We want to recognize our public school educators for the essential role they play in our students’ lives.
Has a public school educator gone above and beyond for your child, your local school, or someone you know? We want to hear about it. Join us in recognizing the ways in which our 11,000+ member educators across the state have made their mark on Alaska communities with your short stories, notes of gratitude, or simply a virtual tip of the hat! Testimonials and appreciations will be shared upon approval.
Gratitudes can be shared towards teachers, library media specialists, counselors, psychologists, physical and speech therapists, school secretaries, custodians, classroom aides, cafeteria workers, maintenance workers and other support professionals who work in Alaska public schools and facilities.
Submit your appreciation Read the Gratitudes
About NEA-Alaska
NEA-Alaska advocates for an excellent public education for each child in Alaska and advances the interests of 11,000 public school employees statewide.
Take a look at stories from our members here.
Gratitudes
Tip of the Hat! Educators with these icons were recognized for being:
Creative |
Cheerful |
Patient |
A Listener |
Engaging |
Other |
Julia Lemmerman
Polaris K-12, Anchorage
Julia works tirelessly to support student learning. She created a 3-week long intensive class and managed to engage and delight 20+ 7th graders into learning pre-algebra all day, everyday! Keeping kids focused in May is no easy task, yet my child was eagerly doing her math work on the 2nd to last day of school. Amazing!
— Susan Gullickson
Kathryn Shaw-Case
Northern lights ABC, Anchorage
Ms. Shaw-Case see’s my son. She has made a valuable impact in my sons life. She has taken time to listen to him and help support him through a difficult year. She believes in him and is helping him believe in himself. She has demonstrated to him that he is worthy. She cares about him as a person, his heart and how he views himself. She has rallied a team of educators at my sons school to support him. She has done what others haven’t and I appreciate her so much.
— Deborah Sigala
Tia Ruff
Polaris K-12, Anchorage
Tia creates a magical learning space for her 4th and 5th grade students; engaging, delighting and challenging them to strive for improvement. Harnessing the wizarding world of the Harry Potter series, she transforms her classroom into a place where students are eager and inspired to learn.
— Susan Gullickson
Marnita Coenraad
Riverbend Elementary School, Juneau
Ms. Coenraad goes above and beyond for her students to ensure impeccable education and equity for all students to succeed.
— Sabrina Javier
Alexander Troll
West High School, Anchorage
Mr. Troll made math fun and interesting. Through engaging lessons and outside sources he kept students engaged and doing more than just crunching numbers. Thanks Mr. Troll!
— Sarah F
Mason Simmers
Denali Montessori, Anchorage
In a classroom that covers three grade levels and includes a very diverse mix of kids, Mr. Mason is always attuned to the needs and challenges of every child. He meets his students where they are, connects with them as individuals and helps them succeed. I appreciate his extraordinary patience and kindness towards his students, and his dedication to making every day a fun and engaging day in his classroom.
— Sarah Lindsey
Theresa Knapp
Barrow High School, Utqiagvik
Theresa Knapp has been teaching at Barrow High School for many years and has been working tirelessly towards the education of our students. She's the most patient teacher in our entire school. She's always willing to sit with students for hours to make sure they get the attention they need. A smile never leaves her face even when she's dealing with the most difficult situations. Endlessly positive, cheerful, and helpful. Every student at our school takes her class so the influence she has had in our academic community is immeasurable.
— Nicholas Evans
Adam Johnson
Romig, Anchorage
Mr. Johnson listened and inspired. He created thoughtful learning that engaged and challenged students. We are so thankful he taught our children.
— Sarah Fineman
Doug Williams
Mears Middle School, Anchorage
Mr. Williams is a dedicated educator who cares about the success of his students. He goes the extra mile to make learning fun and accessible to everyone in his classes. He gets to know students as individuals and finds unique ways to engage them and build their skills and knowledge.
— Heather Beaty
Jess Miller
Begich Middle School, Anchorage
Ms. Miller is a dedicated Speech Language Pathologist who is incredibly attentive to the needs of each student and is passionate about each students development and success. I'm consistently impressed with—and inspired by—her attention to detail and personal investment in her work.
— A. France
Patricia Barker
Polaris K-12, Anchorage
Nurse Patty cares for almost five hundred 5 to 18 year olds, as well as a staff of 30+ adults, with patience and understanding. She has been a steadfast, knowledgeable and supportive educator in a time of fear, misunderstanding, and strife. Ever-patient and calm, she handles everything from runny noses to compound fractures on the playground, from lost teeth to Covid testing, from replacement pants to mental health interventions and so very much more.
— Susan Gullickson
Leah Nelson
Rogers Park Elementary, Anchorage
Thank you for creating an inviting space for our children to learn and thrive! Your dedication to our child’s education has been priceless this year. Every day our son is happy to go to school. This will be a year he will always remember. A million thanks for your commitment to Alaska youth!
— Natasha Price
Mrs. Linda Sheppard
Chugach, Anchorage
Linda your assistance is much appreciated! I know I do and repeat things every time we get together. I appreciate your patience in working with me time after time!
— Tonia Makris
Nicholas Evans
Barrow High School, Utqiagvik
Nicholas Evans constantly goes above and beyond for students, particularly seniors. He pushes them each year to achieve excellence through rigorous coursework and spends a lot of time working one on one with seniors to help ensure they have the credits not only to graduate, but the experience and knowledge they need to succeed in whatever they choose to do after high school. Beyond that, Nicholas also collaborates frequently with other teachers and staff on lessons and best practices to help individual students. He's an exceptional teacher.
— Kelsey Gordon
Sylvia Dente
Inlet View Elementary, Anchorage
Like all of us, Mrs. Dente had no idea what 2020 would bring. But, her quiet confidence and loving firmness helped our daughter's class of 2nd graders make a series of educational transitions gracefully, because of the trust they had in their teacher. Her continued presence in our child's life as the school's librarian is so appreciated- every week we hear a little bit about Mrs. Dente and after 2 years of disruption, that is a beautiful thing. Thank you Mrs. Dente for being an important constant in our child's life!
— Kate Consenstein
Jessica Winn
Polaris K-12, Anchorage
Jess (pictured above!) brings a smile and astounding energy to her classroom every day. She cares for her students well-being, created a safe and welcoming learning space for all, and strives to challenge her students with engaging and interesting projects and labs.
— Susy G