"I want to be that difference. If not emotionally, then I want to be the teacher that
makes learning enjoyable, creative, and considerate. When I tutored peers this last
year in Geometry, their teacher told me that I helped them pass classes they normally
wouldn't have and that they actually thought math was fun when it was with me.
I had no clue I had that much of an effect on them and I now consider one of my greatest
aspirations in life is to help."
– Kayanna Healy, UAF Secondary Education
“I knew and could see how much Indigenous educators were needed. Homegrown teachers
are uniquely prepared for the needs of our diverse communities across Alaska. While
working full time, I was able to earn my Master of Arts in Teaching through University
of Alaska Southeast and here I am many years later! I feel so grateful to have followed
my heart into the classroom.”
— Josephine Mattison, UAS Master of Arts in Teaching
“I believe our community needs teachers who truly understand the children and families
they serve. Seeing how much my own daughter and son benefited from compassion, patient
educators showed me the powerful impact a teacher can have on a child’s life.”
— Zarai N. Castro, UAA Early Childhood Education
“One of the most impactful lessons I took from my time at UAF was the importance of
connecting academic content to real-world applications. I learned how to incorporate
real-world scenarios, case studies, and hands-on activities into my lessons to bridge
the gap between theory and practice. One of the most valuable shifts in my thinking
came from the program’s focus on holding students to high academic standards while
providing the support they need to meet those expectations.”
— Kristina Robinson, BA Secondary Education
“During my clinical practice, I gained valuable hands-on experience in a classroom
setting, allowing me to apply the theoretical knowledge from my coursework to real-world
scenarios. This immersive experience gave me a deep understanding of classroom dynamics,
effective student behavior management, and the implementation of various instructional
strategies. It not only enhanced my practical teaching skills but also boosted my
confidence and provided valuable insights into the daily challenges of teaching. As
part of a special program with the Anchorage School District, I had the opportunity
to work as a Resource teacher in a Title 1 school, which allowed me to complete my
clinical hours while fulfilling my full-time employment. Having my professors as a
resource during my first year as a Special Education teacher was invaluable to my
development.”
— Laura De La Garza, M.Ed Special Education, BA Elementary Education
“The UAF program helped grow my educational philosophy by providing me with some exceptional
role models. Throughout taking courses at UAF and completing field work in local Fairbanks
classrooms, I engaged in several memorable activities and discussions that have broadened
my scope of what teaching really is... and all that teachers truly do!”
— Alissa Healy, BA Elementary Education
“UAF provided the academic information to support best practices and the environment
to constantly explore how those best practices play out in real life. Each professor
comes with their own theoretical focus and accompanying interventions. Their clinical
experience brings that alive for the student.”
— Brenda Henze-Nelson, M.Ed Counseling
