Meet Dr. Heywood

Dr. Joe Heywood, WYVA’s Executive Director, isn’t just leading the school – he’s leading virtual expeditions around the globe! He created these “virtual field trips”—short video adventures showcasing interesting places and people—so students can experience these places from the comfort of their homes. He began these eight years ago as a way to get to know students in a similar way that a principal at an in-person school might have day-to-day interactions of a traditional school: walking the halls, chatting with students, and simply getting to know everyone. 

The virtual field trips became his way of bridging that connection gap, and they’ve been a huge success! They’ve opened a whole new avenue for communication, sparking conversations with students and families at school events and even inspiring families to visit some of the featured locations themselves! 

Dr. Heywood’s approach is simple. He grabs his iPhone, hits record, and lets his curiosity guide him. There’s no elaborate production or fancy editing – just genuine enthusiasm for learning and sharing. A little trimming in iMovie, a quick upload, and within minutes, a new adventure is ready for you. 

Dr. Heywood has a soft spot for meeting people with interesting talents and unique jobs. He finds it fascinating to learn from dairy farmers, potters, leatherworkers – anyone with a cool skill to share! But he also knows what you all enjoy – exploring breathtaking places like the Oregon Coast, the Grand Canyon, and all the hidden gems Wyoming has to offer. So, he tries to mix it up, bringing you a blend of fascinating people and awe-inspiring locations. 

How does he choose these destinations? Sometimes inspiration strikes, but often it’s your suggestions that guide him! So, if there’s a place you’re dying to see or a person you think he should interview, let him know! He’s always eager to hear your ideas and explore new adventures together. 

Through these virtual field trips, Dr. Heywood hopes to broaden your horizons and spark your own curiosity. He wants to expose students to a wide range of careers, hobbies, and experiences, both within Wyoming and beyond. He’s already taken you on virtual journeys to Mexico, Panama, and Italy, but his dream is to someday share an in-person cultural immersion experience with students, perhaps in India, Mongolia, or Japan. So, keep exploring with Dr. Heywood – there’s a whole world out there waiting to be discovered!