Hi! My name is Maggie Hamilton and I am thrilled to be starting my journey as the 2025 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail(TM)! I am a 5th grade teacher at Burris Elementary School in Mitchell, Indiana, and I will be starting my eighth year next month. In my spare time, I enjoy life at home and everything that comes with that: being with my family, reading, laughing, loving on our pets (dogs, cats, turkeys, chickens), beekeeping, cross-stitching, and more. 

Maggie Hamilton at Iditarod Headquarters, February 2024. Photo Credit: M. Hamilton

This year, I will be posting two times a month on the Iditarod EDU website. On the 1st day of the month, I will present a lesson plan that teachers can use in their classroom. Each month, the subject focus will differ; however, each lesson will be adaptable and will give ideas on how to weave the Iditarod race into what is already being taught in the classroom. On the 15th day of the month, I will present a blog post where you will learn more about the Iditarod, see how I use the race in my classroom/school, learn about the volunteer positions, and what training looks like for mushers each month.

Visiting Alaska as a Teacher on the Trail finalist during the race last year was life changing for me. I love the energy and buzz that hits my classroom when I start teaching with the Iditarod; however, to physically experience the sights, sounds, smells, and overall atmosphere of the race is completely different. I hope to capture as much of that to pass along and I can’t wait to share every moment of my adventures ahead! I can be reached through email at emailtheteacher@iditarod.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Iditarod Headquarters. Photo Credit: M. Hamilton