Author: Annie (59 posts)


2017 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail Annie McGuire’s Most Memorable Moments

There are two memories that stick out in my mind when I think back to my year as the 2017 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail.  The first memory occurred while in Tanana. Tanana had only been a checkpoint a few times before, but they could not have been more welcoming! The night I was in …

Iditarod Sleds: From 1973 to Today!

Sleds are an essential piece of equipment in the Iditarod. Typically, 50-80 sleds start the race and even more are shipped down the trail for use later in the race. Sleds have evolved since the first race in 1973, and mushers often build their sleds themselves. The sleds first used in Iditarod were long freight …

Iditarod ABCs

Looking for a fun display for your Iditarod unit? Look no further than the Iditarod ABCs.  Originally compiled in 2017, this list has been updated so that it can be used year after year!  Enjoy! Iditarod ABCs  

Iditarod Quilt Project 2019-2020

Teachers:  Are you interested in having an Iditarod quilt visit your classroom next school year?! This past school year we had TWELVE quilts traveling around the country!  The quilts visited nearly 10,000 students in 70 schools (in 23 different states),  and visited students in kindergarten through senior year of high school, in public, private, and …

Iditarod Quilt Project 2018-2019

Teachers:  Are you interested in having an Iditarod quilt visit your classroom during the upcoming school year?! Last year we had nine quilts traveling around the country throughout the school year.  One quilt was even at the Shaktoolik checkpoint during the race and was signed by dozens of mushers while they rested their teams!  The …

Iditarod Quilts 2018

This year 9 Iditarod quilts have been crisscrossing the United States, visiting over 8,500 students in more than 65 schools.  Each quilt serves as a great teaching tool for teachers, and gets students excited about the Last Great Race! From the teachers: In Ms. Berg’s class in Seattle: “The first graders work[ed] around character traits …

Iditarod Quilt Project

Teachers:  Are you interested in having an Iditarod quilt visit your classroom during the upcoming school year?! If you are, you’re in luck!  We are revamping the program, and quilts will be travelling across the country starting in late August! Iditarod quilts are a great way to introduce the race to your students and get …

An Iditarod Goodbye

Two years ago today I started my first trek to Alaska.  I was excited to explore this beautiful state, and to learn more about using the Iditarod in my classroom.  Little did I know that this first visit to Alaska would lead to 4 more within the last two years.  My journey as Teacher on …

Iditarod Magazine

I’ve been home from Alaska for a while now, and what a whirlwind it has been.  I have loved sharing my experience with my students, family, and friends.  My language arts unit on the Iditarod has wrapped up while I in Alaska, but my students did one last project once I was back.  They created …

Alaska Sealife Center: Distance Learning

Counting the Iditarod SEVEN Checkpoints Visited by the Teacher on the Trail This year I had the opportunity to visit seven villages along the Iditarod Trail: Nenana, Tanana, Ruby, Galena, Nulato, Elim, and White Mountain.  Each checkpoint was unique, and they were all excited to have the mushers, dogs, and volunteers visit their village.  In …