Article Contributed on: 2/14/2008 12:39:55 PM
2009 Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ Finalists Selected!
Congratulations to Laurie, Judi, and Cathy!
The finalists for the 2009 Target® Iditarod Teacher on the TrailTM have been selected. The finalists, from the states of Colorado, Nebraska, and North Carolina will soon be headed to Alaska for the start of the 2008 Iditarod and to continue their involvement in activities for the selection process. While in Alaska, they will be presenters at the Iditarod Teacher's Conference, (Feb 26 - 29) participate in an individual interview and other selection committee activities, be an Iditarod volunteer, and observe the start and restart of the race. The teachers will have opportunity to experience Iditarod 'behind the scenes' while being in competition for the 2009 Target® Iditarod Teacher on the TrailTM.
Meet the finalists!
Laurie Nakauchi-Hawn, Arvada, CO is a Kindergarten - first grade teacher and teaches at the Friends' School in Boulder. "I am applying to be the 2009 Teacher on the Trail because I love the spirit the race embodies and have a longing to pass on the ideals while being an active part of the race."
Judi Roach, a fourth grade teacher at Central Elementary, lives and teaches in Sidney, NE. "The reason I am applying for Teacher on the Trail is two dimensional: to share my love of the Iditarod Race with students: and to promote its educational opportunities along with my vision of how the characteristics and habits of mushers and sled dogs can show all people how to follow their dreams, set goals, never give up, and enjoy their journey as they navigate life's adventurous terrain."
Cathy Walters is from Asherville, NC . Cathy teaches Pre-Kindergarten and leads an enrichment class which is themed Iditarod, for students in grades 1 - 5. "I want to share the rich lessons that come from using the Iditarod as a theme of instruction because it excites my students (and me!) and makes them hungry to learn more."
Each year, a teacher is chosen to be the Target® Iditarod Teacher on the TrailTM, a year long position during which time, the selected teacher maintains an educational section of www.iditarod.com providing content driven, standards aligned lessons and projects to students around the world.
Watch the website for a complete bio and lesson ideas from our finalists will soon be posted on the website. Follow the selection process by reading future articles at FOR TEACHERS section of the website. The 2009 Target® Iditarod Teacher on the TrailTM will be announced in April. The selected teacher will begin duties in June at the Iditarod Boot Camp for Educators which will be held in Wasilla, Alaska. To learn more about this conference, Click here.
Congratulations and good luck to Laurie, Judi, and Cathy!