What I learned from the job fair.

We went to the job fair, so now what??

I went to the Alaska job fair in Houston on a fact finding mission, with a notebook and pen in my hand.  I knew we both had interest in Alaska.  I didn’t know if it were likely for us to be able to find positions in the same district, or if it was practical, or a good fit.  I left completely excited, with a notebook full of notes and questions, a bag full of brochures, business cards, and district information.

I learned that Alaska is BIG!  Different regions in Alaska are like different states in the lower 48.  This impacts the climate, the amount of daylight, the amount of rain, and the industry and resources available.  

I learned that different districts in Alaska can be vastly different.  In my home state, the way funding is distributed, the areas with more industry, more tourism, and higher property values have more funding for schools.  Generally, the more convenient and prosperous an area, the higher the pay for teachers.  From the districts who came to the job fair, I realized that in Alaska, it seems that the more inconvenient the geographic location, the higher the pay and benefit package.  Some districts provide teacher housing at a very reasonable rent.  Some districts offer signing bonuses.  Some districts provide tuition reimbursement

I learned that I needed to research and really know what my desires are.  Alaska has cities, and some districts that would be quite similar to where I’ve been teaching.  Alaska has very small towns on the road system that are very isolated, and towns that are off the road system, but still have roads and stores.  In addition, there are villages that are off the road system, and don’t have roads or stores.  We learned that in some of the “bush” areas, we would need to let our district know if we required a home with a flush toilet rather than a “honey pot,” which we would empty outdoors.  

At each and every table, I heard over and over that they incorporate the culture of the children in their education, and that they are concerned with the whole child, and their children being happy and healthy.  When I looked at the district brochures and videos, they weren’t focused on test scores or building programs.  Instead, they were focused on their communities.  I was hooked!

Robert had three requirements- good internet service, shower, and a flush or composting toilet.  I had one more requirement-  I wanted to be in an educational setting that is significantly different from my previous experiences.  

The one thing I knew for sure after the job fair was I wanted to teach in Alaska, and that I didn’t want to go without being fully prepared.

Too be continued…….