Meet Emma Petluska, Quinhagak teacher Emma grew up in Quinhagak. She loves to camp, fish, and spend time outdoors. She attended college at UAF but completed the education program with LKSD's Career Ladder Program (online courses while working full time.) When she was a child, she had an awesome first grade teacher and she still uses her style of teaching (repeating and modeling the expected behavior.) She also had the privilege of having a husband-and-wife team of teachers as her 4th - 7th grade teachers. They made sure to reward every accomplishment the students made. This made Emma look forward to doing new things because there was something to work for – the praise of her teachers.  Emma taught for 15 years before earning her certificate. She did her student teaching in her home village of Quinhagak. She is still teaching kindergarten there. Emma had a 2nd year teacher as her host teacher for student teaching. She knew that Emma had taught for a number of years before student teaching and so they learned a lot from each other that year. Emma’s mentor for her first two years of teaching was Carol Jerue. Emma remembers her fondly. Emma loves to teach younger students because she gets to see the joy in their eyes when something clicks in their head! Emma said, “They have so many questions and it is wonderful to join their journey as they discover something for the first time.”

Emma Petluska, kindergarten teacher in Quinhagak, 4/24/24. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Childers.

Meet Keith Shelton, Gambell Principal Keith moved to Gambell straight out of college in 2015 from Washington State with a plan to explore a little and return home. 9 years later, he is the Principal, has a beautiful wife from Gambell, and have 3 wonderful children together. Keith’s ASMP mentor, Don Campbell (Mentor 2012-2019), helped him to navigate the trickiness of not only being a new teacher but also being new to rural Alaska or Alaska in general. Don wasn’t pushy with his advice nor did he ever act like his advice was the only right answer. He helped in the classroom but his real support came in learning to manage relationships and build a rapport with students, community members, and colleagues.  Keith had developed a passion for servant leadership from his father who worked as an orchard manager for decades and the direction from his ASMP mentor only aided him in that drive to serve. After teaching for 7 years, Keith earned his Educational Leadership degree from UAS and has served as AP and Principal of Gambell Schools for the last 2 years.

Keith and his son in front of an Aningayou family whale caught in Gambell and shared with the whole region in 2021. Photo Courtesy of Keith Shelton. March 2024.

Meet Charlie Roberts, teacher in Quinhagak for 4 years Charlie graduated from high school in Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat in 2012. He student taught in Quinhagak, his home village, after attending UAF and earning a bachelor’s in elementary education and a minor in Yup’ik. Charlie was offered a teaching position right away – without even an interview! While attending college, Charlie had subbed at the school and was very reliable – which he thinks helped with his being hired so quickly and easily. He is in his 4th year of teaching first grade. Charlie followed in the footsteps of several family members who worked at the school. His father was an Intensive Needs TA for 35 years. Charlie has several aunts and uncles who work at the school. He’s had nieces, nephews and his own classmate’s children in his class. That has been a fun experience! Charlie’s first year of teaching was during the pandemic of the 2020-21 school year. During that first year he only saw his students in-person for about 4 ½ months and he met with his mentor using zoom meetings. He remembers his mentor supporting him by providing the Dolch sight words, as well as, activities and strategies to help students hear the sounds in words. In 2021-22, Charlie’s 2nd mentor was Hal Neace. Charlie utilized Hal’s science background for fun hands-on activities with his first graders. Charlie felt like having a mentor was very helpful. Charlie loves seeing the growth in his students and seeing them use the strategies that he has taught them. Charlie likes to hunt, fish, “gather woods” and play video games when he’s not busy teaching his students. He looks forward to many years ahead of teaching.

Charlie Roberts is in his 4th year of teaching in his hometown of Qinhagak. Photo Courtesy of Cheryl Childers. March 2024.

Julia and her family in Aniak. Photo: Kuspuk School District. March 2023.

Harlee Harvey, previous Mentee with ASMP, is Teacher of the Year for 2022-23

The Department of Education and Early Development announced that Harlee Harvey at Tikiġaq School in Point Hope has been named the 2023 Alaska Teacher of the Year. Photo: AK-DEED. January 2023.

Harlee has been teaching at Tikiġaq School in the North Slope Borough School District since 2014, teaching both first and fifth grade. According to the DEED website "Her peers commend her for her knowledge and respect of the Inupiaq culture. Similarly, her decision to make Point Hope her home and become involved in the community outside of the classroom has helped earn her respect and facilitates connecting with students."

Harlee was the Mentee of Mentor Kirstie Willean (2013-16). Read more about Harlee in the October 13, 2022 Arctic Sounder.

Harlee agreed to be a Keynote speaker at our fellow program Educators Rising Alaska's Statewide Leadership Conference in February. We have included the video of her keynote, where she discusses her path on becoming a teacher, the challenges she faced, and her continuing education toward attaining her PhD. She is introduced by one of EdRising AK's student officers, Jennifer Bell.

Meet Cory Hughes, 5 year veteran teacher in Nunapitchuk

Cory Hughes finds a moment for  mentor Cheryl Childers to take his photo at his Anna Tobeluk Memorial school classroom in Nunapitchuk . Photo: Cheryl Childers. March 2022.

Cory "Aigailnguq" Hughes

I student taught in Wilmington High School in New Wilmington, PA. This is my 5th year, and Anna Tobeluk Memorial in Nunapitchuk has been the only school that I have taught at. I'm certified 6-12 Social Studies, but I have taught ELA and many different elective courses.

Carol Jerue was my mentor for my first two years of working in Alaska, and we still keep in touch to this day! Carol was instrumental in helping me to organize my younger classes. Before moving to Alaska, I had never been in a classroom outside of true High Schoolers (9-12th graders). So, as you can imagine, structuring my J.H. classes was definitely something that was foreign to me. Carol helped me to find different and engaging ways to organize class. Carol was also able to provide support in the way of finding supplemental curriculum/ideas.

"Carol helped me to find different and engaging ways to organize class."

Oh man, what is personal time? Just kidding! I enjoy hunting, being outdoors (especially if it involves a machine, i.e. Snow-go, boat, 4 wheel, etc.), and any athletics that I can get involved in. Currently, nearly all of my free time is spent working with either the state Educators Union (NEA-AK) as a regional board member, or the local branch (LKNEA) as the local president.

Bo and Leah Sahr pose briefly for a photo in her Anna Tobeluk Memorial School classroom in Nunapitchuk .  Photo: Cheryl Childers. March 2022.

Leah Sahr
I started my student teaching in the fall of 2016. For my first placement, I spent 3 months in Kipnuk at Chief Paul Memorial School. The other half of my placement was in Chilton, Wisconsin at their local high school. This is my 6th year teaching. I have not professionally taught at any other school other than ATMS – Anna Tobeluk Memorial School. I was hired directly after graduation and NUP was the only site that had an opening for both Bo and myself at the time. One could say it was fate. :) 

I am certified in secondary science and have a minor in biology, plus an area of emphasis in earth science. I have taught a wide variety of science classes, many of which I never envisioned myself teaching (e.g. astronomy, forensic science, physical sciences). I have also taught JH and HS art, CLS/PLS, and study skill classes. I enjoy the variety and like the challenge of teaching outside my content area.

Carol Jerue was my mentor for my first two years. Carol took the time for me to verbally communicate my reflections and wonderings in person instead of communicating them via email. She knew that was what I needed at that time. Additionally, when I was a new teacher, one of the things that held me back was my lack of confidence.

"Carol was my biggest cheerleader and always made sure I noticed the things going right in my classroom and the small victories that eventually turned into larger ones."

Carol was my biggest cheerleader and always made sure I noticed the things going right in my classroom and the small victories that eventually turned into larger ones. Carol was an amazing mentor and truly impacted me and my professional career. I am so thankful our paths crossed. She was there for me during some of my most formative and difficult years. 

In my personal time, I enjoy participating in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking. I also like to draw and watercolor paint. Additionally, I LOVE listening to podcasts (Stuff You Should Know, Stuff You Missed in History Class, and Ologies).

Bo Sahr
I did my first student teaching in Tununak, Alaska in the fall of 2016. I then finished my student teaching in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. It was about 2 and half months at each placement. This is my 5th and half year in Nunapitchuk. I have not professionally taught at any other school. I love teaching here!

"Carol helped me gain confidence in the classroom. She acknowledged my successes and supported me through the ups and downs of teaching."

Carol Jerue was my mentor for my first two years of teaching. I absolutely loved having Carol as my mentor! Carol helped me gain confidence in the classroom. She acknowledged my successes and supported me through the ups and downs of teaching. Carol always went out of her way to help me when needed. I will always be grateful for the help and support she gave me in those first few difficult years of teaching. 

In my spare time I enjoy hunting, fishing, and camping. I also enjoy creating outdoor videos for my YouTube channel. 

During his first year of teaching 16 years ago, Bill was mentored by ASMP mentor Cathé Rhodes. He says she continues to touch base with him, and they continue to visit one another.  Photo: Courtesy of Bill Cornell. February 2022.

Growing up in Northern Michigan prepared me for the long, cold winters of Alaska, when I moved here 22 years ago this May. I initially moved up here to be a backcountry guide, fresh out of college form Michigan State University with a B.S. in Ecology. Working seasonally for five years made me want something more consistent, so I returned to school, this time at University of Alaska Fairbanks to get my Teacher Certification and work on my M.Ed. 

"Remember that mentors are people first, and good ones at that! Who else would be so willing to travel all over the state, sleep on school floors, and live out of a tote, all in the name of helping early career teachers?"

After completing my student teaching in Healy, I was hired on as the math and science teacher with the Lake and Peninsula School District in Southwest Alaska at Newhalen School. The great community, excellent kids (district-wide!), and sound district leadership over the years, has kept me here. I taught for eight years, and was then asked to step into the Curriculum Coordinator role. I have also served as an itinerant principal, Distance Program principal, and now as the Director of Personnel. The varied nature of the profession, and the ability to shift roles, has allowed for quite the adventure. 

I still remember the day Cathé Rhodes came to my class 16 years ago! That has led to a great relationship that is still going strong today; I actually just had dinner with Cathé last week in Palmer! She continues to touch base on where we are at, and what we are doing. Remember that mentors are people first, and good ones at that! Who else would be so willing to travel all over the state, sleep on school floors, and live out of a tote, all in the name of helping early career teachers? 

Success is all about relationships, and the more you devote to your relationship with your mentor, the more you will get from the experience. You also have to remember that they are not there to be evaluators; they are there to help you grow. This means that you can be vulnerable with your mentor, knowing that the goal will be progress. The second I realized this, I was able to welcome feedback from my mentor that impacted my practice.

After being in education for 16 years, it has been so rewarding to see former students become adults, and now their kids are coming up through the grades. The stronger your relationships are with those around you, the more enriching your practice will be. Alaska is also the biggest small state…relationships allow you to gain perspective, improve practice, and make your life easier.  Lean on those around you; you are a team. Commit time and effort to those relationships, and they will be one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession.

If you’re a new teacher, stick with it…teaching becomes even more rewarding, and easier, the longer you are at it. I think back to the first couple years of 12-14 hour days, heading home thinking about the things that still needed to be done, and shake my head. As with anything, the more you do it, the more efficient you become.

As I have touched on already, the relationships I’ve formed have been one of the biggest rewards of my career, but it is also important to not forget about balance, and the lifestyle an educational career affords. Any career brings its perks, and one of the perks of the education profession is having time to explore other passions and interests. Education afforded my wife and I to adventure all over Alaska and the world, and now allows us to spend large chunks of time adventuring with our family. A career should be the total package, and one thing education has going for it is an opportunity for an amazing lifestyle.

Meet Michelle Fedran, ECT veteran with 5 years teaching in LKSD

During her first and second years of teaching, Michelle was mentored by ASMP mentors Marylin White and Carol Jerue, respectively. She says "They were fantastic!" and that she was "thankful to have mentors, and loved working with them."  Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Fedran. Oct. 2021.

My name is Michelle Fedran, and I have been a teacher with the Lower Kuskokwim School District for five years. I spent those five years teaching in Tununak, working with lower elementary students. During this time, I have learned so much about myself as a teacher, my students, as well as learning about a new culture I wasn't familiar with until I came here. It has been an enriching experience and one that I know I will cherish forever.

"ASMP's mentoring program helped me as a beginning teacher to navigate my classroom in more ways than one."

I decided to come to Alaska right after college. As most teachers would agree, the first few years of teaching serve as a tremendous learning experience. ASMP's mentoring program helped me as a beginning teacher to navigate my classroom in more ways than one. I even continue to use the skills and tips I learned from my mentors today! It is one thing to take courses in college related to teaching and another to be in a physical classroom learning on your feet. I have found the things my mentors have taught me almost serve as a life jacket or anchor and help me stay grounded even when teaching can become chaotic. For those reasons, I am very grateful for this program and the supportive mentors I have been lucky to work with in my teaching career.