Read... Write... Think... Discuss...

Kaltag is a long way from Arkansas and Arkansas has been my home for many years.  I was born in California but spent most of my life in the middle of the country, Springfield, Mo., Tulsa, Ok., and Green Forest/Harrison, Ar.  Last year was my first year in Alaska where I taught at KMHS in Kotzebue.  Before that, I spent more than 15 years in Berryville, Ar. teaching 8th Grade Social Studies.  I started my educational career a little late in life at El Dorado High School in Southern Arkansas.  I turned 40 while working there.  Before that, I worked Health and Safety in the Pipeline industry.  In fact, I left a pipeline job in Moody, Al., to start teaching in El Dorado.

My bachelor's degree is in Psychology and my master's degree is in Educational Leadership.  When I was working pipeline, I would sub while off of work during the winter months.  I loved working at the school and worked on getting my credentials so I could become a full-time educator.  I have spent a lot of time driving a school bus and working in my classroom over the years.

I plan on working just as hard for the students and the community here in Kaltag.  My goals are simple.  I wanted to make sure the students and the staff have a safe working environment that is conducive to learning.  I want to make sure that the students here, have what they need to learn.

Our primary focus this year will be literacy.  Reading and writing are the heart and soul of education.  And, of course, we will be doing math, along with other important things, like history.  As a history teacher, I had to toss that one in.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the students and the community of Kaltag.  This will be my first time in a small village but I am excited about what is ahead.

Finally, I want to welcome the two new teachers who will be joining the team this year.  Mr. Daniel Tackett will be joining us from Florida but has been teaching in Japan for several years.  We also want to welcome Ms. Claire Hroscikoski.  Ms. Hroscikoski is from Iowa.  This will be her second year in Alaska and before that, she spent some time teaching in Africa.