- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
2022 Teacher of the Year
Kelly Shrein
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced students and teachers to adapt to distance learning, Shrein’s ability to keep students engaged and show them love and support caught the attention of local and national media outlets.
This began with her driving by each students’ house expressing how much they were missed. She then began writing postcards, setting up Zooms, and making phone calls consistently through the spring and summer. When classes resumed via Zoom in fall of 2020, attendance in her class was higher than anticipated and the fruits of the time spent connecting with students outside of class were apparent.
“Congratulations to Mrs. Kelly Shrein,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “As a former teacher, principal, and superintendent in rural Alaska, I know the challenges educators face every single day, which is why it’s so rewarding to see students eager to learn. So I thank all of our Alaskan educators across the state. I appreciate everything you do.”
Kelly Shrein is a shining example of what makes Alaska’s educators among the best in the country,” Commissioner Michael Johnson said. “Even in the face of adversity, Mrs. Shrein goes to extraordinary lengths on a daily basis to connect with her students and ensure an excellent education, regardless of the circumstances. Kelly’s work to reach out to, support, and encourage her students throughout the pandemic shows tremendous creativity and care – not just for who the students are today, but for the adults and leaders they will become in the future.”
Shrein is a 2013 graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage and has been with the Anchorage School District since 2013. She earned a Master’s of Education in Reading and Learning at Walden University.