- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Commissioner's Office
Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson
Dr. Michael Johnson began his service as Commissioner on July 1, 2016.
Commissioner Johnson served in the Copper River School District as superintendent, school principal, district curriculum and staff development director, elementary teacher, and special education program assistant. During his tenure as its principal, Glennallen Elementary School was named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Johnson also is a recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award.
Commissioner Johnson holds certification in Alaska as a teacher and administrator. He holds a bachelor of arts degree and a master of arts in teaching degree in elementary education from Columbia International University, and a doctorate of philosophy in education and intercultural studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
E-mail Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson
Telephone: (907) 465-2802
Fax: (907) 465-4156
Deputy Commissioner Karen Melin
Karen Melin began her service as Deputy Commissioner on February 1, 2019.
Ms. Melin previously served as an education administrator and education specialist at DEED, including serving as the project coordinator for the Alaska’s Education Challenge and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Previously, Ms. Melin worked for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District as an assessment and multi-tiered system of support coordinator.
Ms. Melin holds certification in Alaska as a teacher, and has experience both as a reading specialist and as an elementary teacher. She holds an associate of arts degree in early childhood education from Evangel College and a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from the University of Alaska Southeast.
E-mail: Deputy Commissioner Karen Melin
Telephone: (907) 465-2800
Fax: (907) 465-4156
| Commissioner’s Office Staff | ||
|---|---|---|
| Erin Hardin | Special Assistant & Legislative Liaison | (907) 465-2803 |
| Vacant | Public Information Officer | (907) 465-6535 |
| Linda Mattson | Executive Secretary | (907) 465-2802 |
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Main Line |
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(907) 465-2800 |
The Office of the Commissioner is responsible for upholding the department’s mission, core services, and goals to support the state’s vision that “all students will succeed in their education and work, shape worthwhile and satisfying lives for themselves, exemplify the best values of society, and be effective in improving the character and quality of the world about them.” (AS 14.03.015)
The Office of the Commissioner provides leadership and direction for the department by establishing policy and coordinating agency strategy to meet Alaska’s Education Challenge and support an excellent education for every student every day. Commissioner’s office staff provide executive level oversight of department activities and services, support the State Board of Education and Early Development, fulfill public inquiries and requests, disseminate public information, and serve as liaisons with the governor’s office, legislature, congressional offices, other government agencies, school districts, native tribes and organizations, and Alaska’s education partner organizations.