Podcasts about Anchorage School District

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski is emphasizing her support for Alaska's Ukrainian refugees. In the Anchorage School District, a recently-introduced curriculum for young students learning to read is working, but funding is in question. And Immigration officials detained an Anchorage man originally from Peru last week, according to his wife.Photo: U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski speaks with Tetyana Robbins in Delta Junction on May 29, 2025. (Shelby Herbert/KUAC)

A prematurely born harbor seal pup was rescued earlier this month from a beach near Kenai, and in the Anchorage School District, a recently-introduced curriculum for young students learning to read is making a major impact.

Lawmakers head home after overriding the Governor’s veto on a major education funding bill. However, members from the Anchorage School District remain uneasy this morning. While the override of the veto moved things forward, the possibility of a line-item veto by the Governor still has some board members on edge. The board held its final meeting of the school year last night and is still waiting to learn how much money it will actually receive from the state.

Following recent votes to reverse cuts in Anchorage School District, staff could potentially remain in the positions they thought might get laid off — but in Fairbanks, a boost in per-student funding statewide may not translate to overcoming that district's budget deficit. Plus, Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance introduces an ordinance that could expand criminal charges for a larger range of negligent burning within the municipality, and a bill to change how certain digital corporations are taxed in Alaska is headed to the governor's desk.

A key education bill is moving forward in Juneau with a vote expected today. Plus, a choir teacher at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School is retiring at the end of this school year, leaving the future of the choir program at East uncertain due to the Anchorage School District’s massive budget deficit that has forced the displacement of hundreds of teachers and staff.

The Anchorage School District sent out a staff displacement letter Friday explaining that given the state’s budget cuts for next fiscal year, as well as the lack of funding bills being passed, principals and supervisors are beginning to notify staff Monday who will be displaced. Plus, budget cuts and vacancies remain at the top of the Anchorage School Board’s concerns as four candidates continue to campaign for two open board seats just one day before the election.  

It's election day in Anchorage - learn which Assembly seats and issues will be on the municipal ballot. Plus, the Anchorage School District is warning staff about possible layoffs by the start of next school year.

The Anchorage School District activated its Emergency Operations Center plan on Friday, preparing for the potential eruption of Mount Spurr. Plus, the City of Ketchikan is recovering from a rock slide Thursday morning that left hundreds of people displaced — no injuries or structural damage was reported, but the slide hit a road that connected the north and south areas of the island.    

After sweeping budget cuts within the Anchorage School District were approved Tuesday night, many within the ASD community facing the possible reality of seeing their jobs, programs, or activities cut. Plus, UA Board of Regents passes a motion to remove DEI references from titles, websites and printed materials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anchorage School District families and staff are reacting after the district passed sweeping cuts for next year's budget, ones that will cost meaningful jobs, activities and programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism in Alaska is a significant pillar of the state’s economy according to the Alaska Travel Industry Association. Plus, the Anchorage School District is recommending that Rilke Schule German Immersion School move into Lake Hood Elementary next school year and that Highland Academy Charter School move to the building that Nunaka Valley Elementary students currently occupy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this newscast: Lawmakers are working to hammer out a compromise on an education bill that could avoid the governor's veto; FBI agents in Anchorage participated in a nationwide immigration crackdown under President Trump last weekend, but local groups, including the Anchorage School District, are pushing back; More than 100 Juneau residents took to the sidewalk across the street from the Alaska State Capitol this afternoon to join a nationwide protest against President Donald Trump's administration and its recent executive orders; Tongass Voices: Tamara Wilson on her museum installation and the slinkies that live there

The Anchorage School District is trying to close a $100 million budget gap. Reporter Joe Allgood sat down with Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt to discuss that topic and others. Here is the extended version of that conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Alaska school districts are grappling with outsized budget deficits, and the Anchorage School District is no exception. Hear ASD Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt's plea to state leaders for assistance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anchorage School District is trying to close a $100 million budget gap. Reporter Joe Allgood sat down with Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt to discuss that topic and others. Here is the extended version of that conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anchorage School District has proposed making widespread budget cuts, including reductions in staffing and extracurricular activities. Listen to the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to officials, the Mat-Su Borough School District is ditching remote learning, while the Anchorage School District is considering the same move. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, families of students in the Anchorage School District were offered one last opportunity to meet and ask questions regarding the district's proposal to cut, combine, or repurpose seven of its schools. Check out full coverage on AlaskasNewsSource.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go inside the Anchorage School District's meeting with community members last night that discussed the district's proposal to close seven schools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines: Delta Junction schools briefly locked down Friday afternoon in response to a threat of gun violence that was later determined to be unfounded. Alaska isn't a swing state in the Presidential election. But the U.S. House race here could help decide who controls Congress. And Alaska's election results will take some time to come in following Election Day. Photo: Volunteers at Anchorage School District hand out ballots to voters during Alaska's primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media)

The Anchorage School District announced Friday that seven elementary schools are being considered to close within the next three years, with some being repurposed for other uses. ASD Superintendent Jarrett Bryantt speaks with Alaska's News Source on the matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anchorage School District on Friday released a list of seven elementary schools it is recommending be either closed, consolidated, or repurposed over the next three years. It's part of what the district has called its “Rightsizing Initiative.” We hear from the superintendent, as well as sit down with the president of the Anchorage School Board, on what this means moving forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anchorage School District announced Friday that seven elementary schools are being considered to close within the next three years, with some being repurposed for other uses. ASD Superintendent Jarrett Bryantt speaks with Alaska's News Source on the matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychologist, Dr. Ashley Doss, is the Anchorage School District's Critical Response and Wellness Coordinator. She shares insights on how families can help children cope with trauma after critical events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In two weeks, the Anchorage School District plans to announce a list of schools it recommends closing, repurposing or adjusting boundaries. That story and more top news and weather on this Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another confirmed case of whooping cough in the Anchorage School District, plus all eyes will be on tonight's presidential debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another case of whooping cough was found within the Anchorage School District and we have updates on a helicopter crash. Plus it all started as a way for a terminally ill child to be able to celebrate trick or treating one last time - now it's a tradition with a bigger cause.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lines are being drawn over the future of the Eklutna River Hydroelectric project. We take a look at how the Anchorage assembly hopes to persuade the governor on its plan. Plus, the Anchorage School District confirms another case of whooping cough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anchorage School District rolls out Academic Academies which hold great potential. Tony Soprano stops by to give us our thoughts on air travel today. 

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Doss, the Critical Response and Wellness Coordinator for the Anchorage School District in Alaska, shares her extensive experience in crisis response, threat assessments, and leadership in education. She discusses her journey in the field, her role as the president of the Alaska School Psychologists Association, and strategies for managing responsibilities, setting boundaries, and combating imposter syndrome. Dr. Doss emphasizes the importance of organization, time management, and team delegation. Tune in for insights on balancing professional duties and personal well-being while making impactful changes in the educational setting. Resources: Alaska School Psychologists Association: http://www.akschoolpsych.org/ JOIN SUMMER BOOT CAMP TODAY! Interested in Joining Summer Boot Camp? Register Today: ⁠https://jennyponzuric.com/summerbootcamp2024/⁠ Not sure and want to try out a 2-week Free Trial Inside Our Prepared School Psych Community Click Here and use Code Podcast at check out: ⁠https://jennyponzuric.activehosted.com/f/159⁠ ---------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together! Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more: Instagram: @jennyponzuric

Joel Penton knows what it means to tackle things.As a former defensive end for THE Ohio State University Buckeye football team, he has plenty experience identifying a target and wrapping it up.For now though, he's tackling much bigger issues.Joel is the CEO of LifeWise Academy, a religious education program that provides Bible studies to public school students DURING SCHOOL HOURS.And this ministry is literally exploding all across the country ! CLICK HERE to join the effort in the Anchorage School District that is already in the planning stages.A U.S. Supreme Court opinion has long ago clarified the legality of such programs as long as they are 1) off school property 2) privately funded and 3) opted in by parents.  Alaska Family Council is working closely with LifeWise Academy to bring this exemplary program to every school district in the Great Land.Their proven record of significant improvements in the areas of character education, mental health, academic outcomes and community involvement has created massive interest from schools and families.We're excited to ride the wave and I'm thrilled to shoot the breeze with a fellow Buckeye :-)I hope you can tune in.Support the Show.

Joel Penton knows what it means to tackle things.As a former defensive end for THE Ohio State University Buckeye football team, he has plenty experience identifying a target and wrapping it up.For now though, he's tackling much bigger issues.Joel is the CEO of LifeWise Academy, a religious education program that provides Bible studies to public school students DURING SCHOOL HOURS.And this ministry is literally exploding all across the country ! CLICK HERE to join the effort in the Anchorage School District that is already in the planning stages.A U.S. Supreme Court opinion has long ago clarified the legality of such programs as long as they are 1) off school property 2) privately funded and 3) opted in by parents.  Alaska Family Council is working closely with LifeWise Academy to bring this exemplary program to every school district in the Great Land.Their proven record of significant improvements in the areas of character education, mental health, academic outcomes and community involvement has created massive interest from schools and families.We're excited to ride the wave and I'm thrilled to shoot the breeze with a fellow Buckeye :-)I hope you can tune in.Support the Show.

Good morning, listen to the latest news and weather from Alaska's News Source. Tensions continue to persist among some members of the public over Anchorage police's decision not to release body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting. Also, all the information on Anchorage School District's summer meal program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this newscast: Weaver Lily Hope and her collaborators will debut a collection of child-sized Ravenstail robes. Adelyn Baxter visits Juneau’s recycling center for the latest installment of Curious Juneau. The Anchorage School District looks to close schools in response to declining student populations.

Happy Friday morning, here are the top stories today State Reps. Coulombe and Schrage share differing opinions on the Anchorage School District's recent announcement of school closures and consolidations - Steve Kirch State House Finance opts not to act on a new comprehensive education package - Steve Kirch Cruise ships in Seward are bringing a boost of summer tourism dollars early this year - Georgina Fernandez See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Poe has been a wildlife biologist in Alaska since 1998. He is the father of a trans daughter in the Anchorage School District, and today we discuss that experience.This episode is the first in a series on trans rights. The inspiration for these interviews is three bills currently moving through the Alaska State House: HB 183 which bans trans girls from playing girls sports; HB 105 which requires kids to get signed permission slips approving their preferred name and pronouns; and HB 338 which allows doctors to be sued up to 20 years after performing gender affirming procedures on trans youth.Alaska has many big problems. The pressing need to increase the funding of our public school system and finding a solution for an imminent energy crisis, for example. But instead of working on these very real, very substantial problems, we are spending the last weeks of session debating whether trans youth exist and have rights. They do exist; they do have rights; and over the next few days we will be hearing from them and their families.Aaron Poe recommends the following Ted Talk, "What it means to be intersex," by Susannah Temko. Click here to watch.

The Alaska House passed a wide-ranging, bipartisan education bill late Thursday night, federal education officials say Alaska owes millions in state funding to Juneau, Kenai and North Slope schools, city leaders say residents aren't applying for grants to promote the construction of mother-in-law apartments and the Anchorage School District reversed course Tuesday night, opting to keep elementary art classes that were slated to be cut in order to balance the budget. 

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines: A former firefighter who sued the Kenai Peninsula Borough last year settled out of court with the borough.A legislator from Big Lake has a vision of an Alaska Port Authority. And the Anchorage School Board presented a budget that would cut nearly 100 full-time positions. Photo: The seven-member Anchorage School Board is the governing body for the Anchorage School District.

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

Hour 1Tom Steigleman hosts today's program and talks about California's $68 Billion budget deficit, the backlash about UPenn President Liz Magill's comments, and Hunter Biden's recent indictmentsAnchorage Assembly member Radny Sulte calls in and gives our listeners an update about the snow removal effort, the override of the Mayor's budget vetoes, the Anchorage School District enrollment numbers and if ASD should consider closing more schools, and the Short-Term Rental ordinance.  Hour 2Tom S. talks more about UPenn's situation and now the President of Harvard is making her apologies too. Adam Holz from PluggedIn calls in to give his review of The Boy and the Heron, Godzilla Minus One, Squid Game the Challenge, and The Prince of Egypt the Musical.  Find more reviews at PluggedIn.comTodd Smolden from the Governor's office calls to talk about the Governor's Budget that is due to be released by December 15.  Tom & Todd also talk about the Governor's philosophy when developing the budget. 

Dr. Jharrett Bryantt is the superintendent of the Anchorage School District (ASD). He grew up in San Antonio and then went to college on the East Coast. He returned to Texas for his first teaching job at a charter school in Houston where he taught math as part of Teach for America which is a national program that supports college graduates to become teachers in our neediest schools through an alternative teacher certification process. Alaska does not qualify for Teach for America because we do not allow for alternative teacher certification. Two years later Jharrett left the classroom to begin his quick ascension up the administrative ladder of the Houston Independent School District. While working for HISD, he earned his doctoral degree in education policy and leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2019, Dr. Bryantt was named one of Forbes' magazines 30 under 30 for education based on his work to get more low income students into college. He began as ASD's superintendent in Summer 2022. 

HOUR 1Halloween is one week away"In a surprise walkout yesterday, the UAW directed 6,800 workers at Stellantis's largest Ram 1500 assembly plant to join the picket line." / (MB)  https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2023/10/24/the-auto-strike-hits-stellantis-in-its-moneymaker? "Chevron said on Monday it agreed to buy Hess for $53 billion in stock, the second proposed mega-merger among the biggest U.S. oil players after Exxon Mobil bid $60 billion for Pioneer Natural Resources  earlier this month." / (MSNBC) https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/23/chevron-to-buy-hess-corp-for-53-billion-in-all-stock-deal.html?"An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot has been charged with over 80 counts of attempted murder after he allegedly tried to shut off a plane's engines mid-flight Sunday, causing the flight to divert to Portland, Oregon." / (NBC News) https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-charged-attempted-murder-trying-shut-alaska-airlines-engines-fligh-rcna121681?Hamas releases more hostages  and an elderly victim discusses the tunnel system / (FOX News) https://www.foxnews.com/video/6339766855112Protests in the West Bank / (NPR) https://www.npr.org/2023/10/20/1207543936/israel-palestine-hamas-west-bankTrump says don't worry about voting / (MSNBC) https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/trump-tells-supporters-don-t-worry-about-voting-during-campaign-stop-196272197677Super Fog in Louisiana cause 150 pile up and seven dead / (Today) https://www.today.com/video/-super-fog-in-louisiana-causes-chain-reaction-crash-killing-7-196275269622Bill in Chugiak on division designations in high school sportsHOUR 2Tom S. adds to the school classification dialogue tossing in the relegation option."Seven GOP candidates remain in the speaker race Tuesday morning as Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama drops from the race. NBC News' Ali Vitali reports." / (MSNBC) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8qRn9E0h7Y"The Anchorage School District is putting a focus on attendance" / (ANS) https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2023/10/24/anchorage-school-district-focuses-shoring-up-attendance/Tom & Tom talk high school memorabilia and how long do you save it...State Representative Kevin McCabe with an update on his efforts on Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and discusses the Horizon Air jump seat pilot trying to turn off the engine en route to San Francisco 

HOUR 1Prosecutors unseal indictment charging Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife. / (FOX News) https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-handed-major-legal-defeat-attempt-restrict-oil-gas-drilling-gulf-of-mexicoProsecutors unseal indictment charging Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife /   (FOX News) www.foxnews.com/politics/democratic-sen-bob-menendez-facing-indictment-bribery-chargesJennifer Yuhas - President of the Outdoor Heritage Foundation; Mike Crawford - Secretary of Safari Club International discusses tomorrow's  National Hunting and Fishing Day which  is tomorrow. / Get your tickets here: https://alaskasuper7raffle.com/HOUR 2Tom and Tom talk fishing and hunting policiesMark from East Anchorage discusses the Anchorage School District's (inexperienced) superintendent Jharrett Bryantt (age 34 and hired at 32) and issues in the cityAdam Holz from "Plugged In" reviews "Spy Kids"; "Expendables"   / https://www.pluggedin.com/Todd Smoldon from Gov Dunleavy's office 

 Tom Steigleman hosts today's program.  During the first hour Tom S. talks to Rick Whitbeck from Power the Future to talk all things energy.  Tom & Rick also touch on tonight's Republican Presidential debate and what Rick hopes to see from the candidates. .Rand Sulte from the Anchorage Assembly calls in to get us up to speed on issues in front of the Assembly including their recent vote to not approve the Navigation Center, converting Anchorage from multiple layers of residential zones to just one residential zone, and the possibility of issuing permits for Air bnb and other short term rental operators. During the second hour Tom S. talks to Kevin McCabe. Alaska State Representative for District 30,  about the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).   Public comments are welcome at https://publicinput.com/r6552#0Donna Mears, Alaska State Representative for District 21, calls in to talk about transportation issues, food security, changes to conflict of interest rules, and legislative pay.Tom wraps up the show by playing a clip from Dr. Ben Carson when he was speaking to the students at Mountain City Christian Academy to see what the Anchorage School District was so afraid of when ASD opted to not let Dr. Carson speak in their schools. 

Tom Steigleman guest hosts for Tom Anderons and talks about missing child Lilah Foltz.  See the KVNT Facebook page or click this link for more details:https://getrave.com/m/2mjxQrSG8GfafTom S. talks about last nights For King & Country Concert at the Alaska State Fair.Tom S. talks about the upcoming Republican Presidential Debate and plays this clip from Fox News:https://www.foxnews.com/politics/desantis-ramaswamy-stand-center-stage-first-gop-presidential-debateTom talks about Ben Carson's visit to Alaska and play this clip from Alaska's News Source: https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2023/08/22/dr-ben-carson-visits-with-alaska-youth-amid-controversy/Tom interviews Alyse Galvin, Alaska State Representative for District 14, who gets us up to speed on things on the state level, education priorities.Cheryl calls in about Ben Carson being in Alaska and her disappointment with the Anchorage School District for not letting him speak to elementary students. Mike calls in to agree with Cheryl, because Cheryl is his wife and he wants to stay married!Art Mathias calls in to talk about Alaskans for Honest Elections and their effort to repeal Rank Choice Voting. Find more information at https://www.alaskansforhonestelections.com/Shelly Hughes calls in to join the conversation about ranked choice voting.

HOUR 1Race continues for successfully landing on the Moon's South Pole / (MB) https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2023/08/20/countries-aim-to-land-on-the-lunar-south-pole?Five indications President Biden won't actually run for re-election / (FOX News) https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/5-indications-joe-biden-not-run-2024Former President Donald Trump's campaign criticized Trump's 2024 Republican opponent Gov. Ron DeSantis for calling Trump-supporting members of Congress "listless vessels. / (CNN) https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2023/08/20/listless-vessels-ron-desantis-comment-trump-sot-cnntmw-vpx.cnnFormer President Donald Trump said on social media Sunday he will not participate in debates / (CBS News)  https://www.cbsnews.com/video/trump-says-he-wont-participate-in-debates-cbs-news-poll-shows-his-lead-growing/NH State Representative Fred Doucette, Chair of the NH Vivek Ramaswamy for President campaign on Trump not debating and on the Maui fire (Fred is a retired fireman)HOUR 2Alaska State Fair is on! https://www.alaskastatefair.org/site/Woodcarver Mike in Mat-Su on the problems in New HampshireMayor Dave Bronson on why the Anchorage School District's superintendent banned Dr. Ben Carson from speaking at Mt. View Elementary School "Mental health toll in Maui grows / (NPR) https://www.npr.org/2023/08/21/1194823959/maui-wildfires-mental-health-toll"Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson's administration and the Anchorage Assembly are still debating the feasibility of constructing and operating a mass homeless shelter in the city." /(ANS) https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2023/08/19/mayor-assembly-still-odds-over-navigation-center-project/Tom & Tom discuss the Sullivan Arena and their hope it becomes a powerful venue again

In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Leah Maltbie, Assistant Director of Fine Arts for the Anchorage School District. Among the topics discussed are challenges facing art educators as they work to implement more choice or bring the TAB approach to their contexts, art shows, communicating with administrators, and so much more.  For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org. Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks (https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/), an online platform dedicated to everything TAB! Here is a link to the unedited transcript of this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mBZmci07wLqxfNU9PemXWsL8AdK1jSMcVe7PWBCsqkU/edit?usp=sharing We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at storytellers@teachingforartisticbehavior.org.

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast with Katie Eakes (Ep. 60)Katie Eakes is Alaskan native musician and educator. She recently completed her 17th year teaching in the Anchorage School District. She is a graduate of East High School in Anchorage and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where she received a bachelors degree in music education. At TTU, Mrs. Eakes was a part of the Texas Tech String Project pre-teaching program and specializes in working with first, second, and third year string students. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Eakes is an active performer on Double Bass. While in Texas, she was tenured member of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. In Alaska she has served as a member of of the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra for 17 years, currently serving as Assistant Principal Double Bass, and performs with the Anchorage Opera where she serves as Principal Double Bass. Her leadership roles include serving as the Elective Department Chair, and the Co-Founder and Coordinator for the School Showcase. Mrs. Eakes also has a private bass studio, plays bass guitar with a reunion band, and serves as a studio and remote recording musician. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, her dogs, and her plants, and focusing on physical fitness. Link: https://www.youtube.com/@katiepidgeoneakes1788 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orchestrateacher/support

Margo Bellamy was recently elected by her fellow board members to serve as president of the Anchorage School Board for the third time. Ms. Bellamy grew up in Coconut Grove, an African American neighborhood in Miami, Florida. At the end of her 8th grade year in 1964 she was chosen as one of eight Black students to integrate the nearby all white high school. We discuss that experience and how it informed her life afterwards including her move to Alaska and her almost 50 years of work in the Anchorage School District.

Today, we welcome Elizabeth Congdon-McGee, the 2021 Alaska School Counselor of the Year and a professional school counselor for the Anchorage School District. Elizabeth talks about how she and the principal of her school have collaborated, and how investing in relationships and using data has made a difference in their work. She also provides insight into how school counselors can advocate for their work by intentionally sharing their story with different groups in the community. Elizabeth also offers advice on how to get more involved on a local and state level. Elizabeth Congdon-McGee was the 2021 Alaska School Counselor of the year. Elizabeth Congdon-McGee is a professional school counselor for the Anchorage School District with over 20 years of experience in education and counseling. Mrs. McGee began her career as a clinical therapist working with young children and at-risk youth, as well as a classroom teacher. Currently, she is a professional school counselor at Whaley K-12 School. She has presented at many statewide conferences and participated in many workgroups to enhance the profession and increase awareness of the role of a school counselor. She has recently moved her presentations to outside of Alaska-NWPBIS Conference and Washington School Counselor Conference. She will be presenting at the Nevada School Counselor Conference in March 2023. Elizabeth has enjoyed being the President of the Alaska School Counselor Association (AkSCA) from 2015-2016, Chair of AkSCA Membership Committee 2015-2021 and currently chairs the AkSCA Advocacy and Public Policy Committee-2015--present a NEA-AK Delegate for many years, and the Anchorage Education Association school counselor committee chair.