Featured Teacher

Healthy Futures recognizes a ‘Featured Teacher’ each year to show appreciation for some of our amazing partners and highlight some of the innovative and inspiring work being done across the state. Here’s a glance at the personal side of some of Alaska’s outstanding teachers.

Holly Shier: Spring 2022

School: Raven Homeschool Juneau

Position: Administrative Assistant

Years as a Teacher: 3 years as a teacher, 11 years as an admin at Raven Homeschool

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge: 11 years

Complete the following sentences:

  • My hero is my high school teacher Mrs. George because she inspired me to work hard and then even harder to do my best and stretch myself beyond what I thought was capable. She made me want to be a kind but firm teacher who would also motivate kids to work hard and pursue their goals. 
  • When I’m not in the classroom you will find me crocheting, reading, snuggling with my kitty, or trying to do all three at the same time.
  • The craziest place I have ever been is in my closet because I have the most fun, crazy clothes and earrings to go along with every sort of theme, holiday, or event you could imagine.
  • My favorite recreation/fitness activity is racquetball because my husband taught me how to play when we were getting to know each other in college and we still love playing together. 
  • The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is “how are you always so happy all the time?”
  • My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a more healthy lifestyle is being enthusiastic about it myself and showing them that it is ok to be crazy and just have fun.

Joyanne Hamilton: Fall 2021

Position: Principal/Teacher

School: Innoko River School

How many years have you participated in the Healthy Futures Challenge?
Whenever the first year Healthy Futures began is when I began!  I can’t even remember! I love the program, the contests, and the incentives. I’d also love to honor a fellow teacher who also loved Healthy Futures and I know was fully involved: Susan A. Smith who taught in Takotna. She passed away August 2021 and I miss her tremendously as I know her students do, too.

Who are your heroes?
My heroes are … many. How can a person have just one hero when our lives are vibrantly colorized by the families we are born into, or the exceptional people we meet with their own life stories and personalities? My heroes are those who show resilience despite adverse situations they have experienced in life.

When are you when you aren’t in the classroom?
You will find me taking photos of the beauty in nature.

What is the craziest place you have ever been?
In my classroom on science investigation field trip day.

What is your favorite recreation/fitness activity?
Walking up the road with my camera.

What is the most inspirational thing a student has ever said to you?
“I learned to walk even though the doctors told my family I would never walk.” (Another one of my heroes)

What is your favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a more healthy lifestyle?
To participate with them in the games that are being played, and the exercises that they are doing. Role model good health. (I have my students remind me to do 5-10 squats in place when I get up from my desk).

Zachery Trudeau: Fall 2019

 Position: Physical Education Teacher

 School: Fawn Mountain Elementary

 Years as a Teacher: 3 Years

 Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge: 3

 My hero is . . . Andrew Trudeau because he is my dad and why not.

When I’m not in the classroom, you will find me…enjoying all that Alaska’s beautiful mountains, waters, and shores has to offer.

The craziest place I have ever been is . . . Bohol, Philippines

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is . . . fishing.

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is. .  .“I love that you challenge us because we need it to get better”.

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is . . .to have the students challenge me. For example, how long can you hold a hand stand?

I love to promote functional movements and I love to see my students excel in a quest to be the healthiest people by using functional movements in their daily routines.

Chris Stewart: Spring 2019

 Position: K-5 Physical Education Teacher

 School: Dena’ina Elementary School

 Years as a Teacher: 14 Years

 Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge: 10

 My hero is: My Nana because she was a kind, generous, spunky soul who took special care of family, friends, and every other living being that ever lived or worked on her grape farm.

When I’m not in the classroom, you will find me: With my family in our camper somewhere in
the woods of Alaska!

The craziest place I have ever been is: 14,000 feet in the air jumping out of an airplane!

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: Snowboarding on 24 inches of fresh powder.

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: Thank you for being a teacher.

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: Showing them that the hard work of living a healthy lifestyle can be done in a fun way, and when it is, there’s NO WAY to lose!

Nancy Blake: Fall 2018

 Position: Physical Educator

 School: Goose Bay Elementary School, Mat-Su Borough School District

 Years as a Teacher: 27 Years

 Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge: Honestly, I’m not sure! Over a decade, at least!

 My hero is: I have many heroes – people who inspire me on a daily basis by their passion and commitment to improving the world around them. Two women from history who have inspired me are Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. They spent their lives fighting for women’s right to vote in our country, and yet they didn’t even live long enough to cast a legal ballot. Their commitment, never wavering, gave those who came after them the right to have a voice. It is my hope that all we do today will also make the world a better, more equitable place for those who come after us.

When I’m not in the classroom, you will find me: Doing just about anything! I like to go walking with our dogs, take off on a good bike ride, escape into a good book, listen to live music, and try to challenge myself by learning something new.

The craziest place I have ever been is: ALASKA! I grew up on the other side of the continent and never thought of moving to The Last Frontier! On the advice of a college friend, I applied for a summer job in Denali National Park (making pizza at Lynx Creek!) and fell in love with the land and the people. It is a wonderful place, and 27 years later, I am so proud to call it my home.

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: It changes all the time! Right now, I am loving bike rides on these beautiful fall days, and I am looking forward to getting back on my XC skis when the snow falls again. I also find that having a morning routine of hopping on the treadmill or elliptical, as “boring” as it may seem to some, helps me start a busy day with an extra spring in my step!

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: “I can do it!” I teach young students, ages 5-8 years of age. Every day, my students come to school with bright, excited smiles on their faces, eager to see what I have planned for them in physical education class. THIS is what inspires me, and keeps me focused on meaningful, purposeful instruction. When my kids burst forth, proudly exclaiming “I did it! I did it!” I know that these feelings of success and achievement will carry them toward an active life, where they will pursue new activities with confidence.

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: To provide as many opportunities as possible for my kids to use the skills they learn in PE class. From before-school activities, to recess challenges, to after-school programs, the greater the variety of opportunities for kids to pursue the activities that light up their hearts, the greater the likelihood that they will continue to pursue these activities as they graduate from Goose Bay. If it is done with joy, they will continue to be active.

Meghan Redmond: Spring 2018

 Position: Vice Principal

 School: Chief Ivan Blunka School (New Stuyahok)

 Years as a Teacher/Administrator: 11 Years

 Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge:  1

 My hero is: Debra Buckingham, my high school choir director, because she is the one who inspired me to become a teacher when I was in high school. She had an incredible work ethic, an amazing sense of humor, and a caring heart for each and every student.

When I’m not in the classroom, you will find me: Playing with my kids (Liberty and Wilder), and my dogs, (Fern and Piper), or making quilts.

The craziest place I have ever been is: With my husband on our boat stuck in the mud at low tide in Togiak Bay, waiting for the tide to come in so that the water would be high enough for us to get back to the village!

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: Going for long hikes in the tundra with my dogs and family. Any time we travel to a new place, we always find a place to hike to find a beautiful view!

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: When a former student asked me to be his high school graduation speaker, because I was his favorite teacher he had ever had.

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: Playing right along with them, whether that is in Phy. Ed. Class, on the playground, or out on a hike in the tundra!

Other information about me:  At Chief Ivan Blunka School, staying healthy and active is a team effort! Every teacher and student participating in Healthy Futures are working together to build a better future! I want to give a special thank you to the elementary teachers who have helped facilitate Healthy Futures this year… Kylie Shuneson, Leah Sizemore, Danielle Dooley, Hannah Therrell, and Hannah Barr! At Chief Ivan Blunka School, we are proud to follow #TheEagleWay!

Past Recipients

Linda Gies: Fall 2017

Position: Title I Reading Specialist

School: Fort Yukon School

Years as a Teacher: 26 Years

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge:  11

My hero is: My Mother, because she was faced with a plethora of adversity and never gave up. She was the most kind hearted, hardest working woman I have ever known. For that she will always be my hero.

When I’m not in the classroom, you will find me: Out working on wood. Searching for, hauling, splitting, stacking or enjoying it burn in the stove.

The craziest place I have ever been is: Little Diomede, Alaska. It was the first village I taught in when I came to in Alaska and it was amazing! Not like another state or city, more like going to another planet. Very unique and memorable. I loved it but it was definitely the craziest place I have ever been.

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: I love to cross country ski with the students once the snow is here to stay. While waiting for snow I enjoy fishing, hiking and I love to ride horses in the summer.

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: A very excited first grader said to me, “I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. Thank you for teaching me to read.”

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: Joining them in fun activities. I try to be a role model of living healthy.

Other information about me: I was raised in Western Montana and came up to Alaska in 2001 to follow a dream I had had since I was a young child. As a child I read all the books on Alaska that I could find. I have loved being here in Alaska though I absolutely miss my 3 adult children and 12 grandchildren back home. Lucky for me, I get to spend time with them during the summer. I was a first grade classroom teacher for about 20 years and loved it. Then 4-5 years ago I was ready for a change and got my Masters in Elementary reading to become a Reading Specialist and Title I teacher.

Jean Miller: Spring 2017

Position: Kindergarten Teacher

School: Spring Hill Elementary

Years as a Teacher: 7 Years

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge:  4

My hero is: My heroes are my parents! They are dedicated to each other and are the strong core of our close, ever expanding family. They also take every opportunity to enjoy the Alaskan outdoors together snow biking, running Lost Lake, or taking their grandchildren ice skating. Beyond family, they are always looking for ways to give back to their community both locally and abroad. I admire the life choices that my parents have made which make a positive difference daily.

When I’m not in the classroom, you will find me: Outside! I love to nordic ski, mountain bike, run in the mountains, or do just about anything outside with my friends and family. As my kids get older and stronger, it is fun to follow them up mountains and bike on the trails together.

The craziest place I have ever been is: I was lucky enough to live in the tiny mountain kingdom of Lesotho (southern Africa) for two years and during that time visited most of southern and eastern Africa. I had many amazing experiences, but one stands out as the craziest. One morning we went on a bush walk in South Africa and came upon a young, angry elephant. He charged our group and then chased us crashing through the woods back to the jeep. Luckily we made it back to the jeep safely, but he continued to pursue us as we sped off down the road.

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: It is really hard to choose a favorite activity! My top two in the summer are trail running and mountain biking since they are both great ways to explore the mountains. Nordic skiing is at the very top of my winter list so I’m hoping we get more snow this winter!

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: I have been inspired more by the actions of the students than specific things they have said to me. We have had the students in our after-school x-country club practicing out on our playground for the last few years. Unfortunately they have been stuck learning on hard, slippery ice. They fall down 100 times every practice, but just keep getting up and trying again with huge smiles on their faces. Watching their perseverance and positive attitude while learning a challenging new skill has been truly inspiring!

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: I have found that the easiest way to motivate kids is to provide fun, active opportunities and then to get out there and do the activities with them. They love to run, play, and laugh with the adults in their lives and that helps create healthy lifestyle habits. A huge thank you goes out to Healthy Futures for providing so many of these fun community events to support our students and their families in becoming and staying active!

Mari Høe-Raitto: Fall 2016

Position: Elementary School PE Teachers

School: Anderson Elementary School and Crawford Elementary school

Years as a Teacher: I graduated from University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1986, and I have worked for Fairbanks North Star Borough School District off and on since then. I have worked in Outdoor Services on Eielson Air Force Base teaching outdoor winter sports since 1995, and I’ve been a full time P.E. teacher at Anderson Elementary since 2009. Since 2012, I’ve worked at both elementary schools (Crawford and Anderson) on Eielson Air Force base as their P.E. teacher.

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge:  6

My hero is: Grete Waitz. She was a Norwegian long distance and marathon runner that was the first woman to run a marathon in under 2.5 hours. She won more marathons than any other woman (9 New York Marathons). Grete was an elementary school teacher in Oslo, Norway and she advocated and taught active, healthy lifestyles and good nutrition for young people. Grete died of cancer in 2011 at age 57. She was a great role model for athletes around the world, and a statue of her can be seen in the EPCOT center at Disney World. She told everyone she met to always believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.

The craziest place I have ever been is: Inside a glacier in Jotunheimen, Norway and on Denali, AK.

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: Hiking, hunting with bird dogs, yoga, swimming and skiing, racing my sled dogs and skijoring.

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: “ I just love the way I feel happy after being outside in P.E.”

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: Practice What I Teach—being active, living a healthy lifestyle and not being afraid of pursuing your dreams.

Other thoughts: When I’m not in the classroom you will find me spending time with my children and grandchild, gardening and working around the homestead or at my fishcamp on the Yukon, running my sled dogs, teaching skiing, dog mushing and skijoring, or working my sheep dogs.

Dianna Swaim

DiannaSwaimPosition:  Elementary School Physical Education Teacher

School: Dillingham Elementary School

Years as a Teacher:  13 years, 2 years as a P.E. Teacher

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge:  2

My hero is: My godfather, Harold Slette who worked as a land surveyor, and as such, spent most of his time hiking up and down hills and mountains in the backcountry.  He was active throughout life, farming, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.  He took great care of his extended family, and had a positive outlook on life, and enjoyed adventure.

When I’m not in the classroom you will find me: Enjoying the Alaska outdoors backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, canoeing, boating, camping, fishing, and berry picking with my family, friends, and my dog.

The craziest place I have ever been is: Crossing a 19,000 foot glaciated pass in Nepal with a stick for an ice ax. My husband and I thought we were our own, but we met two Japanese travelers and their Sherpa guides, who were amazed that we were attempting this steep, slippery pass alone. We ended up making it just fine and went on to other adventures, such as camping with camels in the desert.

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: Backcountry skiing in the winter, biking in the spring and summer, and berry picking in the fall.

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: “I CAN DO IT! WATCH ME!” I love hearing those words from my students!

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: Encouraging students to play and be physically active doing what they enjoy. At the start of each week, or when we get back from break, I like the students to share ways they have been active, in order to inspire each other.   It is important to honor the students at school assemblies, by handing out Healthy Futures Physical Activity Incentives, as well as recognize active teachers, so that the students have role models and see that there are physically active people around them.

Other thoughts: I absolutely love teaching P.E. and encouraging students to be active on a regular basis! Healthy Futures is an awesome way to promote healthy and active lifestyles for our students!

Dirk Miller

IMGP1106PositionElementary School Physical Education

School: Gastineau Elementary School, Juneau

Years as a Teacher: 16 years, 8 as a PE teacher.

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge: 5

My hero is: My national hero is Lebron James because he is a superstar, but he plays team basketball. I also admire him because James runs a bike program for youth, rewarding students with bikes if they do well academically.  My Alaska hero is Hilary Lindh of Juneau, the silver medalist in the 1992 Olympic downhill.

When I’m not in the classroom you will find me: Out in the woods, running, skiing, hiking and biking. Over Spring Break, I will be hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail through the Mojave Desert.

The craziest place I have ever been is: In an ice cave under the Mendenhall Glacier.

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: This always surprises my kids, but my favorite recreation activity doesn’t involve a ball or a team sport. Instead, it takes a good coating of snow and a pair of Nordic skis. I’ve enjoyed skiing my whole life — it’s such an exhilarating experience being out in the woods after a fresh snowfall. 

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: “That was fun! When do we get to go — again?”

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: To get them outdoors and introduce them to all the great recreational opportunities we have in Alaska.  That’s why I take students biking, skiing, skating, snowshoeing, hiking, trail running, and one year, even fishing. My mission is to help students fall in love with a healthy, recreational activity that becomes a lifelong passion.

Other thoughts: I have the best job in the world. I get to go out and have fun with youth, introduce them to new sports and new places, and it’s never boring

Tiffany Nogg

IMG_4219 copyPositionMiddle School Physical Education

School: Goldenview Middle School, Anchorage

Years as a Teacher: 12 years

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge: 2

My hero is: Gymnast, Nadia Comaneci – First Olympic Opponent, With A Perfect 10! Quote “Do not pray for an easy life, pray to be a strong person.” – Nadia

When I’m not in the classroom you will find me: Hanging out with my family, enjoying the outdoors or planning a vacation to a warmer climate.

The craziest place I have ever been is: Underwater swimming with sharks in the Bahamas.

My favorite recreation/fitness activity is: Zumba, Dance, Swimming, Commercial Fishing and Hunting.

The most inspirational thing a student has ever said to me is: WOW, I didn’t know I could do that!

My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is: Making activities/sports fun for kids. Research has shown the biggest motivator for kids to get involved with sports and activities is if they are having fun. I believe it is also important to involve families by providing information on healthy lifestyle habits and making attainable goals.

Kayla Clark

Kayla Clark 2014 Teach of the Year

Position: PE Specialist

School: Woodriver Elementary, Fairbanks

Years as a Teacher: 18

Years in the Healthy Futures Challenge: 9

 

Question: Who is your hero?
Answer: Billie Jean King.

Q: When you are not in the classroom you are where?
A: Underwater in the Caribbean or Pacific Ocean.

Q: What’s the craziest place you have ever been?
A: Pelagic Magic night dive in Hawaii, sleeping in a treehouse in Belize and jumping into waterfalls on the first day of winter in Australia.

Q: What’s your favorite recreation/fitness activity?
A: Scuba diving, running and playing hockey.

Q: What’s the most inspirational thing a student has ever said to you?
A: “Thank you for being my gym teacher and getting me to exercise. Because of you, you have really helped me figure out what sports I want to do.”

Q: What’s your favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle?
A: Modeling it with my own active lifestyle, grabbing onto every teachable moment and taking an interest in hearing about the activities that my students are participating in.

Christa Hayes

teacher2013

Position: Physical Education

School:  Machetanz Elementary, Palmer

Years as a Teacher: 13

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge: 8

Question: Who is your hero?
Answer: My dad! When I was in elementary school my dad had put a hand full of candy in my winter jacket pocket and sent me off on my very first 5-K cross-country ski race in Minnesota. Even though I was at the bottom of the results I was hooked. From that day on my dad has been my biggest supporter in encouraging me to set goals, work hard, never give up, and to do my best in whatever it may be! With his support and encouragement I was able to get a full ride scholarship, travel the country, and earn a spot on the U.S. development team while doing what I loved. Now 18 years later I may not be as fast as I used to be but I still live by my dad’s words: Set goals, work hard, never give up and do your best in whatever it may be that drives you. I encourage my own two boys and all of my 400 students to live by them as well.

Q: When you are not in the classroom you are where?
A: Enjoying the great Alaskan outdoors with family and friends who appreciate this magnificent state.

Q: What’s the most inspirational thing a student has ever said to you?
A:”I am going to college to be a Physical Education teacher!” I have had previous students come to me and say that they are going to college to become a Physical Education teacher, a nutritionist or even a coach so that they can encourage, teach, and help kids become more fit and feel their best for life.

Q: What’s your favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle?
A: Being that positive role-model for them to look up to as an adult who is choosing to participate and stay active right alongside of them. One example is as their Physical Education teacher I participate in their physical fitness assessment every quarter right along with them and as a team we all sit down together and write new goals and improvement plans on how we are each going to improve our fitness level before the next fitness assessment. I love hearing and seeing excited students encouraging one another to beat their previous fitness levels! Healthy Future’s Activity Logs is another great motivator in guiding our students to live a healthy lifestyle. Our students evaluate and compare each of their monthly logs to see where they were active most and how they can improve from month to month to increase their physical activity level.

Q: Do you have any other thoughts?
A: I believe that physical education is an important and vital part of each school day for every child. I believe that we teach so much more in physical education than just sport skills, we teach life. We teach children how to be strong, how to take care of their bodies, what to put in it for fuel, and what not to put in it. We teach them how to manage themselves, body and behavior, how to solve conflicts and collaborate as teammates at many different levels. We bring into our gyms through music, dance, and games different cultures and countries. We teach diversity. We support reading, writing, math, geography, social studies and science through different lessons that we teach that uses those skills. We create emotional and physical safety nets where students are safe to make mistakes, to take risks, to do their best and to learn.

Michel Woods

featured_teacher_michael_woods_2013

Position: PE Specialist

School:  Abbott Loop Elementary, Anchorage

Years as a Teacher: 21

Years participating in the Healthy Futures Challenge: From the beginning!

 

 


Question: Who is your hero?
Answer: My wife Erica because she is loyal, hard-working, beautiful inside and out and enjoys fun, activity and fitness. She is also very positive, supportive and encouraging. Amazing lady!

A: With my kids, at a baseball field or enjoying this amazing world with my wife.

Q: What’s the craziest place you have ever been?
A: Jumping off cliffs in Hawaii, unaware of the Tiger shark population due to man-made reasons. Quite intense. I survived!

Q: What’s your favorite recreation/fitness activity?
A: Running in the woods/trails or playing baseball. Basketball is up there too, plus golf and since I am in a role, racquetball.

Q: What’s the most inspirational thing a student has ever said to you?
A: “Thank you!” I love hearing about a life-long wellness mindset from an adult, which started at our school as a young child. I love hearing about success in student’s lives. My favorite strategy for motivating kids to live a healthy lifestyle is … role modeling, enthusiasm and very enjoyable and positive experiences with programs and activities. I use humor, encouraging feedback and lots of energy to connect!

Other thoughts: I have found very few things in life more satisfying then uplifting and empowering a child, especially in the world of athletics and wellness. Teaching and coaching is bigger than a ball or jump rope; it’s connecting the importance of character, social interaction, wellness and the spirit of positive play! I am very impressed with the Healthy Futures initiative and wholeheartedly believe it has made a huge difference out in community. Teaching PE has been a blast. I originally wanted to teach high school economics or history, but I would not change

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