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Ben Walker is a 7th grade science teacher at Romig Middle School, and he was also Alaska's teacher of the year in 2018. Ben is on the show today because, after listening to some of East Anchorage Book Club's previous podcast episodes discussing the Alaska education system, he felt an important perspective was missing. He wanted to share what it's like inside the classroom for teachers in the Anchorage School District right now.Link to Anchorage School's District Academy Model
Meet Danielle Riha, a middle school teacher at the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School in Anchorage. She is passionate about equity, indigenous languages, and culturally relevant lessons. She was the Alaska Teacher of the Year and one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year Award in 2019. Learning Moments: Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
This week, Charter School Superstars is at the at the National Charter School Conference in Las Vegas. Ryan interviews Danielle Riha, 2019 Alaska Teacher of the Year from the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School. In this interview, Danielle talks to us about her inspirational story in education, including her unusual journey into the teaching profession and how she overcame her difficult first year teaching in rural Alaska. You can find out more about her school’s work by visiting https://www.asdk12.org/anccs.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.This week, the crew is recording live from the Charter Talks Stage at the National Charter Schools Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. On this episode, the hosts discuss their favorite moments from this year’s conference. Ryan talks about being inspired by meeting 2019 Alaska Teacher of the Year Danielle Riha, Mike discusses the keynote speech from Sal Khan of Khan Academy, and Sarah recaps some powerful sessions she watched about combating sexual assault in schools.Hosts: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye)Producer: Ross Ulysse
In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2018 Alaska Teacher of the Year Ben Walker talks about why he believes both parents and educators need to take action instead of waiting to be asked to get involved.
In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year James Harris tells us about experiencing the power of collective voice, and how he joined others to use that voice to enhance education for his state.
Whether you graduated last week or 30 years ago, chances are that there was a standout teacher at some point in your school career. What was it about that person that made them significant? Perhaps they had a unique teaching style. Maybe they took extra time or showed you extra kindness? They may have seen the potential in you earlier than anyone else did. So on this program we celebrate and appreciate those educators who have made us all better people as a result of their work. IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Joining KTD host, Shana Sheehy, in the studio to discuss the importance of teachers and the legacy they can create are three of Alaska's most honored educators. Carol Comeau is the outgoing Superintendant of the Anchorage School District - a position she’s held for 12 years. Her career with ASD started in 1974 as a noon-duty attendant, from which she transitioned into various teaching and administrative positions. She is retiring this summer and moving to Bellingham; from there she’ll get to see her grandchildren and their parents a whole lot more. Lorrie Heagy is the music teacher and librarian at Glacier Valley Elementary School in Juneau. Lorrie has 15 years of classroom experience and started the Juneau, Alaska Music Matters and Art is Elementary programs. She was honored to represent this state’s teachers as the 2011 Alaska Teacher of the Year. Patricia Truman is the Executive Director of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission for the State of Alaska as well as the Alaska Teacher of the Year Coordinator. She is a 30-year retired teacher whose career included teaching in the Yukon Flats, Fairbanks North Star and Matanuska-Susitna School Districts. She is the 2001 Alaska Teacher of the Year.
Presentation by Alaska Teacher of the Year Cara Heitz from Cordova.