13 mushers entered the race.

Free GPS Tracking provided race fans the opportunity to keep track of the race! (www.iditarod.com)

View information about the Jr. Iditarod at this link.

Herb will soon be updating the website and sharing information about the Jr. Iditarod.

Visit the Teacher on the Trail Blog

Herb, along with his wife Jamie, who is a librarian, live in a log home they built and now share with 3 huskies, 5 cats, and a mule.  Herb is a K-6 environmental education and technology teacher at Southern Fulton Elementary School in Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania.  He is also a part time grant writer for the district and has been instrumental in helping the school secure more than $115,000 for the environmental program and the nature trail.  Herb says he has the best teaching job anywhere and also the biggest classroom, since his classroom is the 140 acre school property of woods and fields, which also includes a pond, wetlands, and several streams.

Before becoming a teacher, Herb had a variety of occupations.  He was a farmer, blacksmith, farrier, sawyer, machinist and tool and die maker.  Having these experiences has enriched Herb’s classroom by giving him the necessary background from which to draw upon in order to make real life situations a part of the curriculum in his classroom.  What better way is there to give meaning to learning other than to use the lessons to solve problems students may face once they are in the real world?  Herb was also a Youth Conservation Corp Crew Leader for the United States Forest Service at the Teton Basin Ranger District in Driggs, Idaho.  That was one of the most rewarding and fun jobs he says he ever had.  Imagine getting paid to experience the Tetons and all the adventures they provide and, at the same time, teach students how to care for a fantastic resource so that it is there for future generations.  Speaking of future generations, the next generation has recently been added to Herb’s family by way of a grandson Zeke, and a granddaughter Ella.

Herb also volunteers his time to several community organizations.   He has been treasurer for the local soccer club for 20 years, and because of his extensive experience playing and coaching soccer, he also is a clinician at soccer clinics for coaches.  After receiving the necessary training, Herb became a Trail Stewardship Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Equine Council.    His skill and experience in building and maintaining trail has also led to a volunteer position with the Mid State Trail Association as a trail maintainer.

One project Herb’s school will be participating in this year is the “Books to the Trail” program.  Schools involved in this program hold a fundraiser to help schools in need receive books.

When Herb isn’t coaching soccer you can find him working with his Huskies.  He recently acquired a dog sled and spent a major portion of his spare time last winter viewing the blue ridge mountains of Central Pennsylvania from the back of a dog sled.

If you ask Herb, there’s no better way to travel than dog sled and it sure beats the noise and toxic exhaust of a four-wheeler or snowmobile.

If you ask us, there will be no better way to spend the 2009 – 2010 school year than being on the Iditarod Trail with the Target® Iditarod 2010 Teacher on the Trail^TM Herb Brambley.

Cathy began her Iditarod adventure as Target®2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ in April of 2008.   The journey is not a journey of one year, but a journey that lasts a lifetime.

As Cathy begins her journey as a Teacher on the Trail alumni member, join us in thanking her for sharing her lessons, activities, songs, and her journey with us.  Enjoy a scrapbook of Cathy’s journey.

Send Cathy and email by clicking here!

The competition is on.  Not just for mushers, but for teachers, too.  On Monday, the Finalists for Target Iditarod Teacher on the Trail began their day with personal interviews.  Following their interview, they participated in a “Challenge Project”.

*If you are unable to view this article, try viewing the website on a different browser.  We have found Firefox to provide a clear view.  We are working on fixing the technical problems.   Thanks for your patience!

Click here to view their lesson plans!

The Amazing Race!….. Teacher on the Trail Style!

By Nikki Allen 2010 Target Teacher on the Trail Finalist

This year’s Iditarod Teacher on the Trail challenge project was truly an amazing race! We traveled to Wasilla, Alaska and made four stops along the journey. The first was an amazing photo opportunity of Pioneer Peak where we stopped on the drive from Anchorage to Wasilla to capture the beauty of Alaska.  Alaska during the winter is absolutely breathtaking! From the snow capped mountains to the frozen lakes and rivers, to the snow covered trees throughout the forest, Alaska really is a winter wonderland.

Our next stop took us to Target, the official sponsor of the Teacher on the Trail^TM program. We had 30 minutes to go in and gather any information that we might want to use for our project. Target is an amazing company who really reaches out to the community and puts a high priority on supporting educational programs. Target guest services attendant Mandy Douberly say that the thing that she loves most about working for Target is “the community service that they are involved in. All of the Target employees get involved in volunteering with these programs. Recently many of the employees have worked with the boys and girls club to provide opportunities for students.” She said that just yesterday they had a number of young students in Target for a celebration of the birthday of Dr. Seuss. They  read with the students and really encouraged them to get excited about reading. Target also sponsors the Target field trip grants for teachers where teachers can apply for money to take their students outside of the school walls to embark on real life learning experiences. For any credit card or check card issued to a customer, Target also allows that customer to select a school of their choosing and ten cents of every dollar spent goes directly to the particular school. The Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM program is definitely lucky to have such an amazing company as their sponsor. They really value education within their community.

Stop number two was in down town Wasilla where I was able to check out all of the old buildings that began the town.  There was the blacksmith shop, Shorty Gustafson’s Barn, Wasilla’s first school built in 1917, the Capitol site cabin, the Herning-Teeland-Mead house, and Wasilla’s first public sauna bath. I was also able to meet Marty Raney, an adventurous Wasilla resident. Marty is a contractor who has lived in Alaska for 35 years. And talk about adventurous….Marty has climbed Mt. McKinley 10 times and is the only person who has ever taken a guitar to the top of the mountain! Speaking of guitar, I found out that Marty is quite an amazing guitar player who not only plays, but writes songs too. He very generously gave me one of his CD’s entitled “Strummit from the Summit.” Very appropriately named in my opinion!  Marty was also the guide who led the PBS filmmaking crew for the breast cancer awareness video “Against All Odds.”  Just yesterday he climbed to the top of Marmot Mountain and went skiing off of the top! I feel very lucky to have met Marty because I truly believe his adventurous spirit is the true spirit of Alaska!

The last stop of our amazing race took us to Crevasse Moraine Trailhead where we were able to spend 30 minutes enjoying the winter wonderland that is Alaska. Strolling through the snow covered trees with mountains blanketing the background was a very peaceful moment and really reminded me of the greatness of Alaska and our amazing country. We truly are luck to live in this land that we call America. I am thankful to have had this awe inspiring and truly fun experience known as the challenge project, or in my book….The Amazing Race (Teacher on the Trail^TM style!)

Challenge Project

Herb Brambley

Interesting, enlightening, insightful, friendly, and inspiring are all words that I would use to describe our afternoon challenge project adventure.  The trip from Anchorage to Wasilla was breathtakingly beautiful.  The snow capped peaks, reaching towards the sky.  The green conifers cradling the snow with branches that resembled outstretched arms.  The ice covered river with a small ribbon unfrozen water that appeared and disappeared as it snaked through the valley toward the waiting ocean.  All of these sights are indelibly etched into my mind.

As we approached Wasilla, the task at hand began to force its way into my stream of consciousness. Here I was in Alaska as one of the three finalists for the 2010 Target Teacher on the Trail.  As I forced myself to refocus, our chauffer pulled into a Target parking lot.  This was our first stop on our Challenge Project.  She announced that we had 30 minutes to accomplish our task.  Unfortunately for us, our directions were not as specific as we had hoped for. Our job, experience Wasilla.  See what you can find out.

Into the store we charged.  On my way to the store I decided to talk to as many people as I could in order to answer two questions.  What is your opinion about the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, and how long have you leaved in the area?  I was pleasantly surprised to find that people were very willing and helpful to answer questions for my interview.  Each of the three people I talked to was very supportive of the race.  One of the clerks actually said that they were going to make it a day out with the family.  Wow, a day at the races!!!  Wouldn’t Mario be proud?  It was also interesting to find that 2 of the people had left the area and then moved back.  One had actually left and lived in a warmer climate for twenty years!  I glance at my watch and I see I have 5 minutes left.  Just enough time for a picture with the famous Spot, and off I go.

Our next stop was in a parking lot close to the Wasilla Public Library and the Dorothy Page Museum. As I talk to the librarian I discover that she was raised in my hometown of Everett, Pennsylvania.  Her sister went to school with my cousin.  Imagine that! I went 4207 miles just to meet my neighbor.  I also talked to a man that set up ham radio equipment for the Iditarod 30 years ago. I struck it rich in Wasilla!  I found a gold mine of information. Meeting these people at the library just made me think, “How many times do we pass people on the street with common interests, common family, or common acquaintances?”  If only we would take the time to stop and talk a little.  The pace of life is so fast.  We should slow down and enjoy the company of each other.

I rush out of the library and over to the Dorothy Page Museum.  I found it to be an absolutely interesting place.  There were many old photographs and stories of early Wasilla, pictures of Wasilla before the railroad.  The railroad changed the history of the entire state of Alaska by shifting the center of population from the Southern panhandle to the South central region. As I get back to the car I see everyone is set to leave. I jump in, close the door, and off to the next mystery stop we go.

We drive away from town and end up on a road that is completely snow covered.  “Where is our driver taking us?” I think to myself. We end up at the Crevasse Moraine Trail area. If you love the out-of-doors, hiking, and nature you need to go here.  It has a wonderful trail system for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, sledding, or just plain communing with nature.  We hiked back in as far as we could go with our allotted time and stopped to enjoy a few moments of quiet.  Now, this is my kind of stop.  Away from it all!!!  We weren’t able to interview anyone here, but what a perfect way to end a hectic day.  Don’t we all need to have that favorite place where we can go to rejuvenate, reenergize, and prepare ourselves for the next round.  This was one of the reasons the Wilderness Act was created, to preserve a place were man can go to maintain his sanity when need be.  No wonder people in Alaska seem so happy.  There’s plenty of open space to get away from it all.  Maybe we need to think about open space more when we decide to allow another housing development. Maybe limit the number of houses in an area or put more space between them, sustainable housing.  I have to put my plug in for nature.

What a fantastic day! This was a day that is going to be hard to top, but I’m sure the Iditarod Education Department will surely try.  They have a way of delivering when you least expect it.  I can’t wait for tomorrow.

The Tale of Two Cities Meets the Raven

By Linda Kal Sander, Finalist 2010 Targe^t® Teacher on the Trail

It was the best of times.  It was the best of times.  Okay, I am taking a little artistic license with the opening lines of the Dickens’ classic, A Tale of Two Cities when describing the town of Wasilla, Alaska.  Yes, this past year Wasilla received much notoriety and fame as the hometown of a major political figure, but to those that live in the Alaska’s 5^th largest city it is the home of the Iditarod.

Wasilla is a town of contrasts.  This was my observation on today’s challenge.  On the drive from Anchorage to Wasilla one can’t help but be awestruck at the majestic power of the snow covered mountains caressing the azure sky.  One of the most impressive of the peaks is Pioneer Peak, rising 6400 feet above the Knik River in the Chugach Mountains outside Palmer.  The contrast comes quickly as you enter the town of Wasilla.  Right off the highway are the shopping centers one would find anywhere in the continental United States.  The Cottonwood Creek Center is home to the local Target, our sponsor store.  At first I couldn’t believe that we were dropped off at the Target as part of our challenge, but I was greatly relieved.  Turns out that I was greatly in need of a new digital camera, as mine met its demise earlier in the morning.  We were left to discover this shopping center in only half an hour.

One might expect that this Target store would be the same as any other Target in the lower 48.  In that regard it didn’t disappoint. Like all Targets, it supports its local schools and often hosts events for children.  One event in particular really made my ears perk up.  This particular store celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday with their employees dressing up as his characters and reading the many wonderful Seuss stories we have all come to know and love.  (What is your favorite?)  The one thing that struck me as most unusual upon entering the store was the entire section of bikinis.  Mind you the temperature outside is a balmy 17^¡, yet here were the teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini dreams of a warmer clime.

New quickly gave way to the old.  The next stop on our challenge was in the historic district of Wasilla.  This is the location of the old Wasilla Town Site and the Dorothy Page Museum.  Dorothy Page is the mother of the Iditarod, former mayor (famous town for mayors!), and former president of the Knik Historical Society.  Like many towns in the US, the railroad played an important part in this town’s start.  When the railroad was built in 1917, many residents of Knik moved to Wasilla.  It was here that gold from Nome came off the Historic Iditarod Trail and was then transported via train to Anchorage and eventually off to Seward.  Sledding became obsolete with the arrival of the train, car, plane, and snow machine.  Dorothy Page felt this important part of Alaskan history would soon be lost and wanted to preserve it.  She founded the Iditarod Dog Sled Race along with Joe Redington and the Dorothy Page Museum and Historic Town Site. Across the street from the museum, stands the Herning-Teeland-Mead building, one of the first buildings constructed in Wasilla (1918).  It still stands today, and is a popular meeting spot for both locals and tourists.

A short drive out of the Wasilla heading towards Palmer is the beautiful nature trail of the Crevasse Moraine Trailhead.  Alone on the trail, one is left to listen to the sounds of nature.  Thick, powdery snow covers the leafless trees and evergreens.  Although the winter cold might make you think that life in the forest is in the throes of deep hibernation, a simple pause on your walk yields a symphony of sound.  At first I thought I was hearing croaking frogs, then the sound of a distinct caw.  I let my eyes drift through the trees, and spotted an ebony raven.  As I headed back to the parking lot to meet up with our host Sara Lamont, I was met by an Akita mix and a Golden Retriever.  They were in a playful mood and insisted that I say hello!  A quick scratch of the ears and they were off to find their person.  I met Ray.  He officially introduced me to Lunta and Tucker. He is fascinated by the stately ravens and often walks his dogs on this trail to observe them.

“Ravens have the largest range of voices of any bird.  Right now they are pairing up because their babies have to be in feather by May,” he informed.

Wasilla may be a town of contrasts, but it left a lasting impression.  A modern city, surrounded by the mighty splendor of magical mountains and forest, yet still deeply rooted in its rich history.

It was the best of times.  It was the best of times.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,

By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.

from “The Raven”

by Edgar Allen Poe

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Nikki Allen, Florida

For middles school students at Fort Braden School, Social Studies is more than a required subject, it is an adventure in learning because Nikki Allen brings the subject matter to life through her creative teaching techniques.

The cover of Nikki’s application document was entitled, “Living the Dream”.  That title is more than a title for a portfolio.  It is symbolic of the true philosophy behind Nikki’s teaching.  Nikki believes the best way to learn is through experiencing first-hand the topics in American History and World Geography.

Nikki attended Florida State University.  She was a cheerleader and track & field athlete. (pole vault)  Nikki enjoys reading, working out, visiting Florida’s beaches, attending Florida State sporting events, and spending time with her pets, her dog, General and cats Curtis and Boo.  Nikki loves to travel and experience other cultures.  She has traveled to Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Scandinavia, Russia, Estonia, Poland, and Israel.  Nikki attended the Iditarod 2008 Summer Camp for Teachers.

“It has become my goal to be the 2010 Teacher on the Trail^TM not only to succeed with a personal challenge, but also to be a representative of the Iditarod Trail Committee in helping teachers use the Iditarod theme to enrich their curriculums and to engage their students in developing the skills necessary for successful learning.” Nikki teaches Social Studies to 7^th and 8^th grade students at Fort Braden School in Tallahassee. Her area of expertise is Social Studies, an area she teaches with passion, creativity, and dedication. She believes a key to academic success for students is to make the learning real and applicable. Through her teaching strategies, she demonstrates the importance of academic success.

Nikki attended the 2008 Summer Camp for Teachers. Nikki says, “The theme can be effectively incorporated into numerous lesson plans for subjects touched on such as: character education, native heritage, concern for global climate changes, and physical fitness.”

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Herb Brambley, Pennsylvania

Before becoming a teacher, Herb experienced several different occupations: a machinist, tool and die maker, welder, farrier, blacksmith, and sawyer.  Herb considers those occupations to be fortunate experiences because he is able to incorporate them into real world situations to use with his students.

Herb teaches environmental education and technology K-6 at the Southern Fulton School District in Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania and has been at that school for 10 years.  He began using the Iditarod with his second grade students and from there, expanded the activities and lessons with other students.  Being a tactile learner himself, wanting to know as much as he could about everything, he recognized that real life experiences an important way to learn, leading him to  building a sled and to attending the 2008 Iditarod Summer Camp.

Herb received his BS in Elementary and Environmental Education from Shippensburg Universtiy in Shippensburg Pennsylvania.  Five years later, he received his MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Herb has 3 of his own huskies.  He bikejores with the dogs and enjoys the exchange of energy and exercise between his huskies and himself.

“I am applying for teacher on the trail to further my life-long desire for learning and adventure so that I can share my enthusiasm in a way that will motivate my students to seek their own adventurous learning experiences.” Herb teachers Environmental Education and Technology at the Southern Fulton Elementary K- 6 school in Warfordsburg. He attended the 2008 Summer Camp for Teachers. Prior to being a teacher, Herb had a number of occupations: machinist, tool and dies maker, welder, farrier, blacksmith, and sawyer. “I consider myself very fortunate to have had so many different occupations since I can now take these experiences and incorporate them into real world situations for my students.” Being a tactile learner himself, he recognizes the need to bring real life experiences to students and guides students to learn through experiences.

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Linda Kal Sander, Florida

Linda is not just a teacher, but she is a teacher’s teacher.  She is also a mother, a wife, a life-long learner, and a Harley riding adventure seeker.  With twenty years of teaching experience and instructional coaching, she has left the traditional classroom behind and is a school-based reading coach at Pompano Beach Middle School and a Teacher Trainer for Broward County Public Schools, the 6^th largest school district in the nation.

As a reading coach, Linda creates weekly critical thinking curriculum and leads the professional development for 75 teachers.  This allows her to reach more than 1,000 students with the Iditarod Theme.

Linda’s experience includes being a nationally recognized presenter of cooperative learning strategies, classroom management practices and techniques, differentiated instruction methods, and standards/benchmark aligned question writing skills.  She has been recognized on an international level through drug awareness curriculum that she wrote for the Vitebsk, Belarus School District where she was a guest teacher, presenter, and coach for 31 days.  She attended the Iditarod 2008 Winter Conference for Educators.

“The Iditarod is a gold rush of spirit. The camaraderie of the mushers, volunteers, and fans is a fire that stays with your forever.”  This is the same spirit that Linda lives each day in her ‘life’ as a teacher’s teacher and facilitator for Broward County Public Schools.   She is ‘like the Iditarod’, a rush of teaching spirit….  It is the ‘camaraderie of the teachers, the entire staff, parents, and students themselves’ that must work together to bring about quality education, an absolute dedication and goal in Linda’s professional and personal life.

Linda believes that there are three things that are yours forever:  education, experience, and faith.  She enjoys skiing in the Rockies, exploring on her ‘97 Harley Davidson Fat Boy, or reading as well as traveling with her family.  “I want to be the 2010 Target Teacher on the Trail to demonstrate how one topic as captivating as the Iditarod can be a tool for both professional development and character education.”

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The Iditarod Education Department recognizes that these highly qualified educators, Nikki Allen, Herb Brambley, and Linda Kal Sander represent the best of the best in the world of educators and proudly welcomes them to the Iditarod family of educators.

Nikki, Herb, and Linda, congratulations on your hard work and on demonstrating your dedication to education, students, parents, and your community.  We celebrate your success and wish you the best!

This year, ten highly qualified educators have applied for Target® 2010 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM by submitting a portfolio application that demonstrates their Iditarod thematic units and their goals for being involved in the Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM program.

Why are they applying?

The response from each applicant to our question number one and additional information will help you get to know the teachers who sent in their application with the goal to expand the walls of their classroom and experience the Iditarod Trail first hand and teach globally via Internet as the next Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM.

In one sentence, state your reason for applying for this position.

Nikki Allen, Florida, “It has become my goal to be the 2010 Teacher on the Trail^TM not only to succeed with a personal challenge, but also to be a representative of the Iditarod Trail Committee in helping teachers use the Iditarod theme to enrich their curriculums and to engage their students in developing the skills necessary for successful learning.” Nikki teaches Social Studies to 7^th and 8^th grade students at Fort Braden School in Tallahassee. Her area of expertise is World History and American History. She believes a key to academic success for students is to make the learning real and applicable. Nikki attended the 2008 Summer Camp for Teachers. Nikki says, “The theme can be effectively incorporated into numerous lesson plans for subjects touched on such as: character education, native heritage, concern for global climate changes, and physical fitness.”

Herb Brambley, Pennsylvania, “I am applying for teacher on the trail to further my life-long desire for learning and adventure so that I can share my enthusiasm in a way that will motivate my students to seek their own adventurous learning experiences.” Herb teachers Environmental Education and Technology at the Southern Fulton Elementary K- 6 school in Warfordsburg. He attended the 2008 Summer Camp for Teachers. Prior to being a teacher, Herb had a number of occupations: machinist, tool and dies maker, welder, farrier, blacksmith, and sawyer. “I consider myself very fortunate to have had so many different occupations since I can now take these experiences and incorporate them into real world situations for my students.” Being a tactile learner himself, he recognizes the need to bring real life experiences to students and guides students to learn through experiences.

Julie Burakowski, New York, “I would like to expand my knowledge of the Iditarod sled dog race and Alaska so that I will be better able to share this information with the students in my own school and around NY State.” Julie is a K-4 Gifted and Talented teacher from Country Parkway Elementary School in Willimasville. Julie first integrated the race into her high school English class in a unit designed to focus on the conflict of man verses nature. As she used the theme with elementary students, she noticed that students themselves began to expand their learning outside the classroom and began to find information on their own, which demonstrates the power of an Iditarod unit of study. About teaching, Julie says, “I want every student in my classroom to feel that they have the potential to be successful.”

Amy Dahmus, North Dakota, “I would like to fulfill a personal and professional goal that I have had for many years.” Born and raised in North Dakota, teaching for the past seventeen year in grades 4 – 6, Amy is currently a 5^th grade teacher at the Prairie Rose Elementary School in Bismarck. Amy is an explorer and loves the out of doors and nature. She is concerned about the environment and teaching students to be responsible and care for the environment. Amy is always looking to learn something new and adapt it to her classroom and her style of teaching. She is a life- long learner and stresses to her students the importance of being life-long learners. Amy states, “I believe that we need to live each day to the fullest, not with wild abandon but with zest and excitement looking to experience and learn new things.”

Martha Dobson, North Carolina, “I am reapplying for theTarget Teacher on the Trail position because the Iditarod sparks interest and learning as nothing else has done in my classroom and because the challenge the race presents to mushers, dogs, and me is a metaphor for the challenges of life and life opportunities, a strong example of setting goals, determination, and perseverance to run your personal race.” Martha teaches 6^th Grade Language Arts at Mount Pleasant Middle School in Mount Pleasant. She attended the 2007 Summer Camp for Teachers. Martha was an Idita-Rider at the start of the 2005 Iditarod. She also attended sessions at the 2005 Winter Iditarod Conference for Educators. Borrowing from Randy Pausch, Martha says, “Iditarod is a great “head fake” because students are so interested in the race they don’t realize they’re learning educational skills.”

Tee Hutton, Tennessee, “It is my hope that my adventurous spirit, love for the outdoors, and never-ending search to discover all I can about the world will lead to my selection as the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail so that I may share all that it entails with not only my junior high science students, colleagues, and stakeholders but also with teachers and pupils across the country in an adventure that will last a lifetime.” Tee is a 7^th Grade Science teacher at Adamsville, Jr. / Sr. High School in Adamsville. She attended the 2007 Summer Camp for Teachers and was an Idita-Rider at the start of the 2008 Iditarod. Tee, a native Tennessean has lived her life in West Tennessee. She is an active, outdoor-loving person, who is passionate about photography and enjoys outdoor sports such as golf, softball, and football. “I have aspirations of obtaining my Doctorate of Education.”

Linda Kal Sander, Florida, “I want to be the 2010 Target Teacher on the Trail to demonstrate how one topic as captivating as the Iditarod can be a tool for both professional development and character education.” Linda is Reading Coach and District Trainer at Pompano Beach Middle School in Pompano Beach. She attended the 2008 Winter Iditarod Conference for Educators. Linda’s personal philosophy states “there are only three things in life that are yours forever: education, experience, and faith.” Linda writes curriculum and is a ‘teacher’s teacher’ for the 6^th largest school district in the nation, reaching almost a thousand students with her Iditarod theme used throughout the district. She is a nationally recognized presenter of cooperative learning strategies and other areas including curriculum on an international level. “The Iditarod is a gold rush of spirit. The camaraderie of the mushers, volunteers, and fans is a fire that stays with your forever.”

Denise Pfaff, Maryland, “I love dream adventures that I am able to talk about to my students and telling them that you must have a plan and support to have a vision.” Denise teaches Technology K/5 at Johnnycake Elementary School. Denise has attended a workshop at the Baltimore Aquarium which included a sleep over night with the dolphins. This sparked her love of science. She also worked in Anchorage at the Imaginarium, planning a unit for Super Sleuth Week dealing with fire safety. Technology and technology instruction became a new passion allowing her to impact students educationally as they used technology in their curriculum.

Denny Shaffner, Pennsylvania, “I want to be able to better communicate my enthusiasm for and excitement about the North Country, its environment and way of life, through learning firsthand from those who participate in it.” Denny teaches third grade at Clearfield Elementary School in Clearfield. He has taught all grades and lives in a home that he built himself. Denny has been involved in first person portrayals and reenactment projects. As the president of the Clearfield County Historical Society, he is involved in acquisitions, maintenance, and in leading tour groups. His passion and interest in history is reflected in his curriculum writing projects, having developed a 4^th grade local history curriculum. Bringing history to life, making learning fun and applicable to real life is the obvious teaching styles. Denny demonstrates through his projects and travels. He has also led educator’s workshops to the Dominican Republic.

Sally Simon, New York, “I want to be a role model of lifelong learning for my students, and to show them that global learning means learning from people in ‘far-away places.” Sally is an Enrichment/Gifted and Talented teacher at Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School. She states that she “rarely sits still” and is known as a fun teacher that introduces students to interesting topics such as forensics, bees, Leonardo Da Vinci, and of course, the Iditarod. She grew up an explorer, on the go. Sally has acted in and directed plays for Community Theater, organized fund raisers, and traveled to Guatemala and Paris. Sally says she is “an adventurer who marches to the beat of a different drummer, a life-long learner who strives to be creative in all endeavors, a teacher who strives to be a role model for her students…” Her challenge to us is “Catch up with her if you can!”

What have the applicants done so far? What will happen next?

Although ten might not seem like a large number of teachers to apply, keep in mind that applicants for this volunteer position must submit a portfolio document that is often several years in development representing years of classroom application. Prior to beginning their application process, educators often attend an Iditarod Teacher’s conference before the race or during the summer, to further sharpen their skills and knowledge base in quest of their goal to be the selected teacher. The completed portfolio serves as a testimony to what makes a good teacher- a best educator and how the use of Iditarod in the classroom as a highly effective learning tool.

The portfolio application document contains lesson plans and activities, answers to a variety of questions, a job résumé, goals and objectives, letters of recommendation, and examples of student projects. Applicants also submit a 3 – 5 minute video document that introduces the applicant to the committee and provides insight to the teacher’s communication and technology skills. The applicant sends an original and four copies of the portfolio, one for each of the educational selection committee members, to the Education Department by the first of December.

The selection committee, Alaskan educator, Sara Lamont, past Teacher on the Trail alumni, ‘Finney’ (1999), Jeff Peterson (2004), Terrie Hanke (2006), and Diane Johnson (2000) have the responsibility to ‘trek’ through more than 20 pounds of educational materials to review the application documents. Each committee member scores each application portfolio document using a rubric. The applicants are evaluated over a number of identified skills and attributes. The committee holds a teleconference in early January to review the scores, discuss the applicants, and to determine the finalists. The rubric scores and information are sent to all of the applicants, providing each educator who applied with feedback about their portfolio.

On or by January 15, three finalists will receive a phone call that invites them to continue the selection process by traveling to Alaska to attend the 2009 Iditarod Winter Teacher’s Conference (March 3 – 6, 2009) and compete in a selection process which includes personal interviews, presentations at the conference, volunteer responsibilities, and a competition project designed to challenge the finalists to demonstrate their ability to observe, report, write, create curriculum, problem solved, use technology, and be ‘trail ready’ for Iditarod as Target® 2010 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM.

Teachers not selected as a finalist will receive notification via email and postal mail, containing feedback on their application document should they wish to reapply.

The week before the race is a busy, jam packed time for the finalists. The three finalists will have a personal interview with the committee on March 2. They’ll put in long hours that week competing for the experience of a lifetime that comes to the selected teacher. Seeing the start and the restart will be bonus experiences that week for the teachers. After the finalist completion concludes and the mushers are headed to Nome, the finalists will return to their home communities to wait for early April, when the selection committee announces the decision of the selection of the 12^th Teacher on the Trail.

Information will be posted at FOR TEACHERS to share highlights and information about the selection week activities.

Andrea “Finney” Aufder Heyde, the first Teacher on the Iditarod Trail (1999) has seen this program grow and expand from her dream to the thematic instructional tool that reaches a global audience of students pre-school through university level. Eleven teachers have followed her example and strived to bring quality teaching and learning to classrooms.

Target® is the Official Sponsor of Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM. Please visit the Target® website, click here.

The Target® 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM, Cathy Walters has many lesson ideas and messages on the website. Click here to look at the lessons and become involved in the projects.

Are you interested in applying for Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM? Click here to view the application document and start making your plans! Use this ‘race season’ as the starting point to build your application. We look forward to seeing your application arrive!
Educators from other countries have inquired about being a future applicant, evidence that the Teacher on the Trail^TM program is as vast as the Iditarod Trail and wilderness of Alaska. This program encourages educators to be a life-long learner and improve their own teaching skills. The Teacher on the Trail program is dedicated to helping students to achieve academic success, develop technology skills, solve problems, and live as healthy citizens making positive choices.

Who will make the ‘finalist’ team and head to the start of the Iditarod 2009? Who will be selected as the Target® 2010 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^TM?

The 6 Traits of Writing by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will practice the trait of good ‘Word Choice’ in writing about the Iditarod.  language arts – writing, Grades 2 – 8

6 Traits Writing – menu

Barking Up the Right Tree (6 Traits of Writing) by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will practice using the trait of voice in writing about the Iditarod.  Topic: the 6 + 1 Traits™ for writing –trait of voice, Grade 3 – 8

Barking Up the Right Tree (6 traits writing)

Worksheet: voice rubric

6 Traits of Writing (Order) by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will practice the trait of organization using descriptions of activities and development in a sled dog pup’s first year of life.  Topic: the trait of organization, grades 1 – 4

Order! Order! (6 Traits writing)

Worksheet: organization rubric

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6 Traits of Writing, Word Choice by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will practice the trait of good ‘Word Choice’ in writing about the Iditarod.  Topic: the trait of Word Choice, grades 2-8

Choose Your Words Wisely (6 Traits writing)

Creating Your Personal Slogan by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will discuss the Iditarod slogan “The Last Great Race on Earth” in relation to what it states about the Iditarod. Then they will create their own personal slogan to reflect who they are as a person.  Writing, Character Education, Any grade level

Your Personal Slogan

Literature Connection:  Woodsong by Gary Paulsen, Developed by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Journal ideas for grades 4 – 8 using Woodsong. Integrates Iditarod Insider video into the lessons.

Woodsong Journal Ideas

Literature Connections: Cinderella, By Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: After a comparative study of Cinderella stories from around the world, the students will write an Alaskan/Iditarod based story using the key elements of a Cinderella story. Language Arts/Literature/Creative Writing,  Topic: fairy tales, Grades 3-8

Alaskan Cinderella Stories (literature)

Vocabulary Development by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: This activity, which is a technique for teaching English language learners, teaches students to evaluate unknown vocabulary words by creating a concept map. Discipline/Subject: vocabulary study for any subject/discipline, Grades 4-8

In Other Words (vocab)

Worksheet: vocabulary map

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An Alaskan Living Wax Museum by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: After a study of Alaska, its history, geography, climate, animals, and culture, students will create a museum display based on one of the areas.  Topic: Alaskan Culture, history, geography, native people, and climate, Grades 3 – 8

Alaskan Living Wax (cross-curricular)

Worksheet: wax museum abstract rubric

Worksheet: wax museum display rubric

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Sled Dog Resume by Kim Slade, 2007 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary:  Students use creative writing to compose a resume that features a sled dog applying for the job of an Iditarod racer.  Language Arts, Creative Writing, Grades 4 – 8

Sled Dog Resume

Worksheet: Resume

Worksheet: Resume Sample

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Iditarod Billboards by Kim Slade, 2007 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: After studying advertisements, students create imaginary billboards advertising make-believe products that could be sold to mushers.  Language Arts, Writing Slogans, Grades 3 – 8

Iditarod BillboardsWorksheet: Iditarod Billboard Worksheet

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Inside the Iditarod! The 5 ‘W’s’ by Kim Slade, 2007 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary:  Students will summarize Press Release from the Iditarod website by utilizing the 5 W’s strategy.  Reading/Writing/Communications, Grades 3 – 7

Inside the Iditarod

Worksheet: Iditarod 5 W’s

Comparing and Contrasting Famous Sled Dogs by Kim Slade, 2007 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary:  Students will compare and contrast two sled dogs, Balto and Togo, using literature and mathematics.  Reading, writing, Grades 3 – 5

Famous Sled Dogs

Worksheet: Balto & Togo – Compare/Contrast

Worksheet: Iditarod Math: Balto & Togo

Passport to Iditarod Adventures by Kim Slade, 2007 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary:  Students will embark on an imaginary tour of the United States (Florida, Alaska, and their own state). In their travels, they will be learning about the various locations they will be visiting.  Travel Journal Writing, Research, Measuring, Environmental Studies, Any grade level

Passport

Worksheet: Passport Cover

Worksheet: Passport Page 2

Worksheet: Passport Page 3

Worksheet: Passport Page 4

Worksheet: My Route Log

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Follow this link to Language Arts Lessons from Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™

This PDF booklet contains math activities for all ages. This packet was put together in 2007 for Wells Fargo.  The packet was sent to schools in Alaska.  The lessons and activities can be easily adapted to any race year and used for any grade level.

Iditarod Teacher’s Tool by 2007 Teacher on the Trail^TM Kim Slade.

A common thread between all cultures is that everyone plays games. As you look at the games of different cultures, you will notice that while they may be different in materials used or in variations of rules, many of them are quite similar to a game your students can identify with.

That’s the Name of the Game

Iceberg to Iceberg by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Using teamwork and planning, a “dogteam” gets each dog from one iceberg to the next until they reach the mainland where they can be hooked up to the gangline to continue the race.

Iceberg to Iceberg (P.E.)

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Iditarod Warm Ups! By Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Cover the distance to Nome by counting laps jogged for warm-up as miles. Students decide how many days it will take the class to finish the race. They create a strategy to reach their goal much that same as the mushers do for the race. The class keeps track of their progress on a large wall map. Students give a report each day on the trail conditions, terrain and weather for the portion of the trail that will be covered.

Idita-Warm-up

Checkpoint Physical Fitness by Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students run, jog or walk for a predetermined amount of time and intensity around the gym.  When time is up students choose a checkpoint to go to. A student rolls the die to determine what exercise the group will do. All students perform the exercise.  Repeat.

Checkpoint Fitness

Iditarod Trail Relay Activities by Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Create checkpoints in a large outdoor area. Each checkpoint will have a team oriented or relay type activity that will advance the team to the next checkpoint or must be completed before the team can move to the next checkpoint. Iditarod Trail can be scaled to take only 1 period of Physical Education or can be used as a multi-class activity taking a longer period of time. See Other Information and Notes. For a large-scale activity, ask
parents to volunteer as checkpoint worker.

Iditarod Trail Relay Activities

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Idita-Aerobics by Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will participate in aerobic activity and progress along the Iditarod trail using minutes as miles. To follow the F.I.T. Principle, students should participate in aerobic activity 3 to 5 times per week for 30 minutes while working in his/her target zone. For each minute of aerobic activity, the student moves 1 mile closer to Nome. The first student to arrive in Nome is the Idit-aerobics Champion. The final student to arrive receives the Red Lantern Award. Students may accumulate aerobic minutes by participating in aerobic activity outside of class. Create a verification system for outside activity.

Idit-Aerobics

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Iditarod Scavenger Hunt by Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™

Participants work as a team to collect items and checkpoint cards while enjoying aerobic workouts.

Iditarod Scavenger or Checkpoint Hunt

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Citizenship:  What it Takes by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Using Iditarod Insider video segments, students will watch mushers, pilots, veterinarians, volunteers, or other Iditarod personnel in situations along the trail and observe how they exhibit good character into handle the situations.  Topic: responsibility – listening, following directions, asking a question, being a good example, dependability

What it Takes – citizenship (character ed)

Stewardship:  What it Takes by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Using Iditarod Insider, students will watch mushers, pilots, veterinarians, volunteers, or other Iditarod personnel in situations along the trail and observe how they exhibit good character into handle the situations.  Topic: stewardship: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care i.e., stewardship of our natural resources

What it Takes – stewardship (character ed)

Teaching Respect:  What it Takes by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Using Iditarod Insider, students will watch mushers, pilots, veterinarians, volunteers, or other Iditarod personnel in situations along the trail and observe how they exhibit good character into handle the situations.   Topic: respect – apologizing, dealing with embarrassment, joining in, offering help, accepting consequences, respect for others, self-respect, tolerance, respect for authority

What it Takes – respect (character education)

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Charitable Giving:  Service Learning by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail ™

Lesson Summary: Students will learn that many mushers in the Iditarod take the commitment of the race an extra step by supporting a charitable organization or illness research project through their race efforts. Some students may choose to participate in service learning or supporting charitable organizations in their communities.  Discipline / Subject: community service/character education/service learning

Christmas – the season of giving-service learning

Worksheet: Mushers Charitable Organizations/Causes

Evaluating Personal Goals and Attributes:  Your Personal Slogan by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will discuss the Iditarod slogan “The Last Great Race on Earth” in relation to what it states about the Iditarod. Then they will create their own personal slogan to reflect who they are as a person.  Topic: students self-description, self evaluation, goal setting

Your Personal Slogan

Developing a Positive Attitude by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Using Iditarod Insider video segments, students will watch mushers, pilots, veterinarians, volunteers, or other Iditarod personnel in situations along the trail and observe how they exhibit good character into handle the situations.  Topic: positive attitude – accepting a compliment, giving a compliment, dealing with boredom, reacting to failure, thankfulness, positive speech

What it Takes – positive attitude (character ed)

Self Control, Self Respect:  What it Takes by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Using Iditarod Insider, students will watch mushers, pilots, veterinarians, volunteers, or other Iditarod personnel in situations along the trail and observe how they exhibit good character into handle the situations.  Topic: self-control/self-discipline: completing assignments, relaxing, accepting “no”, learning from discipline, patience, keeping a good conscience

What it Takes – self-control, self-respect

Responsibility in the Classroom Using Required Gear by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

As mushers arrive at checkpoints along the trail, the checker goes through a list of required items for each one. In order to be able to continue the race, the musher must meet certain requirements.  Classroom ‘required’ gear is developed to help students be more respectful and responsible

Classroom Checker’s Reports (classroom management)

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Responsibility:  What it Takes by Jane Blaile, Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Using Iditarod Insider, students will watch mushers, pilots, veterinarians, volunteers, or other Iditarod personnel in situations along the trail and observe how they exhibit good character into handle the situations.  Topic: responsibility – listening, following directions, asking a question, being a good example, dependability

What it Takes – responsibility

Goal Setting: What it Takes by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Using Iditarod Insider segments, students will watch mushers, pilots, veterinarians, volunteers, or other Iditarod personnel in situations along the trail and observe how they exhibit good character into handle the situations.  Topic: goal setting – setting goals, facing challenges, having hopes and dreams

What it Takes – goal setting (character education)

What it Takes to be Healthy and Happy by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will reflect on intrinsic qualities of people, contrast that to physical or skills abilities, and design an award for someone in their life celebrating his/her character.  Topic: appreciation of others’ intrinsic qualities and personality traits

And The Nominees Are (character education)

Worksheet: scoring rubric

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Reflections on Cultural Perception by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will conduct a scavenger hunt to collect place names of their area that reflect the identity of it, the culture of it, and how others perceive it.  Topic: culture and identity, perception of culture, diversity

Take a Left on Cactus Road (cultural influence)

Worksheet: scavenger hunt checklist

8 Traits of Iditarod by Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™

8 Traits of Iditarod

I=  Innovation

D= Diligence

I= Integrity

T= Team Work

A= Attitude

R= Respect

O= Optimism

D= Determination

8 Traits of Iditarod Articles:  Click here

EIGHT Traits of IDITAROD (PDF Document, Lesson Plan)