The “Passing of the Sleeping Bag” from the current Teacher on the Trail to the next is a long-standing Iditarod Education tradition. This special ceremony represents the passing of responsibilities from one teacher to the next. It is an event that brings so many emotions from laughing “proposals” and tears of joy to bittersweet feelings and nostalgia. However, without fail, it brings teachers together to welcome the newest educator into the Iditarod family.
This week we had the pleasure and excitement of continuing this meaningful tradition at the Iditarod Summer Education Conference in Poland Spring, Maine. Kari Wright said goodbye to her time on the trail, passing the torch to the newest teacher, Tami Schoff. So, without further ado, here are a few words from 2027 Teacher on the Trail… Tami!
I have HUGE shoes to fill following not only Kari Wright but all the other amazing teachers before me. It was especially humbling for me to receive this sleeping bag because it was in my home state of Maine. I am over the “sled” excited to join this team. They already make me feel like family.
I hope to connect with ALL of you and have my enthusiasm exude into your classroom and your students’ hearts. My goal is to “paws-itively” provide information and lessons that are accessible to all ages and abilities. My sled is packed, and I am excited to drop ideas and hear from all of you. -Tami
