Teaching in Alaska?

Question

I may be moving to Alaska this year and have been thinking about becoming a teacher for the past few years. Can anyone tell me what's required to be a teacher, or a substitute in AK? I have a B.A. and can pass a background check. Would I need to get a degree in education? What is the need like for teachers up there and what standards do you have to meet? I'm willing to teach any grade, but have a preference for middle and high school.

Answer 1

I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska for three years (1993-1996.) At that time, teaching jobs were competitive in the "urban" areas (populated areas), like Anchorage/surrounding area, Fairbanks/surrounding area. If you wanted to teach in the "Bush," your chances were a little better, but not necessarily, especially if you were from the "Outside," (the Lower 48.)

The way of life, pace of life and environment is so different in Alaska. Not worse, not better, just different. Being in a somewhat populated area of Alaska is its own culture shock, let alone being out in the "Bush," in an area that would only be accessible by plane or sled dog. The powers-that-be wouldn't put just any newcomer in that situation, especially when most of the students you might have would probably be Native Alaskans.

Just consider that the TOTAL population for Alaska is the size of a medium size city in the lower 48 (around 750-800 thousand) and that there are basically only three highways in the entire state - one from Anchorage to Fairbanks, one from Fairbanks to Valdez and that cuts across E-W in the middle between those two and then continues across to Canada (the Al-Can).

But I loved it there and would go back in a heartbeat - my parents' disowning me for taking their grandchildren so far away again is the only thing that held me away:)


In order to be certified in Alaska, you need:
+ to be certified in another state for reciprocity,
+ submit official transcripts,
+ a form filled out by your college/university where you attended your teaching/education program,
+ two FBI fingerprint cards (can be done at any local Board of Education/sheriff dept.)
+ a notarized statement,
+ a statement filled out by the state who has certified you,
+ a copy of passing Teaching test scores (Praxis I or other Teacher's exam)
+ and $191 application fee.

Answer 2

I don't know what their certification requirements are, but I have heard you can get a nice signing bonus there because there is such a need for teachers. I would check their state website for more details.