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Please join the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) School Safety Task Force on Thursday, January 30 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST for a virtual training on assessing and responding to anonymous threats of violence in the K-12 environment.
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The training will feature a facilitated discussion with school and district leaders on their experiences with managing anonymous threats – such as hoax calls, threats received on social media or via email, and notes found on school grounds – and maintaining the safety of their communities. The discussion will explore anonymous threat trends affecting K-12 schools, the criticality of early awareness and deterrence of future threats, key partners in addressing threats, and appropriate response actions that schools and local law enforcement partners can take when threats are received.
Event Details
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When: January 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST
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Where: Microsoft Teams Live (access link to be provided to registrants one day in advance of the event)
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Registration: k12anonymousthreats.eventbrite.com
The subject matter covered during this event will be particularly relevant to school and district administrators, K-12 school security staff, school resource officers and school-based law enforcement personnel, emergency management professionals, state and local law enforcement, parents and guardians, and other members of the school safety community. If you have any questions, please contact the School Safety Task Force at SchoolSafety@mail.cisa.dhs.gov.
School Safety Task Force
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
CISA’s School Safety Virtual Trainings are designed to address key school safety issues facing the K-12 academic community. Each virtual training features leaders and subject matter experts from a range of public sector organizations, who share information, best practices, and resources available to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from critical school safety threats and risks. Learn more about CISA’s school safety efforts here.
If you have difficulty understanding English or have a disability, free language assistance or other aids and services are available upon request. If you require a reasonable modification to fully participate in this event, please contact SchoolSafety@mail.cisa.dhs.gov and CISA.PACT_CRCL@mail.cisa.dhs.gov as soon as possible.
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News and Information from PTPC |
The Professional Teaching Practices Commission (PTPC) is pleased to share valuable resources designed to support Alaska educators in understanding the ethical and professional standards of their profession. The PTPC Annual Report provides an overview of the commission’s activities, goals, and accomplishments, while the newly Revised PTPC Handbook for Alaska Educators offers updated guidance on professional practices and responsibilities. These documents are essential tools for educators committed to fostering integrity, professionalism, and excellence in Alaska's schools. Explore the links below to learn more about the PTPC's mission and resources.
Please note: our next Commission meeting will be held virtually by Zoom webinar on January 27, 2025. The link to the webinar can be found under Scheduled Meetings on the PTPC webpage.
Melody Mann (she/her)
Executive Director
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
https://education.alaska.gov/ptpc
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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.”
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
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.
Recordings of technical assistance webinars are available at the Early Learning Programs Page
*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
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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