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/ News for Educators / Meet the Applicants!
Meet the Applicants!
2009 Target Iditarod Teacher on the Trail
by Education Department
02/02/2008
Each year, the educational committee for Iditarod selects three finalists to participate in the final selection stage of the world wide search for the next Target® Iditarod Teacher on the TrailTM. Those individuals who sent in applications have dedicated many hours of their time on their application portfolio.
'Many hours' doesn't adequately represent their work because these individuals spent months or even years, planning for this opportunity. The application portfolios contain documentation showing standards driven lesson plans, answers to our application questions, project goals, writing ability, technology use, a video introduction, and other samples of information as part of the application process to be selected as our Teacher. This year, a record number of 12 applicants applied for this position. With great appreciation and acknowledgement of the talents and professionalism of these teachers who we recognized are among the nation's top professional educators, we'd like you to get to know who the applicants were for the 2009 Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail.
Meet this year's applicants --- listed in alphabetical order. To help you get to know each applicant, we'll share their reasons for applying for this position. (Question one in the application.)
Sharon Lee Butcher is a librarian from Tennessee. "I wish to promote Iditarod through library summer reading programs, enhancing teaching efforts."
Martha Dobson, North Carolina, teaches 6th grade English/Language Arts. "Iditarod, my passion, has captivated me personally and professionally as nothing else has done, offered me experiences I never dreamed of, sparked my students' learning and broadened their view of the world; and to be on the trail, to be part of the race, to see, hear, feel, and report the race, to meet the challenges it presents for me, would be the highlight of a lifetime and give me authentic experiences that will positively enhance my students' academic and life-learning skills."
Tee Hutton teaches 7th grade science and is from Tennessee. "It is my hope that my adventurous spirit, my love for the outdoors, and my never-ending search to discover the reasons "Why", will lead to the Iditarod as the Teacher on the Trail; so that I may share all that it entails with my Jr. High Science students, colleagues, stake holders, and family in the adventure that will last a lifetime."
Sybil Jemmett teaches 6th grade with an emphasis on science and is from Utah. "I want to challenge my mind, body, and spirit and become a better, more dedicated teacher."
Susan Ujka Larson, Virginia, is a Librarian. "Because I believe with Eleanor Roosevelt that, "The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."
Laurie Nakauchi-Hawn, Colorado, teaches kindergarten - 1st Grade. "I am applying to be the 2009 Teacher on the Trail because I love the spirit the race embodies and have a longing to pass on the ideals while being an active part of the race."
Terri Otto teaches 5th grade math and science. She is from Colorado. "As a life long learner, being chosen to serve as Teacher on the Trail would allow me to inspire educators and their students to explore, discover, and to pursue their passions, if not physically, then virtually via technology."
Barb Pope teaches 3rd grade in Oregon. "Being the Teacher on the Iditarod Trail would allow me the unique opportunity to share and help students understand this challenging adventure."
Kelly Rickert teaches 7th and 8th grade language arts in California. "I want an active role in experiencing the daily challenges faced by mushers and to take back to the classroom the real story of the Iditarod race."
Judi Roach, is from Nebraska, teaches 4th grade. "The reason I am applying for Teacher on the Trail is two dimensional: to share my love of the Iditarod Race with students: and to promote its educational opportunities along with my vision of how the characteristics and habits of mushers and sled dogs can show all people how to follow their dreams, set goals, never give up, and enjoy their journey as they navigate life's adventurous terrain.
Linda Kal Sander is a 6th - 8th grade reading coach from Florida. "The Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race is the perfect interdisciplinary teaching unit covering science, history, math, literature, and of course, dogs!"
Cathy Walters, North Carolina, is a Pre-Kindergarten teacher. "I want to share the rich lessons that come from using the Iditarod as a theme of instruction because it excites my students (and me!) and makes them hungry to learn more."
After reading their reasons for applying, it is obvious that each has stated important reasons for being involved in this educational program. You can read more about the application process at the For Teacher's section of the website. The application for our 2010 Teacher is on line. If you see yourself as wearing the 'parka and mukluks' necessary to make tracks on the Iditarod Trail with us, consider applying.
These 12 educators compiled portfolios of documentation that demonstrate that they are skilled and talented in teaching and inn using the race as a theme that connects what our nation says students must know. These teachers are highly dedicated to quality teaching and learning. They exemplify the best of the best in the profession of education. Congratulations to all of the applicants for their hard work and their dedication to connecting the race to content standards that they teach. Iditarod is proud to 'know them' and list them among the leaders who are on the cutting edge of 21st century teaching and learning.
* From12 - 3 are selected as finalists. Watch for an article about the 3 finalists and follow their journey through the selection process.
