Unalakleet? (Anchorage: houses, luxury, school district)

[kidz_r_us]

My husband and I are both teachers. We're interested in relocating to Alaska. We noticed there are teaching positions available at Unalakleet.
Can anyone share with me what this area is like. Thanks!

[Aly]

My husband and I are teachers as well and have been in Alaska for 10 years. Unalakleet is very, very, remote and very, very, very small. It is a very real Alaskan experience but you will be very isolated and challenged for even the most basic things. If you want a "real" Alaskan teaching experience go for it but be prepared for something unlike anything you've ever experienced. Even though electricty and cable can be found, running water is a luxury in rural/bush Alaska.....as are toilets. However, for us, the experience has been worth the hardship. We LOVE Alaska and feel there is no better place on Earth. It all depends on your needs and wants in life. Feel free to send a private message if you would like additonal information.

[sjmalaska]

Unalakleet is a neat place. I too am a teacher in rural/remote alaska and travel to Unalakleet about once a year. It is very, very windy there, the most I have ever seen. It can also get just down right cold there. I've only seen it in the winter months and remeber most of your teaching will be done during this time. It sits right on Norton Sound which is really neat. Houses are small and not very nice. There are toilets, running water, heat, TV, Cable, internet, phones, and a store in Unalakleet. But remember, teaching in rural alaska is very different and very difficult so make sure you are ready to take on that kind of a challenge before you sign.

[Taishi]

And I'd like to teach and live in Alaska. "...running water is a luxury in rural Alaska..." I was growing up without runnig water and now I can say that it wasn't the worse thing.

So, does anybody need French Teacher???

[Colliemom]

So can anyone tell me what the bush teaching is really like compared to the other? I have heard so many different things about the teaching in Alaska. I am going to be finishing up school here shortly and plan to move to Alaska for teaching. How is the need for Preschool teachers in the Bush? It would be nice to have some insight on the difference in both. Thanks! Look forward to hearing from anyone.

[stiffnecked]

A three year old thread brought back to life. Good luck on your search for a job. Unalakleet is a nice place.

http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/...ame=Unalakleet


http://www.unalakleet.org/misc/Dec06issue.pdf

[Alaskan Mutt]

As others have said, rural Alaska is unlike anywhere you may have taught. Turnover is high. Resources are few. Many of the teachers are first year teachers. However, if you stick around a couple years and show that you care, you will become part of the community and make many friends. In some of the smaller places the residents will come to depend on you for things besides teaching.

[warptman]

Untitled Document

Lower Yukon School District

YSD: About YSD

[Colliemom]

Like what type of things will they depend on you for? Is it that with first year teachers they are there for a year and then gone? It must be hard on the children (and parents) to really try making a friendship with someone when they do not know if they will be there for a period of time or not.
What is the need for having a Special Education Licensure in Alaska. I am going to receive my B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 3rd gr) and am wondering if I should go for getting my Special Education in LD. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank You!

[Alaskan Mutt]

Originally Posted by Colliemom

Like what type of things will they depend on you for? Is it that with first year teachers they are there for a year and then gone? It must be hard on the children (and parents) to really try making a friendship with someone when they do not know if they will be there for a period of time or not.
What is the need for having a Special Education Licensure in Alaska. I am going to receive my B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 3rd gr) and am wondering if I should go for getting my Special Education in LD. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank You!

When I say first year teachers I mean their first year teaching after becoming a teacher. And yes many only stay a year. You will often find yourself taking on the role of social worker. Unalakleet is a little more established than a lot of the places around there. It serves as a hub between the villages and Anchorage.