 From left to right: Colony High School Principal Kristy Johnson, DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop, 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year Kelly Rentz, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Superintendent Randy Trani.
DEED Announces Alaska
Teacher of the Year for 2025
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) has announced that Kelly Rentz, of Colony High School in Palmer, has been named the 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year.
During the open nomination period, Kelly received nominations from students who are thrilled to be in her classes. Her dedication to her students and school community was evident in the evaluation process and has been apparent throughout her career.
Her professional summary states, “Compassionate teaching professional, creating a culture of respect, integrity, and excellence through education in the fine arts. Community leader inspiring others to make good art for great causes.”
“Congratulations to Ms. Rentz for this great accomplishment,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Great teachers motivate their students and create a learning environment students look forward to coming to. It’s clear that Ms. Rentz’s students look forward to learning from her.”
“Kelly's dedication to educational excellence serves as an inspiration to our students, staff, and community," DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop said. "There is no higher praise than to be nominated by your students, and it is with great pride that we honor her as the 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year.”
Learn More Here
Two Alaska Students Named
2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars
This week two Alaskan students were named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education. The two Alaskans recognized are among 161 high school seniors honored for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
The Alaska scholars are:
- Bentley D. Altman, Family Partnership Charter School, Anchorage, Alaska.
- Samantha J. Holler, Mat-Su Career and Technical High School, Wasilla, Alaska.
"Being named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar is an incredible honor, and we are immensely proud of Bentley D. Altman and Samantha J. Holler for achieving this prestigious recognition," said DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop. "Their dedication to academic excellence and outstanding achievements highlight the exceptional talents they possess. We celebrate their success and look forward to their continued contributions to our community and beyond."
The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.
Learn More Here
It's now time to register for the 2024 Alaska School Safety & Well-Being Summit, happening September 25-26 at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center!
Educational leaders, key staff, and strategic stakeholders, including representation from every district across the state, will convene to improve school safety and well-being in Alaska by both learning and sharing methods to: Promote healthy development through trauma-engaged and restorative practices, improve school climate, and be better prepared for any possible school crisis.
Register Now!
 Attention Educators and Administrators!
Keys to Literacy can work with you to put together a cohort for your teachers/paraprofessionals/administrators to have professional development in the science of reading. This course meets requirements for the Alaska Reads Act Educator Endorsement. Act now before dates are filled!
Teacher Certification has made a few changes to the Alaska Reads Endorsement application to simplify the process.
The form has been split into three separate endorsement applications:
If educators complete a DEED-offered professional learning course they do NOT need to turn in an application. Their certificate is on record with DEED and the appropriate AK Reads K-3 Teacher/Administrator endorsement will be added to their certificate prior to the July 1, 2025, deadline. You will receive an email with a link to TEACH AK where you can view, download, and print your updated certificate.
Note: There are additional requirements that need to be submitted for the Alaska Reads Act Reading Teacher and the Alaska Reads Act Early Education Lead endorsement.
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Application for Early Education Program Approval and 0.5 ADM / Formula Funding (EEP-ADM Application)
DEED is inviting applications for FY2025 Early Education Program Approval. Those districts who receive approval will be eligible to report enrolled early education students in the district’s average daily membership (ADM) that determines Foundation Formula funding. Funding will be granted at a rate of 0.5 ADM for each eligible 4-year-old and 5-year-old student.
Approval will be determined according to compliance with these requirements:
- Operate an early education program for three or more years,
- Consult all high-quality childcare programs within the school district boundaries, including Head Start [Sec 14.03.410(c)],
- Successfully implement the Alaska Early Education Program Standards, and
- Employ early education teacher(s) with the required and current teacher certification.
Due Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Sample Application: Form # 05-24-034 at Forms - Education and Early Development (alaska.gov)
Application: EEP-ADM Notice of Intent to Apply
Technical Assistance Webinar: Recording from February 21.
For more information, visit education.alaska.gov/earlylearning or contact earlylearning@alaska.gov
 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize
NOW OPEN: Schools have a great opportunity to partner with other districts for the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize which provides grant funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at public K-12 schools to lower energy costs and improve indoor air quality.
The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize implements a prize-to-cooperative-agreement funding model to streamline the application process, expedite the award process, and provide winners earlier with more targeted support. Like the 2022 Renew America’s Schools grant, the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize will fund energy-efficient and clean energy infrastructure improvements at school districts across America. Apply for your Alaskan school today!
For More Information: https://www.herox.com/renewschoolsprize/timeline
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NWEA SoR for Leaders: Summer Intensive Course
There will be a summer opportunity for the NWEA Science of Reading for Leaders Course.
Summer is a great time for Alaska Leaders to take this course that meets Alaska Reads Act Educator Qualification requirements.
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