer wildland firefighter for the Salt Lake Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. There are many correlations between working on a wildfire and work in the classroom.  As an educator, Cassler successfully connects the good communication and teamwork skills needed on the fireline to help build trust and respect among his students.                                           

“When I’m leading a squad of firefighters, my success means providing a purpose, direction and motivation for firefighters,” Cassler said.  “The same holds true in my classroom, seeing students develop new skills and gain an appreciation of knowledge and learning is so rewarding.”

“Both careers complement each other,” Cassler admits. “Even my classroom mimics some aspects of fireworld.” Early in the school year, the students are encouraged to work collaboratively in solving problem by working in groups named after national Hotshot crews. To be prepared for success later in life, the students learn to interact with others, adapt and think through problems logically. Cassler uses weather kits, compasses, maps and tree rings from fire experiences to help children understand abstract concepts, solve problems and develop critical thought processes.

On the fireline, Cassler and his crew work long hard hours. As a squad leader he must be able to recognize and respond to individual differences, as well as understand emotional needs. The leadership skills gained on the fireline enhance his ability to identify individual and cultural differences in students and employ different teaching methods that will result in higher achievement.

For now, Cassler plans to continue combining his two careers. The 2008 fire season will mark his seventh season as a wildland firefighter with the Salt Lake Field Office,BLM.