Re: School Districts

sponeil

Posted on 2/01/11

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On 1/02/11, Randall wrote:
> I look forward to someone answering this question.
>
> On 12/12/10, Collie Mom wrote:
>> Can anyone tell me if there are districts that should be
>> avoided and ones that should be looked at for employment?
>> I am planning on applying for teaching positions this
>> spring in Alaska and would like to know some information.
>> Any help would be very much appreciated.
>> Any suggestions for bush teaching?

There arn't too many districts that I know of in Alaska that you
should avoid, but one that is fantastic for the teaching
experience is Thunder Mountain High School in the Juneau School
District. Juneau is the 3rd largest city in Alaska, proud to
boast a Wal-mart, McDonald's, Subway, Safeway, Fred Meyer, and
30,000 citizens, which becomes 60,000 for a few months a year
(yaaay tourists).

I think I'd try to avoid Anchorage, but I havn't heard anything
bad about Fairbanks (the 2nd largest city).

However, be warned, if you go to the interior or up to
Anchorage, the weather can be very harsh. The Southeast area
(Juneau, Haines, St. Petersberg, Ketchican etc) is pretty mild
since it sits on the coast, but Fairbanks and Anchorage are
known for hitting -70 F, and have several months worth of
darkness and midnight suns.

Bush communities, especially near Yakutat or Yupiak, are a very
harsh lifestyle. If you go to one, know that you can expect them
to be stand-offish for a while since they get such a quick turn
around of teachers. Most teachers arrive in August, and quit
after Christmas break. If you go to a bush community (no roads
lead to it, and the populations are usually pretty small),
please please PLEASE be dedicated enough to stay for at lest 3
years. Those years will be harsh, but after that third year,
you'll be truly welcomed into the communities as one of their
own, and might find that lifestyle to your choosing.

I hope that helps.

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