Author: MDFinalist22 (8 posts)


Living Your Values With Iditarod ~ by Kathy Thompson

Paw Print = Maryland Exploration Feeling = Appreciative Live Your Values with Iditarod What can I say about my experience as a 2023 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail Finalist?  How can I conclude this incredible voyage in one final post?  There were so many powerful moments that this last post makes it difficult to wrap …

United at the 50th Anniversary of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Alaska by Kathy Thompson

Paw Print = Willow, Campbell Airstrip ~ Restart of the 2022 Iditarod Dog Sled Race Exploration Feeling ~ Day Eight = United Again, I am speechless.   Today was yet another exciting day as we left Anchorage and headed about 11 miles to Willow.  The bus was filled with obvious excitement for what lay ahead.  Although …

Learning about “Challenges” the Iditarod Way ~ by Kathy Thompson

Paw Print = Anchorage ~ 50th Anniversary Iditarod Ceremonial Start Exploration Feeling ~ Day Seven = Challenged As I sit here looking out my window after a magical day being part of the 50th Anniversary Ceremonial Start for the Iditarod Dog Sled Race of 2022, several ideas danced in my mind.  What is one thing …

Teaching Self-Motivation Through The Iditarod ~ by Kathy Thompson

Paw Print = Anchorage ~ Teacher Conference last day, Dog Handler Class, I.C.E. training and COMMS training Exploration Feeling ~ Day Six = Motivated As the three of us started to head down the stairs toward our next adventure, I realized that our time is growing shorter together.  This makes me realize how much I …

“Show” Verse “Tell” Approach to Teaching ~ by Kathy Thompson

Paw Print = Anchorage ~ Teacher Conference and 50th Anniversary Gala Exploration Feeling ~ Day Five = Enlightened What a rewarding day beginning with the Teacher on the Trail Finalist presentation.  The three of us were a bit nervous starting our day knowing our presentations were ahead of us this morning, however, we were so …

Creating Powerful Moments in Your Classroom ~ by Kathy Thompson

Paw Print = Wasilla and Willow ~ Iditarod Headquarters and Alaskan Husky Adventures Exploration Feeling ~ Day Four = Insightful Wow!  Today was a phenomenal day outside of Anchorage.  We arrived in Wasilla to the Iditarod Headquarters.  Mushers and sled dogs were there getting the pre-race check-ups for the start of the race on Saturday.  …

Relationship Building ~ by Kathy Thompson

Paw Prints  = Anchorage ~ Lakefront Hotel (Iditarod Teacher Conference Day 1) Exploration Feeling ~ Day Three = Brighter Today was our first day at the Iditarod Teacher Conference.  It felt rewarding to know some of the lessons shared have already been exposed to my students.  I felt excited to know that there are still …

Arriving in Alaska Feeling Thankful ~ by Kathy Thompson

Paw Print:  Anchorage, Alaska (scenic tour and relationship building) Exploration Feeling ~ Day One = Thankful As I arrived to Anchorage, I realized how thankful and excited I am to have made it this far in my journey toward my Alaska adventure.  I am thankful for my colleagues and principals that supported me over the …