Author: Jane Holmes (111 posts)


Calling all Who Know Educators!

Are you or do you know a teacher? The Iditarod Education Department has numerous free programs and an almost endless library of lessons that align to standards for educators to use: public, private, charter, and homeschools included. Please help us spread the Iditarod love and the word to teachers in your life. Did you know …

Jon Van Zyle Sketches for the Education Department Newsletter

The Iditarod Education Department is so very thankful for the continued support of Jon Van Zyle, official Iditarod artist.   Each month, he sketches an original artwork to accompany an article in the EDU’s “Mush On!” newsletter.  Jon has donated these sketches to the education department to be offered for sale to raise funds to support …

2023 Musher Banquet Centerpiece Project for Students

Teaching Volunteerism The Iditarod takes place because thousands of volunteers play major roles in every aspect of the race and the events that surround it.  Your students can join the team as official “Classroom Volunteers”! Join the annual musher banquet table centerpiece project!   Classrooms will create and send the decorations that will be featured …

Iditarod Education Dept. “Starting Line” Webinar

***REGISTRATION CLOSED*** Join us for a FREE webinar Wednesday, September 14 at 4 – 5 p.m. AKDT/8 – 9 p.m. EST The Iditarod Education Department’s projects, programs, and resources are available to use RIGHT NOW in your classroom.  Our Starting Line Webinar is one completely packed hour to help you get a head start on …

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Iditarod Education Dept. “Starting Line” Webinar

Join us for a FREE webinar Wednesday, September 14 at 4 – 5 p.m. AKDT/8 – 9 p.m. EST The Iditarod Education Department’s projects, programs, and resources are available to use RIGHT NOW in your classroom.  Our Starting Line Webinar is one completely packed hour to help you get a head start on integrating the …

Flaskback Photo – Cassandra Wilson Brady, 2003 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail ™️

I enjoy reading books about the Arctic and the indigenous life.  One book that stands out for me was, Shadows on the Koyukuk: An Alaskan Native’s Life Along the River by Sidney Huntington. I highly suggest this book to get an interesting picture of an Alaskan life along the river.   My Teacher on the Trail 2003 …

Flashback Photos – Andread “Finney” Aufder Heyde – the original Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, 1999

Leaving the 1999 Musher Banquet I had the pleasure of meeting and having a picture taken with Joe Redington, Sr. and his lovely wife, Violet. It was a total surprise and is a treasured photo I am so fortunate to have. What a way to begin my trail adventure many years ago! I had such …

Get Your Immunizations For the 2022 – 2023 School Year

Izzy from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services joined the Iditarod at the Ceremonial Start in Anchorage.  Now it is time to get ready for school in the fall!     Click on the image to enlarge it.

Flashback Photo – Jane Holmes, 2008 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail

This picture of Louis Nelson, Sr. in Unalakleet in 2008 is one of my favorites.  He is an elder, born and raised in Kotzebue, living a largely subsistence lifestyle.  The Iditarod was started to preserve the sled dog culture and Alaskan huskies. The use of dogs was an integral part of Alaskan native lives. For …

Flashback Photo – Cathy Walters, 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about my Iditarod experience was realizing the magnitude of women’s contributions to the sport. Seldom in professional sports do men and women compete together, vying in the same arena, against the same elements, for the exact same prizes. However, from Libby Riddles’ victory in 1985, to Susan Butcher’s four victories, …