Anyone ever teach in Alaska?

[HeatherAnn]

I need some input. I am seriously contemplating applying to work in Alaska. I need people to weigh in on their experiences. I already live rurally and rather rustically where we get over 200 inches of snow a year and I love it. The biggest problem is there are no jobs. Turnover is very low as teaching jobs are coveted. I am not concerned with the cost of living there as I have learned to live on nothing here. My biggest concern is that I have two children that will be with me. Their ages will be 4 and 14 if we were to go next fall.

Please help out if you can. Not only do I want a job, but I really need to be part of the teaching community. Being a sub is not cutting it up here.

[Boxcar]

Please do a search of the forums. Chef Dave wrote some posts about teaching in Alaska and mentioned some of the good/bad aspects. He is no longer with the forum as far as I know. (?) Otherwise, I'm sure he'd be able to help you out more than I can.

[Teach Compassion]

wow, thats a huge life-decision. very burdensome for me to consider. I know Alaska needs teachers, but are you sure you want to go so far away from home? what about minneapolis? Detroit? well, if you are young, and determined, I suppose I would do it too. But I'd research everything about the job market first. and fly up there to visit before you make the final decision. well, good luck. I imagine the auroras are just marvelous up there.

[hweber]

I have always wanted to go to Alaska to teach, but family has prevented it. Now I fear I am too old...:( the bones just wouldn't take it. Do look for other thread about Alaska as Boxcar suggested, also, maybe find a district and try to email a teacher there. It might give you some insights. Good luck

[Boxcar]

There are also lots of blogs on the internet. Perhaps there is one written by a teacher or even a parent in Alaska. It would give you some insights into a kind of daily life existance.

[upnorthteacher]

I have a friend who teaches in Alaska and has a blog.
alaskaatlast-rach.blogspot.com

[Boxcar]

Awesome. I've gotten into reading blogs recently. I'll have to check this one out.

[HeatherAnn]

I have a friend who teaches in Alaska and has a blog.
alaskaatlast-rach.blogspot.com

I checked out her blog and noticed that she has a friend with children near the ages of my children who teaches in Alaska. I would so love to hear more information from her!

Thanks for the link.

[Anne Swigard]

Why are taking your children to alaska? they won't find any mates over there.

[auntbea]

also, check out greatschools.net follow the links and it will give you info on school size, test scores, ethnic diversity, etc.... Both my spouse and I teach and everytime we consider moving, I use this site as a starting point.

[mustangapril]

Why are taking your children to alaska? they won't find any mates over there.

:confused2:

[HeatherAnn]

I thought the same thing as you, Mustangapril! I kind of thought someone was trying to start something, so I desregarded it...

There are sooo many districts to research and depending on which region of Alaska you look, they are all different. I am really liking the look of south eastern AK, near/in the Juneau area or one of the islands that make up the archipelago. Even those can being very very different!

[hweber]

I really admire you for looking up there. I am also jealous!!