Teacher in-service as a "serving" educator

Teacher in-service prior to the start of the school year is happening right now in Unalakleet, the largest of our 15 sites and home to the district office. We are all gathered at the school building camped out in rooms on cots and air mattresses. Our meals have been provided, and I have been very fortunate in that something vegetarian seems to find its way into every mealtime. It has been wonderful to taste fresh fruits and veggies, green salads, bagels, and even desserts! We are truly spoiled this week.

Today we took care of business operations, human resources, technology training, and a cultural awareness session, which I found especially beneficial. Not only were we provided with a text resource about the native heritage of Alaska, but we were able to listen to and ask questions of a woman who was born into the traditional Inupiaq culture. We learned about the language, cultural differences, and so many other important things that will make a huge difference to be aware of during our stays in our villages. We must be cognizant at all times that we are guests in our villages. In order to remain welcome, we must establish positive relationships with the community and its people. Her tips should help dramatically, I am sure!

We were able to collect a book from the library today as well. We have a simply wonderful textnician (yes, I have decided to coin a new word for our librarian <3), who provides us with a plethora of resources to help us in our classrooms. I sense that I will be in touch with her quite frequently this year for book recommendations and other tools that she can access and provide to enhance our classrooms. What a wonderful resource to have available!

For years now I have announced myself as a "pre-service" teacher, and I could not be more content that that phrase no longer applies to me. I am at last "serving" (hence the blog title) as a full-time educator for a school district that is absolutely superb! Everyone has such nice things to say about the Bering Strait School District, especially people who have migrated in from other places. I've been told this place can really steal your heart away. I find it rewarding to be here not only because I get to experience Alaskan wildlife and work with children with fantastic personalities, but also because I feel welcome and needed. I could have taught in a school in Iowa, I have no doubt in my mind about that, but it has been a much more rewarding experience to relocate somewhere where the need is greater. I feel so privileged to be here and that I will have the ability to make a much greater impact of the lives of these students than I possibly could have with students back home. 

I have been asked by a few of my students already "how long will you be here?" I do not blame them for wondering, as a colleague mentioned just today these kids see a lot of teachers come and go. They have every right to be curious and ask questions. The appropriate response is that I do not know, because it is true. Until the time that I do part ways with White Mountain (should that be the case) I will devote myself heart and soul to my job and give these kids my all because they deserve nothing less!!!

I am feeling quite lucky as I call this day a close. Wish I had some photos to post, but alas, my phone only cooperates when photography is not involved. Or volume. Volume is not so friendly either. ;)

Until next time, namaste!