As a special area educator I have the choice to teach in a silo — drop the class at my door and pick them up thirty minutes later.  I also have the option to reach outside my library and engage in collaboration with the teachers in my buildings.  I greatly prefer the second option.  Attending the IditarodEDU Educator’s Conference today reminded me just how exciting and inspiring it can be to work with other teachers.   There are so many educators doing amazing lessons that utilize the Iditarod.  And the best part?  Teachers have an inherent desire to share their best ideas.  At the root of it, our job is to educate and elevate all students — including those in other classrooms, schools, or districts.  Teachers are more than happy, excited even, if a lesson we’ve planned can be adapted to reach more kids!  

Coding lesson with Teacher on the Trail Jim DePrez

In a day packed with ideas (the quilt project, trail mail, postcards, STEM, and coding), I learned new ways to expand the Iditarod lessons that I teach.  The afternoon presentation by Lisa Wiley, an educator at Rilke Schule in Anchorage, made a significant impact.  Lisa shared her lessons for integrating the Iditarod into Physical Education instruction.  I could hardly control myself!   Not only was I totally psyched to see how another special area teacher integrates the Iditarod into their lessons, but it also had my wheels spinning about ways to collaborate with my colleagues in Art, PE, and Music.  In addition, while I’ve been here in Alaska, the Art Teacher I work with contacted me to share that she is doing a Northern Lights project with 1st Grade!  It is definitely time for me to reach out and develop Iditarod lessons that can work with all the special areas.

There is a reason teachers need Professional Development.  It reminds us that we aren’t alone in our desire to elevate the level of instruction for our students.  Attending a conference reignites a passion for teaching by working with like-minded educators to discover the best, most innovative, and fun lessons possible.   Professional Development is one of the core areas of the New York State Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education Framework.  PD teaches us new content but, more importantly, it reminds us we are part of a huge community of educators dedicated to teaching each and every child. Today I was reminded that I’m not alone in wanting to reach kids in creative ways, and I’m not alone when it comes to loving  the Iditarod!

Teachers: Reach out to your special areas to support your work with the Iditarod.  Art is a great place to start collaboration. Music and PE can make great connections, too!  As for the Library?  Well, this Librarian obviously supports Iditarod and loves to collaborate with grade-level teachers.  I have a feeling you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm and interest from special areas to work together to elevate instruction across disciplines.