In Today's Newsletter
1. MTSS/RTI 2024 Conference 2. TODAY: Commissioner Bishop at Anchorage Rotary 3. Governor Releases FY25 Budget Proposal 4. Professional Teaching Practices Commission Updates 5. National STEM Festival 6. Careers at DEED 7. Resource Library for Rural Schools 8. Teacher of the Year Nominations 9. Alaska Music Summit 10. The Alaska Reading Newsletter
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development will be closed on December 25, 2023 for the Christmas holiday.
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Attend the 13th annual MTSS/RTI Conference!
Meeting Students Where They Are!
There will be an energizing group of nationally recognized educators exploring the latest research on what works now – delivered in accessible and practical format.
ONLINE Saturday, January 20:
MTSS Virtual Conference for Small & Rural Schools
Keynote: Anita Archer
Explore two critical areas: multi-tiered system of supports and the science of reading as practiced in multi-grade classrooms and small schools. Learn tools to address the academic and behavioral challenges faced by rural educators that can be immediately applied in your classroom.
Anchorage - Friday, January 26:
Trauma Engaged MTSS Pre-Conference
Keynotes: Dr. Linda Chamberlain, Doug Modig
Alaskan experts in trauma-informed education will share research, evidence-based strategies, and practical techniques to help you understand and respond to students affected by trauma.
Anchorage - Saturday, January 27 & Sunday, January 28:
MTSS Effective Instruction Conference:
Meeting Students Where They Are
Keynotes: Dr. John Hattie, Princess Lucaj, Dr. Julie Stern
Explore strategies to enhance multi-tiered systems of support and effective instruction in our schools. This conference aims to equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and resources to effectively meet the diverse academic, behavioral, and social emotional needs of your students.
DEED Commissioner Dr. Deena Bishop will be speaking with the Anchorage Rotary Club today at lunch. She will provide a presentation about DEED's top education priorities.
Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM Place: Dena'ina Center 600 W 7th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501
For more information, see the Anchorage Rotary Club's website.
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Last Thursday, Governor Mike Dunleavy released his Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal and hosted a corresponding press conference.
The K-12 Foundation program is fully funded at $1.1 billion, based on statutory formula, and although there is an overall reduction, it is due to a projected decrease in the average daily membership (ADM). Pupil Transportation, School Debt Reimbursement, and the REAA Fund are also fully funded based on their statutory calculations.
The budget will likely see many changes in the Legislature before being enacted.
Contractual Obligations Policy
PTPC has the authority to investigate allegations of a breach of contract. Becoming familiar with the Contractual Obligations Policy will help educators and school districts follow regulations to terminate contracts mutually and professionally.
Learn More!
Have additional questions, concerns, or just want to learn more? Melody Mann, PTPC's Executive Director, is available to present information about PTPC to educators around the state. Send her an email to schedule an informational presentation.
The National STEM Festival will take place in person, April 11-13, 2024, at The Square, 1850 K St., NW, Washington, DC. The schedule to date follows:
- April 11 – ED will host a 2nd You Belong in STEM Convening
(invitation only)
- April 12 – student innovators will exhibit their projects for the media and federal VIPs. (invitation only)
- April 13, 12:00-5:00 PM – student innovators and federal STEM agencies will exhibit for the public (open invitation)
There are currently lots of job opportunities within DEED divisions, including with the Alaska State Council on the Arts, Finance and Support Services, and Libraries, Archives, and Museums. Check out our job spotlight or other openings below.
OWL Program Manager & Library Technology Consultant Librarian 3
Are you a tech-savvy librarian eager to champion access for all to the wonders of technology, the internet, and all things library? If so, we have the perfect role for you!
The Alaska State Library is on the lookout for a dynamic librarian to serve as the Online With Libraries (OWL) Program Manager and library technology consultant.
What You Will Be Doing
In this pivotal role, you will empower Alaska librarians by providing professional and technical guidance in public internet access, videoconferencing, and library technology. You will help fortify local library services by identifying and selectively engaging in technology projects and grant opportunities that strengthen and elevate these services. You will manage the OWL Program and assist libraries in harnessing the power of videoconferencing, internet access, and library tech to make their services top-notch. From tiny remote libraries in the wild to bustling city book havens, you will contribute to the enhancement of library services for people of all ages across Alaska.
Apply for this job or see other job postings at: Workplace Alaska
The U.S. Department of Education's Comprehensive Center Network (CCNetwork) has compiled incredible resources to support rural schools, students, and communities. Some of the resources include "Strengthening Suicide Prevention in Rural Schools" and "Tailoring Supports For Rural & Tribal Youth." Check it out: Resource Library | Comprehensive Center Network (compcenternetwork.org)
NOW OPEN: Teacher of the Year (TOY) Awards!
TOY is an excellent way to acknowledge the expertise, skills, accomplishments, and professionalism of teachers within your school. Nominations close on Jan. 31, 2024.
Any interested Alaska citizen may make nominations for the Alaska Teacher of the Year. Nominees should:
- Have five (5) or more years of experience in the field of education.
- Be a classroom teacher during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years.
The selected individual will serve as the Alaska State Teacher of the Year for the 2025 calendar year.
Click here for the Alaska Teacher of the Year Nomination Form.
Click here to read about our 2024 Teacher of the Year, Catherine Walker (pictured right).
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The Alaska Music Summit is a statewide convening of artists, teachers, techies, producers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to share ideas, experiences, and encouragement.
The 2024 Alaska Music Summit will take place in Anchorage. Saturday Jan 13th will be a community town hall event at the Nave in Spenard, accessible on Zoom as well as in person. On Sunday, Jan 14th, AKIMI will host “Office Hours,” opportunities for small group conversation and mentoring with visiting guests and Alaskan experts (signups will take place the day before).
Guests and programming will be updated here as confirmations roll in. Expect content on: community building, creative ways for artists to earn more, professionalizing our music sector, navigating rights, royalties, and copyright, conversations in music education, and looking to other places for music sector solutions but tailoring them for Alaska.
Check out this month's Alaska Reading Newsletter! Discover DEED's next Coffee and Content speaker, the current Alaska School Spotlight, and updated educator endorsement information.
Read it here: December 2023 Alaska Reading Newsletter (govdelivery.com)
Plus, there is a subscription option at the bottom of the page. Happy reading!
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