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Jim Deprez 2021 Teacher on the Trail
The dogs have long been considered the “real athletes” of the Iditarod and the focus of my students year in and year out. Every year my class asks me “Where can I find out more about the Dogs?” The first place I direct them is each of the mushers websites listed on the bio page …
After the news of yesterday, I received an outpouring of messages, well wishes, videos and support from teachers, students, mushers and fans across the country. I cannot tell you how much that all means to me. I continue to be asymptomatic this morning, and after another full day in isolation yesterday, I was again …
I think it’s safe to say that we all have experienced disappointment at some point in our lives, whether it was something that didn’t turn out the way we had planned, or even a missed opportunity. For me, disappointment is unfortunately an experience I have lived with this past week. You may have noticed that …
This year, being the 50th running of the Iditarod in itself has a very special meaning. It honors the dream Joe Redington Sr. had of saving the Alaskan sled dogs, and preserving the historic Iditarod Trail by getting it added to the National Registry of Historic Trails. So for the entire Redington family, and all …
The 50th running of the Iditarod is finally upon us. The mushers have all left the chute on Willow Lake, heading 1000 miles across the breathtaking landscape of Alaska. The teams this year will follow the Northern route going through the checkpoints of Cripple, Ruby, Galena and Nulato on their way to the Bering …
There is nothing quite like the feel of the chute on race day. The atmosphere at 4th and D Street in downtown Anchorage is that of pure excitement, promise and hope, especially this year. 2022 is the 50th anniversary of the Last Great Race. It is honoring the history of the last half century …
Friday started with a talk from some important people in the Iditarod organization. Rob Urbach, CEO of the Iditarod, started things off and spoke about the direction and future of Iditarod. He also talked about the Iditaread program and its importance, especially here in Alaska. Mark Nordman, long time Race Marshal, followed. He shared …
The Winter Teacher’s Conference continued today with presentations from the three Teacher on the Trail finalists. This was their opportunity to share their best practices using Iditarod as a theme for education. With this being a year of celebrating Iditarod history, let’s take a look back and meet Finney, the first Teacher on the Trail …
Observing the triad of interaction between mushers, canine athletes and veterinarians is the objective for the teacher’s field trip to Vet Check at Iditarod Headquarters. The sled dog has remarkable physiological properties that make it the envy of human athletes. The sled dog is often described as indomitable and revered for its spirit, courage, strength, …
Today is a day that I will not soon forget. I got to meet the 2022 Winter Education Conference attendees, I spent a lot of time with former Teachers on the Trail™, and then I attended a special banquet for the “Old Iditarod Gang”. This event was geared to those who were involved in the …