- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Last Call, New, Reminder
Last Call! Teaching Early Literacy Remotely
How do you teach a K-3 student to read remotely? Join the experts from REL Northwest to learn about implementing evidence-based early literacy practices in a remote learning environment, including engagement and support practices for early learners. There will be two separate opportunities within this series: one for primary instructors, and another for staff and caregivers who support early literacy. Optional UAA credit available. Contact Amy Jo Meiners at amyjom@serrc.org for course credit registration information. This new Beyond the Bell series begins on January 11, Mondays from 3:45 – 5:15 pm AKST.
Last Call! Introduction to Nautical Skills Online
AVTEC’s Young Mariner Program Spring registration for our Intro to Nautical Skills online training course is open and we have already registered several students for the spring. The course covers 2 topics, delivered over 6 weeks of training! The course begins on January 19 and ends on February 25 and is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:45 am – 9:45 am via Zoom. Registration will close on January 11 OR earlier, if the course reaches maximum capacity. For more information, visit AVTEC’s webpage.
Last Call! U.S. Department of Education’s School Ambassador Fellowship
The School Ambassador Fellowship is designed to improve educational outcomes for students by leveraging the expertise of school-based practitioners in the creation, dissemination, and evaluation of national education policy. Educators, administrators, counselors, or other staff workers are invited to apply. Application deadline is January 11, 2021.
Last Call! UAS ED593 Coaching/Mentoring New Teachers Virtual Course - Spring 2021
If you are mentoring an intern/student teacher or an early-career teacher, this course is for you! This course will provide you with collegial support and opportunities to explore and apply effective coaching/mentoring practices including: creating coaching plans, using effective language stems for coaching conversations, and direct practice in coaching experiences. Engage in reflection and resource sharing with colleagues from across the state and deepen your confidence and capacity as a mentor and a coach. For more information contact Lisa Richardson or Beth Hartley. The registration deadline is January 11.
Last Call! Spring 2020 AK-CASE Scholarship
Alaska Council of Administrators of Special Education (AK-CASE) is pleased to offer a $1000 scholarship. The intent of the scholarship program is to encourage and assist persons choosing a career in the Special Education or related services field. The applicant must be a student in good standing and currently enrolled in a program at UAA, UAS, UAF, or an online program that will result in certification in an area, which provides services to school age students receiving special education. For more information, including application requirements, please contact Jessie Towarak at jtowarak@bssd.org. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2021.
Last Call! Distinguished Special Education Administrator of the Year Award
The Alaska Council of Administrators of Special Education (AKCASE) is excited to announce the second Distinguished Special Education Administrator of the Year Award. We are looking for an outstanding Special Education Administrator to be recognized at the Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC). The selection committee accepts nominations from school board members, superintendents, teachers, parents, colleagues, community members and/or anyone who has personal knowledge of an Alaska Special Education Administrator’s performance and qualifications. Please complete the Online Nomination Form and submit Nomination Packet Components to jtowarak@bssd.org by January 11, 2021.
Last Call! College Credit for High School Students - Sustainable Energy Classes
High school students are invited to register for a series of four sustainable energy classes held virtually starting January 19. Four 100-level college credits will be awarded to those who complete the requirements of the track: Home Energy Basics, Small Wind Systems, Solar Energy, and Intro to Biomass Systems. Classes are held January 19-April 23, Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:45-3:30pm. Additionally, tuition assistance is available. Registration is open for students statewide until January 11th. Visit the Bristol Bay Region CTE website or contact Eric Goddard (esgoddard01@alaska.edu) with questions and to register interested students.
Last Call! Save The Date for the Association of Alaska School Boards!
- Virtual AASB Maintenance Conference – January 13-14
NEW! Online Professional Development Course: Wildfire and You in a Changing Climate
UAA ED 581 course January 28, February 4, February 18, March 4: 6:00pm-8:00pm Zoom sessions
Final Project Due April 1, 2021
Course description and more information can be found here on Alaska Natural Resource and Outdoor Education (ANROE)'s website.
Must Pre-register by January 20, 2021 by contacting Mary_Timm@hotmail.com
June Nelson Memorial Scholarship
The Association of Alaska School Boards is proud to announce its 30th Annual Scholarship Award Competition! The June Nelson Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of the late June Nelson, longtime school board member from Kotzebue. June contributed much to the cause of education and will be remembered for her outstanding service on behalf of Alaska's children. This 2020-2021 school year, AASB will award fifteen graduating seniors each with a $1,500 scholarship to apply toward their post-secondary education. The scholarship may be applied toward the student's choice of a business, trade or a college institution. The deadline to apply is March 8, 2021.
Beyond the Bell, Two New Professional Book Studies
By popular request, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain (begins Feb. 9) and Balance With Blended Learning (begins Feb. 11). Both are free and open to Alaska, Oregon, and Washington as we support our regional network. Register by Jan. 20 to receive a free copy of the print book. Course credit optional.
Beyond the Bell: Science Curriculum Topic Study
Join authors Page Keeley and Joyce Tugel for six interactive sessions creating applied science lessons aligned to Alaska Science Standards. They will address the needs of teachers at every level in their teaching careers, as well as those who support teachers. They will share the processes, organizers, and models that can be used to guide instruction. Collaborate with educators across Alaska and create a shared resource bank of lessons designed to engage students in applying content, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts within concepts. Register by January 20, 2021 to receive a free print copy of Science Curriculum Topic Study. Optional UAA credit available. Contact Amy Jo Meiners at mailto:amyjom@serrc.org for course registration information. The study begins February 11, Thursdays from 3:45-5:15pm AKST.
Monthly MeetUp for Rural Educators
Join rural teachers each month to connect and share ideas in job-alike groups or in specific interest areas. Rural teachers don’t always have colleagues with whom they can problem solve and brainstorm. Finding ways to connect and grow as professionals is especially important now, as we face challenges never before encountered. Meetings will be in an Edcamp style, where the agenda will be created in real-time based on the input of participants. The next meetup is Tuesday February 2 from 3:45 - 5:15pm. To register for next month’s session, visit aklearns.org.
Air Force ROTC Scholarship Program
The Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program gives high school seniors financial aid for college, followed by a guaranteed career in the Air Force (or Space Force!) upon graduation. If you’re curious about Air Force ROTC’s scholarship opportunities, the adventures you’ll have and the family you’ll discover within the program, or the thrill of becoming a confident leader in the world’s greatest Air Force or Space Force, please contact Sarah J. Boggins, 2d Lt, USAF. She is there to answer any and all of your questions!
Stories of Women in STEM at the Smithsonian
Stories of Women in STEM at the Smithsonian features biographies of trailblazing women who made history through their scientific discoveries and innovation. From aerospace engineer and mathematician Mary Golda Ross to hair care entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, learn how women have defied gender stereotypes and overcome structural barriers to advance the science, technology, engineering, and math industry. Read on Apple Books or via the web.
Districts can Register for Alaska’s School Climate & Connectedness Survey
All school districts are invited to participate in the 2021 School Climate & Connectedness Survey (SCCS). Schools are looking quite different this year. But no matter what shape learning is happening in your district-remotely, in-person, or blended, it is essential for students, staff, and families to feel safe and connected. Taking SCCS will provide you with student, staff, and student perceptions on how they are doing now. For the 2021 school year, additional questions have been added to better understand the needs of students, staff, and families during COVID-19.
For more information and to register go to: https://aasb.org/register-now-for-sccs/ or email Jenni Lefing at jlefing@aasb.org.
38th Annual UAA/Anchorage Daily News Creative Writing Contest - Call for Submissions
The Alaska Center for the Book, once again, is coordinating the annual UAA/Anchorage Daily News Creative Writing contest and would like to invite writers of all ages to submit entries. We especially would like to encourage librarians and teachers to share this information with their students and patrons. The age of entrants has ranged from 4 years old to 84 years old, so all ages are welcome. For more information on the rules and categories and to access the electronic entry form, please use this link Creative Writing Contest 2021. The last day to submit entries is February 15.
UAS Spring Course Offering for Educators
Registration is now open for EDRE 678 Reading Literature: Supporting Readers at All Levels. Join a vibrant community of educators from across the state to inquire into students’ reading processes, build a repertoire of instructional practices to engage students with literature (for both in-person and online learning environments), and create opportunities for students to become increasingly confident and proficient readers. This three-credit graduate level course is open to all ESE-12 educators in the state of Alaska. For more information, contact Lisa Richardson, PhD. at lrichardson3@alaska.edu.
UAA School of Education Seeking Comment
The School of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) the week of March 15, 2021. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments to the site team. Please note that comments must address substantive matters relating to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the party’s relationship to the provider (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Anonymous testimony will not be considered. Email callforcomments@caepnet.org to submit comments. The deadline to submit comment is March 12, 2021.
10th Annual Effective Instruction virtual conference
“What Works Now – Charting the Course” is Jan 22-24, 2021. The Alaska Staff Development Network, Alaska’s most trusted resource for professional learning for nearly 40 years, is presenting an inspiring group of nationally recognized educators to explore the latest research on what works now –- delivered in accessible and practical format. The registration deadline is January 22. More information and conference registration is available at ASDN.org - select the RTI/MTSS Effective Instruction Conference, or via this link: https://cvent.me/Pqzrxe.
The U.S. Department of Education is Seeking Education Success Stories
USED is looking to highlight education success stories and best practices. Teachers, parents, or student ambassadors are invited to draft a blog post about their successful transition to the classroom or hybrid teaching model that includes innovative or unique ways students are being educated in this new set of circumstances. The first blog in the series featuring a school teacher in New Hampshire is here. Contact Susan Falconer, USED, for more information.
The Parent’s Guide to Filling out the FAFSA Form
While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is the student’s application, we know that parents often play a large role in the process. With that in mind, the U.S. Department of Education wanted to provide instructions for parents who are starting the FAFSA form on behalf of their child.
Alaska’s Heart through Student Art Expands its Reach in 2020
Alaska’s Heart through Student Art is an annual celebration of student expression that brings legislators, statewide educational leaders, students, teachers and artists together to celebrate the beauty, inspiration, and creativity of student artists across the state. The event is launched annually in the capital city of Juneau as statewide leaders gather for the legislative session.
Latest COVID-19 Response Resources from the REL Program
In response to COVID-19, the 10 Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) have collaborated to produce a series of evidence-based resources and information about teaching and learning in a remote environment, as well as other considerations brought by the pandemic.
- Re-thinking Education Accountability Systems in Light of COVID-19
- Back-to-School Metrics: How to Assess Conditions for Teaching and Learning and to Measure Student Progress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Promising Practices and Approaches to Support Remote Learning
- Strategies for Educators to Support the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Demand for Racial Justice: Plans for Reopening Schools
- Supporting Students Experiencing Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. Department of Education Releases Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide
The U.S. Department of Education released a new Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide, a resource to help parents and guardians understand how digital tools can provide tailored learning opportunities, engage students with course materials, encourage creative expression, and enrich the educational experience.
NASF Centennial School Tree Challenge
The Centennial School Tree Challenge in Alaska invites schools to apply for tree grants through the remainder of 2020. The goal is to have 100 schools plant a tree to celebrate Arbor Day and to celebrate Alaskans strength and resiliency. Thanks to the US Forest Service, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has grants for up to $400.00 for the purchase, shipping and planting of trees. Trees can be planted on school grounds, or even indoors if your school has a suitable space or a greenhouse. There is no deadline, but this opportunity is first come first served.
38th Annual National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest
The National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest is a nationwide contest for 5th grade students and is designed to promote awareness among teachers, parents/guardians and children and engage them in discussions about safety. Posters should be mailed to Lieutenant Paul Fussey at 5700 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 by February 1.
Are you interested in dual enrollment opportunities at the University of Alaska? Members of the University of Alaska Transition Coalition (UATC) are available to assist with curriculum alignment, dual enrollment, and other opportunities that support the transition of secondary students to continue their training and education at the postsecondary level.
Girls Who Code at Home Activities
Girls Who Code releases free computer science activities for students, educators, and parents on Mondays. Some online, some offline, of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity features a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.
Get Us PPE is a national nonprofit that has delivered almost 2.5 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers. They are launching a program to get PPE to schools free of charge by matching schools and districts with local maker communities (groups that sew, 3D print, or otherwise produce "made" PPE). Interested parties can take this survey on PPE needs.
Google Educators Group of Alaska
Google Educators Group (GEG) are independently run communities of educators who inspire and empower each other to meet the needs of students through technology both in the classroom and beyond. Via face to face meet-ups and online activities, GEGs provide a way for educators who are passionate about education and technology to meet like-minded people and share, learn, and collaborate together.
Awareness Materials on Family and Youth Homelessness
As a result of the pandemic, and without the usual methods of outreach and identification, many families and youth experiencing homelessness may be even more disconnected from school and early childhood programs. The SchoolHouse Connection created PSAs and a social media toolkit to help raise awareness and provide information around educational rights.
Learning Computer Science While Schools are Closed
Code.org want to support teachers, students, and families while students are learning from home. They’re offering resources for parents and teachers. Plus, options for smartphones for anyone who doesn’t have a computer at home.
Online Story Circles for Educators and Community Members
Educator Story Circles are opportunities for small groups of people (educators and engaged community members) to gather together to listen and share thoughts and stories related to a common theme. No preparation is necessary, and each participant has the option to share or simply listen to others. Story Circles aren’t about performing. Rather, the purpose is to listen and connect. Participants who want to lead Story Circles with their own students or community members will have access to a free toolkit and will be eligible for a $200 stipend from the Alaska Humanities Forum.
Ready to Read Alaska is a statewide initiative for families and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in Alaska. The program’s mission is to promote early literacy development in Alaska’s young children to create the foundations needed for when a child begins to learn to read. Ready to Read is posting training videos on YouTube, and literacy tips, book recommendations, crafts, and activities on Instagram.
To submit news items, please email deed.infoexchange@alaska.gov. This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at https://education.alaska.gov/news/infoexch.
This newsletter contains hyperlinks to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the reader’s convenience. DEED does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.