About

I'm an Alaskan and an educator - I identify strongly with both of those things together and separately. I think I live in the greatest place on earth and I feel fortunate every day that I'm here. I feel the same about being an educator - I'm fortunate I get to be one. An Alaskan education is often a unique animal - ongoing innovation and creativity are vital for it to be successful.

Currently I serve as Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Alaska Gateway School District. I've worked as a New Teacher Mentor for the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project, and also as a middle and high school teacher for 20 years. I specialize in curriculum design and educational technology, and hold a Masters in Educational Technology from the University of Alaska. I also sometimes serve as an adjunct with the University of Alaska.

My time as a teacher mentor in 2006 happened to coincide with my first foray into bringing web 2.0 into my work. Since then, most of my work has focused on designing curriculum with 21st century frameworks, and helping teachers to improve instruction through technology integration. I had many opportunities to put this to use in my own classrooms over the years, and it made me a believer in the power of technologies to change how we do schooling. I believe that both teachers and students should be given the power of new technologies to change how we teach and how we learn. When I was a teacher, I loved to see the light go on when a student realized how something new could empower their learning. Now, I love to see that light go on for a teacher when they realize how something new can empower their teaching.

I don't think I'd love either Alaska or education quite so much if it weren't for a lot of people. Connections and relationships are what make any endeavor worthwhile. I love the people in my life - my family is front and center, and we have a wonderful community of friends. I value the relationships and connections I've made as an educator. It's a profession that gives me the opportunity to be inspired daily - by the creative, talented and passionate people who share my work, and by the kids who inspire my work.