Teach and Learn

Engaging lessons based on Insider video clips.


Our four-legged correspondents write for all ages..


Collection of all things Iditarod.

     
     
    
    
    

Latest Teach and Learn Posts

SEL Snack: Thanks Mom!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and elementary kids are busy creating paper posies and coupon books to let the “Mom” in their life know how much they are loved. You’ll notice I put the “Mom” in quotes, as this day has evolved to rightfully incorporate not just biological mothers, but any important female …

We All Get What We Need in Equal Measure

Iditarod dog teams provide a perfect opportunity to discuss the difference between equality and equity with our students.  Dog Teams consist of diverse personalities all working toward a goal.  Much like a dog team, the classroom is a group made up of individuals, all of whom need different supports to be their very best.  Some …

It’s A Rush!

The Iditarod Trail checkpoints are full of contrasting histories -some are villages inhabited by Alaska Native families who have lived there for generations while others are gold rush towns created by an influx of foreigners seeking their fortune. In the villages of Nikolai, Anvik, and Kaltag I witnessed the challenges and hardship of living off …

2023 Iditarod EDU Summer Seminar in the UP Michigan

2023 Iditarod EDU Summer Seminar Newberry, MI, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan June 25 – 27, 2023 Registration (only $100) is open for the 2023 Iditarod  EDU Summer Seminar in upstate Michigan! We are thrilled to again be offering a Lower 48 professional development experience like no other!  With kennel visits, Iditarod educator …

Iditarod National Historic Trail Junior Trailblazer Booklet

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is run along the Iditarod National Historic Trail.  The Bureau of Land Management and other entities that own the land which the trail runs through all work in conjunction with the Iditarod Trail Committee to run the race each year.  It is Alaska’s only winter National Trail and was …

SEL Snack: Let Your Decisions Define You

According to a study by busyteacher.org, teachers make 1500 decisions per day related to their work in the classroom. The role of educator, at every level, involves informing, assessing, administrating, facilitating, and de-facto parenting. All day long we make choices  – and the heart of these decisions is our responsibility to our students. SEL:Snack posts …

Meet Kate Newmyer – the 2024 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™️

The Iditarod Education Department is pleased to announce that Kate Newmyer is our 2024 Iditarod Teacher on the TrailTM.  Kate accepted this job after a through and rigorous application and selection process.  Based on her written application, she was selected as one of 3 finalists that were invited to Alaska prior to this year’s race …

IditaRead Finisher’s Certificate

Your IditaRead “mushers” may be crossing the finish line soon. Here are the PDFs and jpeg for a black and white or a color finisher’s certificate for you to present to your finishers. Additionally, we want to thank the over 1,200 teachers that signed up for the digital IditaRead program.  The suggestion box is live …

Izzy the Immunization Dog – Resources for Alaska Educators

In cooperation with the Department of Health and Human Services, and for the purpose of protecting our children and communities, the Iditarod Education Department wants to share these resources for use in your schools.   There are mazes, coloring pages, and flyers.  Click on each thumbnail to access the documents.

Classroom Community Restart!

Educators devote an enormous amount of effort into creating a positive, supportive classroom community. The beginning of the year is dedicated to establishing norms and expectations so that every student feels included and supported. Integrated into the curriculum is identity work, emotional regulation strategies, lessons on collaboration, respect, and consideration, and reminders to make responsible …