AK Reads Act Asynchronous
Endorsement Courses
These two courses offered through the Virtual Learning Consortium can be taken to complete the AK Reads Act Endorsement.
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Science of Reading for Administrators, PCG
NEW!! This 45-hour course provides school leaders with a strong foundation in the science of reading and the key components of effective literacy instruction. Participants will explore phonology, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, as well as strategies for supporting English Learners. The course emphasizes data-driven decision-making, classroom observations, and leadership practices that promote successful literacy initiatives in schools. |
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eLearning Keys to Beginning Reading
This 45-hour course was developed by Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy, to equip educators with the essential background knowledge necessary for teaching all components of beginning reading instruction. The instructional practices are designed for seamless integration into classroom lessons and adaptable to complement any existing reading curriculum or published reading program. |
To add the K-3 AK Reads Act Reading Endorsement, participants must submit their course completion certificate to AK Teacher Certification. Educators have an opportunity to earn 3 CEUs with these courses.
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University of Alaska Southeast School of Education Among 34 Programs Recognized for National Excellence |
UAS joins 549 educator preparation providers meeting rigorous CAEP Accreditation Standards to better prepare the teachers of tomorrow
JUNEAU, Alaska – May 29, 2025 — The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) has officially announced that the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) School of Education is one of 34 educator preparation providers nationwide to receive full accreditation this spring. With this distinction, UAS joins 549 providers across the country and internationally that have earned accreditation under CAEP’s nationally recognized and evidence-based standards.
“These institutions meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate,” said CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. “Seeking CAEP Accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider.”
CAEP accreditation affirms that UAS’s educator preparation programs at both the initial and advanced levels meet rigorous national benchmarks. The review process confirms that graduates are well-prepared to serve diverse learners and that the institution maintains a strong culture of continuous improvement.
“This accomplishment reflects the incredible dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Carlee Simon, Dean of the UAS School of Education. “It also highlights the importance of our community partnerships. I am deeply grateful to the Department of Education and Early Development and to our advisory council for their ongoing support and collaboration. Together we are building a strong foundation for the future of education in Alaska.”
The UAS School of Education offers flexible, high-quality pathways for educators throughout Alaska. Programs include degrees and endorsements in elementary and secondary education, special education, reading, and educational leadership, with an emphasis on culturally responsive practice and strong clinical partnerships.
UAS is one of 34 educator preparation providers in the Spring 2025 class to receive CAEP accreditation. Other institutions include Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, University of South Carolina, and universities from 15 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
For more information about accredited programs and educator pathways at UAS, visit https://uas.alaska.edu/education.
About CAEPThe Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation ( www.CAEPnet.org) advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.
 The Department of Education and Early Development would like to congratulate the Alaskan 2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Finalists!
2025 Math and Science Finalists
- Katrina Cooper: Eagle Academy School, Anchorage School District
- Alice Cumps: Petersburg High School, Petersburg School District
- Christian Haich: Polaris K-12, Anchorage School District
- Carol May: Juneau Douglas High School, Juneau School District
- Melinda Ragsdale: Wasilla High School, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
- Hannah Smith: Mitkof Middle School, Petersburg School District
A national selection committee, chosen by the National Science Foundation (NSF), will review the submissions from the finalists and select two Alaskan Awardees. “Each Presidential Awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from NSF, and an all-expenses paid trip for an award ceremony.” (https://paemst.nsf.gov/)
Any member of the public can nominate a K-6 Alaskan teacher for the next PAEMST award cycle. Fill out a nomination HERE!
Educators, if you are interested in learning more about the PAEMST application process reach out our Alaskan coordinators:
Science:
Joey Jigliotti joeyjigliotti@outlook.com or Jennifer Childress jmchildressak@gmail.com
Math:
Sandy Schoff sandy.schoff@gmail.com.
More information about the PAEMST application process is also available online.
Past Alaska Educator Awardees
 Secure Your Spot for the FY26 Summit!
Registration is now open for the FY26 Alaska School Safety & Well-Being Summit, happening September 10–11, 2025, at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage!
This year’s “All Hands on Deck” theme calls on educational leaders, key staff, and strategic partners from every district across Alaska to come together in support of safe, supportive school environments. We’ll collaborate on strategies to promote healthy development through trauma-engaged practices, improved school climate, and strengthened readiness for potential school crises.
Secure your spot today—we look forward to seeing you there!
Support the Summit!
 Support safer, healthier schools by becoming a sponsor of the Summit. This premier event brings together educational leaders, key staff, and stakeholders from across Alaska to collaborate on critical issues like school climate, trauma-engaged practices, and crisis preparedness.
As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your organization, connect with decision-makers, and demonstrate your commitment to student well-being and school safety. Gain visibility through exhibit space, branding opportunities, and direct engagement with attendees. Join us in making a lasting impact!
As educators transition from spring to summer and perhaps begin looking elsewhere to teach, please be aware of the Contractual Obligations that PTPC has the authority to uphold. Maintain professional communication with your current contracted employer and give them adequate time to find a qualified replacement should you decide to seek employment elsewhere. Leaving without adequate notice, or mutual assent is considered unilateral termination of a contract and may result in a one-year suspension of your teaching certificate.
Administrators, now is the time to book presentations for your fall professional development with melody.mann@alaska.gov to discuss the Code of Ethics for Educators, professional expectations on boundaries, communication and political activity, as well as contractual obligations. Let me know if you would like a virtual or in-person presentation to kick off your 2025-26 school year.
Walk in the Footsteps of History
to Celebrate America’s 250th
A Call for Applications from the National History Academy
In collaboration with America250-Alaska, DEED shares the The National History Academy’s call for applications from students and teachers:
The National History Academy is a four-week residential summer program based at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA, for 90 highly achieving 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. The program begins Sunday, July 6, 2025 and ends Friday, August 1, 2025.
At the National History Academy, students will walk in the footsteps of leaders who helped define and shape the American story and focus on critical events in our history – the fight for civil rights and voting rights, and women’s struggle for equal rights in America – while relating our country’s history to the serious challenges we face as a country today. Students will experience a college prep curriculum that includes historic site visits, Case Method Institute Cases, Braver Angels Parliamentary Debates, guest speakers, all while immersed in a college-like Residential Life Program
More than half of students receive full or partial scholarships, which are available on a need basis. Students may apply for a scholarship as part of the entrance application.Apply now at www.nationalhistoryacademy.org. For more information, contact the National History Academy at info@nationalhistoryacadmy.org or 540-882-4929
ACPE’s Master the FAFSA Training provides a line-by-line overview and detailed explanation of the 2025-26 FAFSA process. Education and Workforce Development Professionals gain better understanding and navigation of the FAFSA form to ensure they can support Alaska’s students/families and adult learners with successful FAFSA completion.
ACPE’s Master the FAFSA Training sessions are delivered weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a series of training sessions. Weekly ACPE’s Master the FAFSA Training sessions are separate sessions that cover exactly the same material. Individuals only need to register and attend one session; however, multiple sessions are available to accommodate a variety of schedules.
Please reach out to Dominika Szpotanska, ACAC Coordinator, for more details.
 Physical Activity – Resources for Boosting Student Success
All students benefit from physical activity. Therefore, it is important to cultivate an environment that creates opportunities for all students to participate in physical activity. The benefits of physical activity include:
- Improved concentration, memory, and classroom behavior
- Improved standardized test scores
- Lower levels of stress and anxiety, better sleep outcomes
- Stronger sense of social connectedness
- Motor skill development
- Reduced risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes
Look at this information sheet for a snapshot of Alaskan students activity levels and how schools can enhance success through increasing physical activity.
ACPE is Hiring:
College Intern
Are you a college student looking for full-time or part-time work?
ACPE is recruiting for a Juneau-based College Intern to perform administrative support and clerical accounting duties. For more information about this exciting job opportunity and to submit an application, please see the posting on Workplace Alaska.
AI Ready Skills – Available now at NO COST for Alaska Public Schools
AI Ready Skills is a credential program which develops and proves students’ skills in the evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. The program engages young learners through game-based learning in a highly engaging curriculum and rewards their learning with credentials. The program is easy-to-teach and uses Minecraft Education to immerse students in a fun and engaging learning environment.
Providing foundational knowledge in the subject of Artificial Intelligence, the credential program is comprised of 4 units – Introduction to AI, Exploring Data and AI, Coding and AI and Practicing Responsible AI. Students learn in a series of Minecraft Education worlds and prove their skills by undertaking both formative and summative assessments including a capstone credential exam. AI Ready Skills provides students with skills for in-demand job roles, building the workforce of tomorrow, and creating economic opportunity.
Find out more and request your free teacher account at https://aireadyskills.com.
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