About our programs

Grow – recruit – retain

K-12 Outreach programs work with school districts and external educational stakeholders to provide a full circle of support for the teaching profession in order to bring out the best in each and every Alaska student. In addition to program support, K-12 Outreach also coordinates the University of Alaska’s contribution to the School’s Report to the State of Alaska.

Our programs

Alaska Statewide Mentor Project

The Alaska Statewide Mentor Project exists to lift up and support the profession of teaching in Alaska. The project provides individualized support to first- and second-year teachers, developing an effective teaching force that is responsive to the various academic needs and cultural backgrounds of all students.

Educators Rising Alaska

Educators Rising Alaska fosters excellence within the state by supporting middle school through collegiate-level students on their path to become Alaska educators. Our purpose is to inspire students from across the state, creating a scaffold on which rural and urban students can be encouraged and nurturing their enthusiasm to become future educators, administrators, counselors, aides, and supporting staff.

Communities we serve

Students interested in teaching

We support Alaska students who are interested in teaching by:

Offering Alaska-specific coursework, including career and technical education and dual enrollment opportunities
Providing education pathways to fit the unique needs of Alaska students
Guiding students toward careers as paraprofessionals or future education majors
Delivering ongoing professional development for teacher leaders

Teachers in Alaska

We support Alaska teachers by:

Mentoring new and experienced teachers with a research-validated mentoring model
Offering training for quality mentoring
Developing assessment tools to guide consistent standards-based instruction
Training teachers in Alaska-specific, culturally responsive pedagogy
Providing grants funding through the Supporting Teachers Across Rural/Remote Regions and Validated Induction Network Expansion programs

Alaska School Districts

We support Alaska school districts by:

Attracting teachers to schools in Alaska
Supporting sustainable workforce development across all stages of educator development, from recruitment through retention

Where to find us

Use our interactive map to find and Educators Rising Chapter (blue circles) or an ASMP participating district (orange diamonds).

Messages from mentors

"A mentor’s job is to make himself or herself increasingly unnecessary."

—Cheryl Childers, Mentor

"I am honored to support dedicated educators as they grow their practice making a difference for Alaska's learners."

—Lesa Meath, Mentor

"Just as education is an investment in children, mentoring is an investment in teachers. Our future relies on excellence in both endeavors."

—Donna Levesque, Mentor

"I love the opportunity to improve educational opportunities for students in Alaska through a strong mentor relationship with my teachers."

—Mike Kernin, Mentor

"Mentoring is all about building a trusting relationship with an early career teacher that supports them to deliver the best education they can that Alaska's students deserve".

—Lynn Weckesser, Mentor

"I have truly appreciated working with teachers, reflecting on their professional development, and seeing relationships with children and their communities strengthened. Thank you for the opportunity and support for Alaskan children to thrive."

—Sharon Attla, Mentor

"I have learned a lot this year about effective instructional practices and what it means to be culturally supportive in the classroom from my rich conversations with teachers in rural Alaska. I have benefitted as much as the teachers with whom I work from the mentoring process."

—Lynn Mayberry-Burke, Mentor

"It's an honor to support early career and new to Alaska teachers. Supporting teachers through mentoring leads to teacher retention and increased student learning. Through ongoing guidance and feedback, teachers are able to refine their practice and create an effective learning environment for their students."

—Angela Pirtle, Mentor

"What I love about mentoring is that teachers get down to business reflecting on their practice, examining evidence, considering student needs and dispositions, practicing new strategies, cautiously - often eagerly - stretching their personal and professional boundaries, and sharing their thoughts... and all I have to do is ask questions."

—Beth Hartley, Mentor

"In the beginning, new teachers in Alaska’s remote villages often arrive overwhelmed, but as trust grows and the year unfolds, I witness their confidence, joy in teaching, and deep connections with students blossom. Despite the challenges of isolation and hard work, it brings me joy to see many stay in education, becoming both friends and lasting educators for these beautiful communities."

—Christine Zelinsky, Mentor

"Being a mentor for ASMP means wearing a lot of hats - sometimes literally because it's 40 below and you are crossing your fingers the snow machine will arrive to transport you to the school. But beyond the frostnip and flight delays, it's about building real connections with new teachers and helping them find their footing, with students who light up our world, and with fellow mentors who become your lifeline. It's tough, it's wild, and it's deeply rewarding because sometimes in rural Alaska, relationships are the warmest thing we've got."

—Anna Caldarera, Mentor

Research data

Alaska Statewide Mentor Project's research-based outcomes show that mentored teachers not only stay in the profession longer than other teachers, but also they achieve greater professional efficacy over the course of their careers, with greater gains in student achievement.

Learn more about ASMP's research

ASMP mentor with teacher mentee

K-12 Outreach