Moving back to Alaska (Anchorage, Palmer: middle school, cabinet, live)

[Dreamers]

We lived in Cordova AK, but had to move back to NC for family reasons. Now we are ready to move back to AK. We would like input on other areas of AK. We would like to move to a small community that is on the road system. We are not city people and as long as we have a Walmart to drive to a couple times a year for supplies. I am a teacher and my husband is a carpenter/cabinet maker. We have been researching and sending out emails to businesses and the Chamber of Commerces in the Willow, Palmer and Sutton areas but so far we have had no replies. We are very familiar with the weather and can't wait to get back. If you have any comments or suggestions about any communities, please do not hesitate to reply. We would love the input, we want to move to a community where we can work and contribute, not just survive.

[Rance]

Here's a list of communities:

The State of Alaska (http://www.state.ak.us/local/communit.shtml - broken link)

[Xa'at]

You should look into cities on the peninsula- most are on the road system and all are absolutely beautiful.
Good luck coming home! I know how you feel.

[bongo]

There is an AK Teacher Job Fair in the spring here in Anchorage or outside.

alaska_job_fairs [Alaska Teacher Placement]

[Dreamers]

Bongo,

Thanks for the info. I taught in AK before, but since then they have changed the requirements. Even though I have 24 years experience, I have to go back an take the Praxis Tests. So when we move back I guess I'll do some substituting (hopefully) while I study to take the tests.

Thanks,

Dreamers

Hopefully and old dog can learn to pass the tests!

[HeartsnAK]

How long have you been gone from AK?

[Dreamers]

HeartsnAK

We had to move back to NC in May of this year, so we have not been away long. But I miss AK more and more everyday! We are so looking forward to getting back. Most of my teaching experience has been in NC, but the years I taught in AK was the best of my career. I just hope this old lady can pass tests as well as I can give them.

Dreamers

[Alaska Deb]

Originally Posted by Dreamers

Bongo,

Thanks for the info. I taught in AK before, but since then they have changed the requirements. Even though I have 24 years experience, I have to go back an take the Praxis Tests. So when we move back I guess I'll do some substituting (hopefully) while I study to take the tests.

Thanks,

Dreamers

Hopefully and old dog can learn to pass the tests!

Hi Dreamers,

I haven't been able to get a handle on this; I am certified in another state ("highly qualified" ...what a term) and know I have to take the Praxis. However, I'm still not clear on if it has to be the Praxis I and the Praxis II (subject area) as I had read something about when a teacher is licensed in another state...the Praxis I 'might' suffice. But I can't find that info again.

It is June for us, and we cannot wait. Tick...tick...

Good luck with everything,
Deb

[Dreamers]

Magoon,

Yes, I am also "Highly Qualified" in another state, but have also taught in AK. The new rules for AK is that you can teach for 1 year in AK, without taking or passing the Praxis I, (Reading, Math & Writing). After that 1st year they will no longer certify you to teach until you have passed the tests. Google <Alaska Teacher Job Placement> go to their web site and read, read, read! That is where you find out everything, you can even print off the application to apply for AK certification. They are very helpful, but be aware, sometimes they get a little overwhelmed because people get angry in their present job and apply for a job in AK, but never fall through. So at ATP they are always trying to weed those people out.
Yes, you have to pass the Praxis 1 by the end of May to teach the next year. I plan to go back up and sub or something to get my name in the schools. I am a Special Education Teacher with Cross-Categorical Certification, how about you? I'll help you all I can, if you have any other ????'s fire away, I'll try and help.

Dreamers

[Alaska Deb]

Hi Dreamers,

Thank you very much. I am a high school (guess I could be Middle School too if I want a hormonal bath :-)) math teacher.

Yup, I do know all need to do the Praxis I to be certified, but it is the Praxis II that seems sort of 'somtimey.' That's the one I have a little concern about.

We also have to take two Alaskan Classes; one in cross-cultural communication and one in an area of history; the DOE is very specific on which courses are accepted. I am currently taking both (sigh) through UAF.

So, I'm hoping with the Praxis I and these two classes, I'll be certifiable; oh, wait, just ask anyone who knows me :-) I *am* certifiable.

Ok, thanks again, and good luck with everything,

Deb