As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, autumn gently makes her debut. With the school year in full swing, there’s a shift in energy at school, too—both excitement and anticipation fill the air. Whether you are deep in the transition of seasons, or have yet to see a leaf turn yellow, I hope you learn something new in this month’s edition of More to Discover.

HAVE YOU HEARD __ Often when teachers use the Iditarod in their classrooms, they skip over how the race was started. This could be due to not knowing the true reasons for starting the race or thinking that it isn’t important or perhaps even due to lack of time in the classroom. There are several reasons why I think it’s important for students to know the history of the Iditarod. It comes back to Alaskan culture, keeping traditions alive, and clearing up any misconceptions about the race’s ties to the Serum Run. 

So, how did the race start? It started with a dream! Joe Redington Sr. had been living in Alaska since 1934 and he wanted to keep the tradition of dog sledding alive. Snowmobiles were starting to take over the duties that were previously set aside for sled dog teams, such as delivering the mail, transportation, and exploration. Redington and his wife, Vi, had an extreme interest in the historic Iditarod trail and wanted it to be nationally recognized. His dream came true in 1973 with the first Iditarod race to Nome. Do you know why the race is said to be 1,049 miles? They knew that the race was about 1,000 miles added to the fact that Alaska is the 49th state. My book highlight for the month is Champion of Alaskan Huskies by Katie Mangelsdorf- check it out for more information on Joe Redington Sr, the Father of the Iditarod!

Tudor Track at the first Iditarod race to Nome 1973. Photo Credit: Champion of Alaskan Huskies

Here’s a double dose of HAVE YOU HEARD! __ The start of the race is important, but to teachers who use the Iditarod in class, the start of the Teacher on the Trail™ program is also very important! Earlier in the month, I met with Andrea Auf der Heyde (known by many as Finney), who is the very first Teacher on the Trail. She wanted to bring a unique experience to her students… and she definitely did! She blazed the trail for teachers after her and her adventures were quite unique. For starters, Finney is a gem. Her passion and love for students would shine each time she told a story. She unknowingly at the time started a program that would reach students and teachers around the world for over 25 years (and counting), which ultimately created a fun way to teach and learn by using the Iditarod as a tool in classrooms. Finney mentioned how helpful and kind the Iditarod Air Force pilots were during her time on the trail. They would get in touch with her if there was something incredible she needed to see, such as a herd of muskox nearby. Finney also spoke highly of the families living in towns along the trail and I hope I get to experience a portion of the hospitality and generosity that she did.

The first and current Teacher on the Trail- Finney and Maggie Hamilton. Photo Credit: M. Hamilton

SEPTEMBER TRAINING __ Mushers are starting to make several transitions as the weather gets colder. While the dogs are busy staying physically fit by giving tours during the summer, the mushers are also staying physically active by running and strength training. 2025 Iditarod rookie Sydnie Bahl mentioned that they’ll start with fall training using a side-by-side until the snow arrives, and then they’ll transition to the sled. She says that fall is also the time of year that they are getting all of their gear ready for winter and beginning to order supplies such as a new sled, etc. Iditarod rookie Isaac Teaford said that he has been living on a glacier with his race dogs since May so that they can be training on the snow most of the year, which they love! 

VIBRANT VOLUNTEERS __ Over 1,500 volunteers are needed each year to work the many different positions that support the Iditarod race. Volunteers flock to Alaska each year from all over the world and many of those volunteers are back after helping in the past. This month I am highlighting another volunteer position that takes place in Anchorage: The Call Center. Starting the Monday before the race starts, there will be four people per shift (including a shift supervisor) manning phones and computers. Volunteers will answer phone calls from around the world about the race, the mushers, race updates, and other Iditarod related topics. Many answers can now be found online, but there are some questions that are better answered personally. Volunteers are provided the tools they need to complete their task, such as training, resources, and plenty of Iditarod information. Your students can brainstorm a list of questions that the volunteers might receive, and perhaps even make a call during the school day!

AT MY SCHOOL __ This month has been all about coming together as a class, grade level, and school. While I placed a heavy emphasis on the race in the first month of the year, things have slowed down a bit. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my lesson plan for the month! I created two sets of cards that can be useful in almost any math lesson and I printed out a set for each of the teachers in my building. The more students hear the checkpoint names, the more familiar they will become during race time. Some of the names might be unfamiliar to you and your students, but you can use this pronunciation guide.

Tools in the classroom. Photo Credit: M. Hamilton.

Let’s connect! I can be reached through email at emailtheteacher@iditarod.com. I look forward to hearing from you!