 The SERRC Youth Brain Injury Program invites all Alaska educators to register for a free 3-credit online professional development course through UAS.
The 14 week virtual class runs from Jan 13 - April 15 and includes 5 live meetings all on Tuesday's from 4:30-6:00 pm.
Funding for the course is provided by the Alaska Division of Public Health.
Course Description:
All forms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) including concussion can have a significant impact on student learning outcomes and overall health and well being. Yet, although TBI is a high-incidence medical event, it is listed as a “low-incidence” educational disability and too frequently the needs of students affected by TBI are not identified or addressed.
In this course students will develop a deeper understanding of how TBI affects brain development and practical support strategies that can benefit all learners, while also meeting the specific needs of neurodiverse students such as those with a history of traumatic brain injury. Using evidence-based tools like the Alaska Return-to-School Plan, educators will be equipped to unlock student potential by creating inclusive classrooms that foster independence, resilience, and long-term success.
This class is limited to the first 20 applicants.
Register with CRN #35934 today at https://www.alaska.edu/uaonline/
• Log in with your student credentials or complete a new enrollment as a non-degree seeking student at UAS.
Email Braininjury@serrc.org for more information.
View the TBI Course Promotion Flyer here.
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ACPE is Recruiting!
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The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is actively recruiting for an Executive Director/Officer in our Executive Office Unit! This Juneau or Anchorage-based position is a range 27.
The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Practical knowledge of policy issues and opportunities of greatest importance to ACPE's and ASLC's mission in Alaska and commitment to advancing the strategic priorities approved by the Board
- Understanding of laws, regulations, policies, practices and procedures of the Alaska state financial aid programs
- Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and the intricacies of student loan programs to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability
- Working knowledge of Federal and state laws, loan documents related to student financial aid, education loans and consumer lending programs, and data privacy
- Excellent communication skills to advocate for the agency’s mission, build partnerships, and engage stakeholders, including government officials, educational institutions, and the public
- Demonstrated experience in leadership theories, principles and techniques, to include change management
- Operational knowledge of Board and policy-level governance and organization
- Familiarity with State of Alaska government, institutions and public policy issues to effectively navigate and influence legislative and regulatory environments
To learn more about this exciting job opportunity and to submit an application, please see the posting on Workplace Alaska, which closes on 1/8/2025 at 5pm. If you have any questions about the position, please reach out to Grace Newman. Thank you!
Bond Reimbursement & Grant Review
Committee Member Recruitment
The Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) is seeking three (3) interested persons to serve on the statutory Bond Reimbursement & Grant Review (BR&GR) Committee established by AS 14.11.014. Qualified applicants will have an interest in school facilities and the impact of school facilities on the education of Alaska’s school children.
The BR&GR Committee establishes the application form and ranking method utilized by DEED to prioritize capital improvement projects submitted by Alaska school districts for school construction and major maintenance grants, and reviews the priorities established under that application. The committee makes recommendations to the State Board of Education & Early Development regarding school construction projects and projects for which bond reimbursement is requested. The committee develops criteria for cost-effective school construction and sets standards for school energy efficiency. The committee meets approximately four (4) times per year. These meetings typically take place in February, April, September, and December. Additional meetings are scheduled when needed. One meeting each year is in person, typically the April meeting, other meetings are online. Members are not paid, but are reimbursed for travel, per diem and eligible expenses.
The positions are currently filled, with terms expiring on February 28, 2025. A selected applicant will meet one of the following qualifications and be appointed to a term beginning March 1, 2025:
- A professional degree and experience in school construction (preference may be given to a registered architect).
- Experience in urban or rural school facilities management (preference may be given to those with experience in rural schools).
- Public at large (preference may be given to a person with a background in general construction).
The appointment terms are through February 28, 2029. A qualified applicant could be appointed for an additional four-year term.
If you are interested in one of these positions, please mail a resume and a letter describing your background, your perspective on the importance of the school facility to a child’s education, and the reason you are interested in serving on the committee to: Facilities, Division of Finance and Support Services, Department of Education and Early Development, P.O. Box 110500, Juneau, AK 99811-0500; e-mail deed.commissioner@alaska.gov and eed.facilities@alaska.gov, so that is it received no later than 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
 Overview
The “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” media campaign competition aims to recruit the help of Alaska high school students to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl to their fellow students. By getting involved, students will gain valuable experience in media and public affairs campaigns – important life experiences that will also serve their communities.
What:
We are asking students to launch a “One Pill Can Kill” media campaign to reach high school students. The campaign can reach students in a variety of ways: posters in hallways, advertisements in student newspapers, or videos on social media are a few examples. Creativity is key.
The campaigns should use the “One Pill Can Kill” messaging and highlight the dangers of fentanyl, the risks of non-prescription drug use, and the importance of staying informed and seeking help.
Who:
This competition is open to groups of high school students in Alaska. Schools are encouraged to submit one campaign per school but may submit more.
Each entry must include at least two students’ participation. Home-schooled students may also participate by launching a media campaign that reaches youth in locations other than school, including online.
How:
After launching the campaign, contestants must submit a report to Senator Sullivan’s communications team explaining their campaign, how it was executed and what they learned. Keep in mind the judging criteria below. Examples of the campaign’s media materials must be included or linked to in the report.
Reports will be submitted via a link on Senator Sullivan’s website that will become available in February.
Judging Criteria:
1. Effectiveness – Is the campaign effective?
2. Targeted Audience – Does the campaign reach the intended audience?
3. Messaging – Does the campaign incorporate the theme of “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska?”
4. Creativity – Is the campaign innovative?
5. Accuracy – Are the facts about fentanyl and its risks correct and well-researched?
6. Lessons Learned – Does the report explain what they learned from the experience?
Prize:
While all campaigns will be featured on Senator Sullivan’s website, the winning campaign will work with Senator Sullivan’s communications team to design public service announcements featured as part of the statewide “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” campaign.
It will be shared on Senator Sullivan’s social media channels and offered for distribution to local television, radio, and print media across Alaska.
Timeline:
• Report Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
• Winners Announced: March 14, 2025
Download media campaign one-pager here.
Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) Conference 2025
ASTE 2025 will be at the Hotel Captain Cook on February 15-18, 2025. The ASTE Board for 2024-2025, under the direction of President Anthony White, has selected "StoryBytes" as the theme:
“At ASTE 2025, dive into a unique educational technology experience designed to enhance your skills and inspire new ideas. Explore a range of registration options to fit your goals. Register now and embark on a journey of storytelling, innovation, and transformation.”
The Call for Proposal to Present for the conference is now open through November 15, 2024. Registration will open after the schedule is finalized so participants can register and sign up for sessions at the same time. Please visit www.aste.org/conference for more information.
Register Now for ACPE’s Master the FAFSA Training
ACPE’s Master the FAFSA Training sessions are delivered weekly, on every Monday and Thursday, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. 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 Stakeholders gain better understanding and navigation of the FAFSA form to ensure they can assist students/families and adult learners with correct and stress-free FAFSA completion!
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 with questions to Dominika Szpotanska, ACAC Coordinator, at dominika.szpotanska@alaska.gov.
 The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) has developed a free, teacher-facilitated curriculum designed to meet the Alaska Safe Children’s Act requirements for students in grades 7-12. This comprehensive and user-friendly curriculum focuses on preventing violence and promoting healthy relationships by addressing topics like dating violence, abusive behaviors, fostering positive relationship habits, and community resources. Developed with input from school districts and national experts, the curriculum offers engaging, developmentally appropriate content through interactive learning experiences, ensuring consistent and effective education for students across Alaska.
As an added bonus--to support schools with implementing this curriculum, the 2024 ASCA Curriculum Committee developed implementation guides for teachers and schools & districts.”
“If Bree’s Law curriculum was not offered, I think many students would not be aware that they have power to stand up for themselves when someone crosses their boundaries. I think they might always be hesitant to tell someone because they may not know that this is an option. Just knowing that they have the right to do these things is powerful.” – Educator in Alaska
For more information reach out to EED.AlaskaSafeChildrensAct@alaska.gov
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The LETRS for Early Childhood Educators course filled quickly. If you would like to add your name to a waitlist, if current registrants drop, please click here.
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District early education programs who have been in operation for at least three years and have implemented the Alaska Early Education Program Standards are encouraged to submit an EEP-ADM application. Approved districts will be eligible to include 4- and 5-year-old preschool students in the average daily membership count for formula funding.
Application due May 15, 2025
Submit the Intent to Apply form to get started.
Technical assistance webinars: December 3, 9:00-10:00 and December 5, 1:00-2:00.
Click the links to register.
*Completing the intent to apply form does not obligate a district to apply.
*Those who have an unfinished application from last year should email jayne.mcfarland@alaska.gov directly.
Is your district planning to apply for the Early Education Program Grant or Approval for 0.5 ADM/Formula Funding? If so, consultation with all Head Start agencies operating within the district is required.
Access consultation forms and guidance at https://education.alaska.gov/forms/05-24-031.docx
Visit the Early Learning Programs Page for more information about the EEP Grant and EEP-ADM funding, or e-mail jayne.mcfarland@alaska.gov
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Professional Boundaries and the PTPC |
Remember, Educators, that you are required to give adequate written notice and get written assent to terminate a contract. See the Contract Obligations Policy for more information. PTPC is authorized to sanction educators who unilaterally terminate a contract. Enjoy your holidays and return to complete your contract next year. Contact @Mann, Melody L (EED) for more information.
Melody Mann (she/her)
Executive Director
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
https://education.alaska.gov/ptpc
I can be reached between 8-4:30 weekdays. Contact me to schedule an appointment.
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The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, a new resource to help kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools and their law enforcement and community partners create tailored approaches to addressing anonymous threats of violence, including those received on social media. The toolkit outlines steps school leaders can take to assess and respond to anonymous threats, better prepare for, and prevent future threats, and work in coordination with law enforcement and other local partners when threats arise. |
The toolkit emphasizes six key strategies for schools to consider when addressing anonymous threats:
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Build awareness about reporting to detect threats early and deter future threats.
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Develop a partnership structure that will help address threats. This includes school administrators, law enforcement personnel and mental health professionals.
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Engage law enforcement to manage threat situations and decide when to scale response actions up or down.
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Balance initial response steps to ensure the campus is safe. Most critically, treat each threat as credible, and from there, work with necessary partners to determine how to approach an immediate response.
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When appropriate, tap into multidisciplinary threat assessment teams to support interventions and expedite response if the subject who made the threat becomes known.
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Take steps throughout the school year to prepare for threats. Establish a response protocol and practice other types of emergency management activities, such as training exercises for staff.
Keys to Literacy Professional Development
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Keys to Literacy: Keys to Beginning Reading course
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) is excited to announce a new K-3 Alaska Reads Act course. A Keys to Literacy asynchronous course is now live and available on Alaska DEED’s e-learning platform.
This course is approved by the DEED to meet the regulatory statute requirements outlined in the Alaska Reads Act. Upon successful completion of this course, educators must submit their course certificate to AK Teacher Certification to add the K-3 AK Reads Act Reading Endorsement to their Teacher Certificate.
Keys to Beginning Reading is a 45-hour course designed by Keys to Literacy founder Joan Sedita, and tailored specifically for Alaska educators. It is a practical course that provides the background knowledge needed to teach all the components of beginning reading instruction. The instructional practices are designed to easily transfer to classroom lessons and can be integrated with any reading curriculum or published reading program.
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