About Educators Rising Alaska

There's power in teaching

Educators Rising is a community-based movement from PDK International, in which chapters at schools feed teacher preparation programs at institutes of higher education with the support of state education departments and  local funders and foundations. These entities come together to create a clear educational career pathway that supports districts and promotes high levels of educator quality.

What is Educators Rising Alaska?

Educators Rising Alaska is part of Educators Rising, a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that supports middle and high school students in exploring careers in education. Through a specialized curriculum based on National Board for Professional Teaching Standards guidelines standards and aligned with the Educators Rising standards, students gain hands-on experience, build foundational teaching skills, and engage in reflective learning.

District partnerships:

We work with school districts across Alaska to establish Educators Rising chapters that support local "Grow Your Own" initiatives — building pathways for students to become future educators within their own communities.

Student opportunities:

Students explore careers in education while developing leadership, communication, and teaching skills. They participate in clinical experiences, attend conferences, compete in statewide and national events, and can serve in leadership roles at every level.

Teacher leader support:

Teacher leaders receive a ready-to-use curriculum that can be implemented directly or adapted to meet local needs. They also earn professional development credit and participate in a statewide community of practice that fosters collaboration and contextualized teaching for Alaska’s unique communities.

Fostering leadership:

Leadership opportunities at the local, state, and national levels — along with competitions, conferences, and student networking — empower students to take ownership of their educational journeys and become future leaders in Alaska’s schools and communities.

Statewide impact

Increasing the number of future educators

Providing a structured educational career pathway

Supporting districts with "Grow Your Own" programs

Educators Rising program director and teacher

Community partnerships

Educators Rising, a community-based initiative, partners with various stakeholders in Alaska to address the teacher shortage by inspiring and preparing future educators. These partnerships include collaborations with school districts, higher education institutions, and other organizations to provide support, resources, and opportunities for aspiring teachers.

Partnerships with state government

State agency collaboration and funding support: Educators Rising Alaska collaborates closely with the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development to secure grant funding and receive Perkins support. This partnership enables us to expand outreach, enhance professional development opportunities, and strengthen career and technical education pathways for aspiring educators across the state.

Partnerships with education associations

Youth leadership and advocacy initiatives: Educators Rising Alaska partners with the Association of Alaska School Boards to support youth engagement through the Youth Advocates Initiative and Youth Leadership Institute, empowering students to develop leadership skills and amplify their voices across Alaska.

Partnerships with higher education institutions

State Leadership Conference hosted on UA campuses: Educators Rising Alaska hosts its State Leadership Conference on a rotating basis across University of Alaska campuses — at UAF in 2025, UAS in 2027, and UAA in 2028. The conference rotates annually to ensure geographic equity and statewide engagement. Each event includes strong collaboration with UA education schools and Rural Student Services, offering workshops, campus tours, immersive activities, and speaker panels that connect students to future careers in education.
Dual‑credit and CTE pathways: Through partnerships within the UA College of Education Consortium, we offer dual-enrollment, dual-credit courses and career and technical education (CTE) pathways for high school students to get college credit.
Professional development for educators: Monthly professional development workshops are provided for teacher leaders via either ED593 or the Engaged Teacher Leader Track that allow them to choose the support and compensation that’s best for their individual career path.

Partnerships with other community organizations

Cultural partnerships and keynote speakers: During events like their statewide leadership conferences, Education Rising Alaska invites community groups, including Alaska Native cultural centers and performing arts collectives, to present and engage students.

Why it matters

Alaska is facing a deepening teacher shortage, with turnover rates far surpassing the national average of 10%. In some regions, attrition climbs as high as 40%, particularly in rural and remote districts. In the Anchorage School District alone, 300 teachers resigned by April 1, 2025, including 44 mid-year departures, and 40% of current teachers are in their first three years. Many educators are drawn to Alaska’s strong training programs but leave for other states offering more stable long-term benefits. In districts like Kenai, over 160 educators recently received layoff notices, intensifying an already critical situation.

Educators Rising Alaska is working to change this trajectory by building a long-term, sustainable educator workforce from within our own communities. Through early engagement with high school students, we inspire and prepare the next generation of educators — especially those from rural and Alaska Native communities — to return and lead in the places they call home. But we’re not just growing future teachers — we’re also investing in the educators guiding them. By building a statewide community of practice, we support current teacher leaders through meaningful professional development, culturally responsive resources, and shared collaboration. Together, we’re strengthening both the educator pipeline and the CTE teaching workforce — fostering collective efficacy and a more stable, resilient future for education in Alaska.

Career & Technical Student Organization

Educators Rising Alaska is a recognized Career and Technical Student Organization

Educators Rising Alaska, a Career and Technical Student Organization, focuses on inspiring and supporting high school and college students interested in education careers. It also serves as a "Grow Your Own" pathway to address teacher shortages by providing a structured program for aspiring educators. The organization offers curriculum, chapter activities, competitions, and conferences to support this pathway.

Guide to accessing Perkins funds

A student reviews books in the UAA library

Activities

Educators Rising Alaska school districts can benefit from Perkins V funding to support their activities, including competitions, conferences, and student support.

Travel, fees and supplies

Schools can use Perkins V funds to help with student transportation, supplies, and other costs associated with participating in Educators Rising Alaska events.

Eligibility

By aligning Educators Rising Alaska activities with CTE program standards and curricula, schools can be assured that the activities are eligible for Perkins V funding.

Educators Rising Alaska