Teaching in Alaska?
My uncle who lives in Anchorage told me about the need for teachers, especially in the Bush. He also said some of the districts will pay a sign on bonus and will help pay your student loans off. Is is correct? If so, where can I get more information? I found links about teaching in Alaska but couldn’t find info about the sign on bonus or student loan payment.
Also, if there is anyone on here who teaches there, or has ever taught there, what was your experience like? DId you enjoy it? Is it worth it? Honest feedback would be fabulous. I am a naturally adventurous, independant, and flexible person. I’m sure these qualities would help me suceed there. In any case, I would love to hear feedback about what it’s like to teach there.
Also, are there other states that might help pay off student loans? Any info is appreciated!
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I kind of liked teaching there. In most schools, teachers have 5 classes of about 30 students each. How can you get to know 150 students? In Deering I had all the middle school and high school students, a total of about 24. (The number fluctuated a bit, as some students move between relatives and between villages.)
After growing up in NYC, it was kind of nice to live in a small village where everyone knows everyone and you can walk anywhere in 15 minutes. Things are less formal, and it is considered OK to just drop in on people.
There were some problems too. My heater broke in -25 degrees and it was several days before anyone could fix it. The electricity would shut down regularly and the heaters need electricity to run. The food choices at the one store are pretty limited. The sewer system was broken for a while, and the village ran out of water for a few weeks.
They don’t pay off student loans. They have a moving allowance, which is less that the cost of the plane ticket to get there.
I live in Ketchikan, (not rural) and on the whole, the people here are amazing. Most people who are working in the school district here really enjoy it, mainly because of the people.
As far as the bush goes, there is a need for teachers there, but it can be more challenging because the systems there are much more traditional than in the more populated areas. Most of your students there would be natives, so it would be an amazing learning experience on your own.
Qualities that definitely help are friendliness, and especially if you are in a native village, willingness to adapt, or try their traditions. You can’t be very well accepted if you refuse to conform to their traditions.
I’m sorry I don’t have much info on student loans, although if you graduate from Alaska with a certain scholorship and stay in the state there is opportunity for student loan help, but if you are out of state I don’t have much info.
I hope this helps!
he taught hockey in one of the schools there & he loved it ( he is now retired)
You may also want to read a book called Tisha, it’s about a woman who went to Alaska to teach
& how she loved it (based on a true story)
best of luck & may the book give you inspiration :>)
each school district has different requirements and incentives
good luck
