Teacher leadership

Educators Rising Alaska supports Teacher Leaders (TLs) with high-quality curriculum, professional development, and a collaborative statewide network. We are committed to preparing the next generation of educators through a Community of Practice that centers culturally responsive teaching, place-based learning, and the unique needs of Alaska’s multi-faceted students and communities. As part of our statewide effort to ensure equity, consistency, and meaningful engagement, Educators Rising Alaska fully funds access to the Educators Rising Curriculum and covers national student membership fees for all active chapters. In return, TLs are expected to actively participate in our professional development model, which connects curriculum implementation with shared learning and growth.

 

 

Professional development

  • New Teacher Leaders will enroll in ED593, a graduate-level professional development course (3 CEUs), which introduces the Educators Rising framework, supports curriculum implementation, and fosters statewide collaboration.
  • Returning Teacher Leaders may choose the Engaged TL Track, an alternative option that includes monthly check-ins, lesson plan sharing, and collaborative projects, with the opportunity to earn a stipend.
  • All TLs, regardless of track, are responsible for supporting student participation in state and national competitions and conferences, ensuring students have access to meaningful experiential learning and leadership opportunities.
  • Participation in a Community of Practice focused on equity, culturally relevant pedagogy, and adapting curriculum to reflect Alaska’s local contexts.
  • Monthly virtual professional learning sessions, with office hours, guest speakers, and resource sharing.
  • Opportunities to collaborate with rural and urban educators, co-create lessons, and contribute to the growth of our statewide educator pipeline.

 

A Teacher Leader instructing a classroom of Educators Rising Alaska Student Leaders

 

 

Teachers at the Educators Rising Statewide Conference

Getting started

To get started, contact Educators Rising Alaska to confirm your interest and learn how to gain access to curriculum materials, your student membership promo code, and the professional development pathway that fits your role. Once connected, we’ll walk you through the steps to register your school as a chapter through the Educators Rising National Portal and help you prepare for a successful school year. We’re excited to welcome you into a statewide community committed to empowering future educators.

Sign up form

 

 

Educators Rising Curriculum

The Educators Rising Curriculum, developed by PDK International, offers hands-on, standards-aligned resources that introduce students to the foundations of teaching. Key components include:

  • Classroom Culture & Management
  • Instructional Practice & Lesson Design
  • Child and Adolescent Development
  • Culturally Responsive Teaching
  • Professionalism & Ethics in Education

The curriculum includes engaging projects, observation opportunities, and flexible units that align with CTE pathways and dual credit programs. It’s designed to help students explore teaching careers early and develop the skills they need to succeed in teacher preparation programs.

A Teacher Leader stands before children in a classroom

The Educators Rising national curriculum connects students to real-world teaching through:

Classroom Observations & Practice Teaching

Students gain hands-on experience by observing educators in action and developing their own lesson plans.

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Lessons encourage students to explore their own identities and communities, preparing them to teach in ways that reflect and respect Alaska’s multi-faceted cultures and settings.

Career-Connected Learning & Competitions

Students apply their knowledge through statewide and national competitions, building confidence, public speaking skills, and leadership experience.