I can’t believe it is here… the journey that I have been thinking about for years is now coming to fruition.

Hello to everyone in Iditarod nation! I am extremely excited to begin this adventure as the 2021 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™. My name is Jim Deprez and I am a 3rd grade teacher in Ohio. I am originally from central Massachusetts, and therefore a big New England sports fan. After coming out to Ohio for college where I met my wife, I started my teaching career after graduating from The Ohio State University, and therefore also a huge Ohio State fan as well. I was introduced to the Iditarod in my first year of teaching and saw the huge impact it had on the 2nd graders at the time. I saw how much this age group likes friendly competition, and LOVES dogs, so the Iditarod is a perfect combination! Since then I have taught in Raleigh, North Carolina and 3 different school districts in Ohio; bringing the Iditarod with me wherever I taught. The result has always been the same; the kids love learning about and following the Iditarod.

I am looking forward to sharing with all of you some of the things that I have done with my students in the past and also connecting with you and hearing what YOU are doing in YOUR classrooms. 

Feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you would like to connect in any way at emailtheteacher@iditarod.com! Looking forward to talking with you!

So let’s get started!