Many of these blog entries are from the book, Life at Fifty Below Zero.
Other posts are added reflections about life in Alaska.
Experiencing Alaska
Moving to Alaska to teach in a small village sounded so simple when we said yes. It was 1972.
We were young, full of dreams and a desire to live simply. We had no idea what that meant in rural Alaska.
Dog mushing was popular in many villages, but not all. Transportation was being replaced by ‘iron dogs’, better known as snow machines or snow mobiles.
They could be ordered by barge or airplane. The most widely used term in Alaska is snow machine.
Things can change quickly in rural Alaska. If we were in most school districts throughout the nation this wouldn’t happen. If we were in a city there would be other job opportunities, but we were in a small rural village a week before school started.
Reflections on the Journey
so many paths I never planned
Teaching & Learning
so many paths I never planned
While working with schools in Alaska I always felt I learned, as much, if not more than I taught.
I enjoyed walking around the village after my work was finished, talking to people, asking questions, and observing. These reflective moments provided ideas and resources I utilized in the work I did in the schools.
Responsibility and Surprises, Fall of 1974
Learning often begins with the teacher, but so much more can develop when teachers and students work together as a team.
The experiences students bring to the learning process results in both the teacher and students learning. Teachers are able to expand their knowledge base and students feel respected.