When traveling north, many people, past and present, have undergone transformations to their character and outlook on life. Arctic explorers, past and present, feel the call of the north. Many mushers talk about how racing the Iditarod is a transformative experience.  The Iditarod Trail winds from Anchorage, northwest across interior Alaska, through mountains and along …

What do Alaska winter gear and spacesuits have in common? A lot, as it turns out.  Both of these specialized sets of apparel have features designed to protect the wearer from environmental hazards such as extreme temperatures, debris impact, and radiation.  Gear must have many other functions such as pockets and clasps for tools and …

What would it be like for your students to become a musher for a day? Or to transform into the race marshal, a pilot, or dog handler? How would they feel to wear what Iditarod volunteers wear, to speak as they do, and to inhabit their experiences?  This lesson, “Iditarod Living Museum,” is a close …

It’s December, and this Gulf Coast resident is watching with envy from afar as dog teams travel down snowy trails in Alaska and run first-of-the-winter short races. Winter in my part of Texas could be considered “shorts weather” in Alaska!  I shared photos of the recent deep snowfall in Anchorage with my students—and they were …

Teaching is a great example of a shared journey.  Each year is a little bit different. We build kinship and camaraderie with our colleagues and team over time.  Within our classes, we intentionally build community among our students as the year progresses.   The more I learn about the Iditarod, the more I come to …