It is hard to believe that I am beginning my year with you considering it is currently 89 degrees here in Iowa! But, as we all know, it is never the wrong season to embrace the Iditarod! So, I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself as your 2026 Teacher on the Trail. I say “your” because my hope and goal is to not just be “the” teacher on the trail but “your” teacher. I will strive to inspire teachers and students alike to embrace all there is to love about the Iditarod in the classroom!
Now, who is this teacher? My name is Kari Wright and I am from Osage, Iowa, an amazing community where people are genuinely good and the school is top-notch. I teach 3rd grade after many years in middle school. 28 years in education has flown by for sure. My husband, Brian, is our Chief of Police and comes with 5 grown children of his own. My daughter Madison and son-in-law Luke got married in April and have a sweet baby girl on the way in December. It is still surreal that I am going to be a grandma! My daughter Mackenzie just graduated from high school in May and will begin college and her path in life. Both are truly my greatest gift and source of pride. We live on an acreage outside of town with our 4-legged family members: therapy dog-Reagan, house kitties-Milo and Hugo, and barn kitties-Phoebe, Franklin, and our one-eyed Punkin’ Head. Rounding out the petting zoo are our two horses, Oliver and Maggie. If I had my way, this list would include a mini cow, but that request continues to be met with a prominent eye roll. I can usually be found outside doing one of countless outdoor projects, reading, traveling, watching a documentary, or relaxing in the hot tub. I really am grateful for this life we live!
When it comes to the Iditarod, my story begins about 18 years ago when I read an article about the race. My middle school students and I simply tracked the mushers on a leaderboard we created. I was instantly hooked, and so were they. From then on it has continually grown and evolved into a 3rd grade classroom that becomes Iditarod Central. For about 6 weeks, everything we do from reading to writing, spelling to social studies, social emotional learning to computer science brings the Iditarod to life. We live and breathe this race, making our learning come to life! My dream was to one day be the “Teacher on the Trail”, and all these years later, here we are. My hope is that you will jump on the sled with me, bring your students along for the ride, and let’s make this 2026 Iditarod the best yet! I look forward to sharing this incredible adventure with you!
Kari Wright-2026 Teacher on the Trail
