I came to Alaska midcareer, beginning my adventure teaching in rural Alaska.  I was very interested in Native arts and stories, so I worked in many villages across the state to learn first hand about their amazing cultures.  I have taught grades K-12 in most subject areas with an emphasis in teaching core curriculum through the arts.  I was a teacher trainer for the Alaska Arts Council. 

Later, I went back to school to become a Special Education teacher and taught in KSPD for 8 years.  I became very interested in SEL and created an SEL curriculum.  I was yearning to live in a village again and was able to work in a fly-in in the district for the last few years before I retired.  

Even as a student teacher 30 years ago, I was so influenced by my college mentors that I always wanted to become a mentor at some point in my career.  Teaching in rural Alaska has been a privilege, learning so much from each experience.  However, I remember those first years, coming to Alaska, a very experienced teacher, facing challenges that I never imagined.  What I would have given to have guidance and support.  I am so excited to be part of this project and be able to learn along with Alaska’s newest teachers.