Teaching in North Slope (Anchorage, Barrow: housing, rent, jobs)

[Fran14]

I have the opportunity to teach in Barrow, Wainwright, or Point Hope? Any suggestions? Should I even come to this area? My husband would be coming with me.

[Rance]

Well you might consider it for the experience. Might not be the prettiest parts of the state. But you may enjoy the remotness and the experience of northern AK. I believe there are some older threads relating to teaching posotions throughout AK and some include these locations. You may be able to get some first hand help from some of the teachers that have been to these places.

[Fran14]

Thanks for your help. I have to decide tomorrow.

[Rance]

Well scroll back through the old threads. PM some of the folks and see if you can get any helpfull ideas.

[mal_flisk]

North Slope Borough villages like Wainwright and Point Hope are alright, Nuiqsuit is a little touchy. Folks are real nice, and good teachers are needed to give these kids the best that they can get.

[mal_flisk]

PS

If you decide to go, see if you can get a few thousand up front and hit the Costco and/or Sam's Club when you hit Anchorage. Stock up on everything, as there are usually no local options. Cable is available, books aren't, so bring lots. If you have ever yearned to learn something (guitar, knitting, etc,) bring up the means to connect to the skill and do it. Isolation is a fact. Tag, you're it!

[Fran14]

Thanks for your insight. Do you think my husband would be able to find a job? He has a MA in Business Administration. I'm afraid he might go crazy sitting around all the time. Of course, he would do anything... Does anyone know much about the housing for teachers. I hear that they have houses, duplexes, and quadplexes. Are they very, very tiny? How much does cable cost? Thanks.

[mal_flisk]

No clue on the housing situation. Some villages provide housing and others don't. It's a question to put to the school district before you get there. Barrow is a much larger community and might have jobs available. Villages traditionally have a high unemployment rate. Available jobs are with the village council, tribal council and government positions. Not much else. There are usually no large local businesses. I have done work in most of the North Slope Borough, yet have never investigated job opportunities. Check with the local native corporation and with ASTAC (Arctic Slope Telephone). Check with Arctec (maintnenance on DEW line sites). BP and Conoco-Philips may have local jobs for Business grads.

[dmderosa2k]

Do not take this wrong but if you are really concerned about specifics then bush Alaska might not be for you. You will find some things that people in the lower 48 might call "primative." You have to consider yourself lucky that they provide housing because regular housing can be quite expensive. I do not know about the North Slope but in some districts the housing does not have running water. I do not think housing in Barrow is provided. You also got to remember no matter what, you will always be an outsider. Jobs that your husband might be more qualified for he might not get if a native is applying for it and it is perfectly legal. There are a lot of other things too such as no movie theaters, bowling alleys, and stores that are outrageously priced and the produce sells out quick because it is such a delicacy out there. Things that we take for granted here are like gold there. If you start getting concerned about the size of your unit or the color scheme then I suggest you look elsewhere. If you want a totally different experience then anywhere else you have been then give it a try. You can always return home when your contract is up. It can be very rewarding but you have to have a real open mind to accept things that you will encounter. I am going back to the bush because I know it can be great for me. I did not have an open mind the last time and I got homesick. Now that I am older I know I will love it.

[dmderosa2k]

Also, be careful, some districts will try to pressure you into deciding right away. The more desperate they sound, the more you have to worry. Check it out in full detail because sometimes they outright lie to you about things. You should ask to talk to other teachers in the area and ask locals if you can find them online.