Author: Brian (60 posts)


Symbolism and Representative Democracy

It certainly feels good to be back in the classroom after a long and restful summer! I always enjoy spending the first several days of school getting to know my students and establishing classroom routines! This year, it has been particularly exciting because my new students are curious and intrigued about my role as the …

Navigating an Unknown Journey

For most teachers, the school year has finally begun (unless you’re like me and don’t begin until after Labor Day)! I will forever remember being a student in the summer who anxiously waited each day to receive a letter in the mail letting me know which teachers I was going to have during the upcoming …

Position your Students for Success

While summer vacation is quickly waning, teachers from all different areas are already thinking about the upcoming school year and are developing plans which are going to make it successful. Regardless of content which one teaches, the grade-level, or years of teaching experience, it is evident that every teacher strives to create a welcoming and …

The Next Leg of the Race

Although summer camp for teachers has come to an end, my journey as 2019 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ is still in full swing. The first checkpoint for me began in November of 2017 when I submitted my application for this position. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Alaska on two separate …

The Beginning of the 2019 Iditarod

The annual Iditarod musher sign-up and volunteer picnic took place which officially means that the 2019 Iditarod has begun. This year’s race will be the 47th Iditarod since its beginning in 1973. Iditarod headquarters was filled with mushers who were excited to sign up for this race which will test their mental and physical fortitude, …

A Taste of Tradition

“Understand cultures other than your own. As your understanding of other cultures increases, your understanding of yourself and your own culture will increase exponentially.” -Tom Freston Cultivating an understanding of one’s culture is immensely valuable because it lets you recognize the morals, principles, values, practices and traditions which existed and were prevalent during the establishment …

A True Pioneer

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.                         –Marcus Garvey   Each year, dozens of courageous mushers sign up for the Iditarod with hopes of completing the more than 1,000 mile extreme journey from Willow to Nome. Thousands of fans flood the state of …

Iditarod Heroes and Leaders

If there is but one commonality amongst people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences, it is that there is often someone in your life whom you admire, respect and often aspire to be. While the Iditarod is the perfect tool to help teach qualities such as perseverance, respect, determination, focus, and integrity, learning about many …

Ride of a Lifetime

Much like any other athlete and sport, training and hard work during the off-season are integral parts which have a direct correlation with the achievement of success. Think about any sport or activity which you participate in. What do you do to get better? One of the things mushers do to practice and help the …

Like a Kid in a Candy Store!

Puppies, candy, and beautiful Alaskan weather- what more could one want in life? Summer Camp for teachers has finally begun and I feel like a kid in a candy store. Over the course of the next week, my home away from home will be at Vern Halter’s homestead- more formally known as Dream a Dream.  The …