I’m thrilled—exuberant, elated, and ecstatic—to introduce the theme for my year as the 2027 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail: Paws, Paths, and Possibilities: Building Connections Along the Iditarod Trail. For me, becoming Teacher on the Trail was once just a possibility. I first discovered the program in 1999, never imagining that someday I would actually be selected. In 2026, that possibility became reality. I hope to equip you with “possibilities” that can assist you in using or enhancing the use of the Iditarod as a learning tool in your classroom. Join me on the Iditarod “path of possibilities” as I post each month a new lesson and a classroom and community connection.
I’m Tami Schoff, a 6th grade Language Arts teacher, from a little town called South Berwick in southern Maine. I teach on a team of four teachers serving about 75 sixth graders at Marshwood Middle School. I’ve taught Pre-K, 8th grade, and served as a Literacy Coach. Our Middle School houses 6-8 graders. The students come from three towns: South Berwick, Eliot, and Rollinsford. My husband of 33 years and my two engaged children and their partners are the loves of my life. My children were my inspiration to apply for The Teacher on the Trail. Seeing each of my children take on their own life challenges led me to know this was my time to challenge myself. My daughter opened her own sensory gym and started an inclusive preschool, and my son purchased his first home. Outside of working in my classroom and with kids in all different avenues, I enjoy spending time and sharing adventures with my family and friends, traveling, gardening, and reading. I have been told time and time again how special, lucky, and blessed I am to have grown up in the same community I teach in, live in, and raised families together with friends I have had since elementary school. Throughout my career, I’ve learned many things, one being that the best learning happens when we make connections. That is exactly what I hope to do with the Iditarod this year for you.
2027 Iditarod Path
(photo credit: Iditarod EDU)
Follow the Path of Possibilities:
Beginning in September, I’ll be sharing TWO posts every month:
The 5th — Paws to Learn
A complete, classroom-ready lesson you can take and use with your students.
The 25th — Paths to Connect
A creative way to connect the Iditarod to your classroom, your community, or everyday life.
The posting dates for each month are set purposefully. Can you figure out why I will be posting on the 5th and 25th of each month? Please reach out to me at emailtheteacher@iditarod.com with answers or questions.
The Iditarod could not happen without its incredible canine athletes. So this year’s lessons will follow three stages of a dog’s life:
Puppy — Pre-K–4
Junior — Grades 5–8
Adult — Grades 9–12
Because I teach middle school, my primary focus will be the Junior stage. Still, every lesson will include ideas and extensions to make it adaptable for the Puppy and Adult learners. The Iditarod is also more than just a race. As Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski reminds us, “the Iditarod is not only a great sporting event—it is also a powerful demonstration of the bond between people and animals.” That bond gives us an incredible pathway for learning. This year, I want to use that bond as a starting point for another important connection—the partnership between educators. The Iditarod provides an incredible opportunity to move beyond the walls of one classroom and connect across content areas. Since I only teach Language Arts, I’ll be working throughout the year alongside my colleagues and content specialists to show how the Iditarod can create meaningful connections among Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Physical Education, Social-Emotional Learning, and beyond.
Just as a successful dog team depends on every member working together, powerful learning happens when educators work as a team. Together, we’ll turn paws into lessons, paths into partnerships, and possibilities into learning. The trail is better when we travel it together. Are you ready to mush through the school year with me? Follow along as we explore how the Iditarod can become a trail of possibilities—connecting curriculum, students, communities, and the world beyond our classroom walls.
