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Brenda Carmichael picking blueberries in the Tundra

Stories from the Field Educators in their Element

From Napakiak, to Fairbanks, to St. Paul, Craig and everywhere in between, you will find NEA-Alaska’s hard-working members. Meet a few of the 12,000+ members who work in Alaska's public schools.
Meet-the-members
Phyllis Clough posing with her school lunches.

The Pillar of Old Harbor

Phyllis Clough is a cornerstone of Old Harbor School on Kodiak Island. For 44 years, Phyllis has dedicated herself to the students, staff, and families of her remote Alutiiq village, embodying the spirit of service, care, and connection.

Our Stories

Brenda Carmichael picking blueberries in the Tundra

Brenda Carmichael

In Western Alaska, students are lucky to have Brenda Carmichael, guiding them as they explore life after high school.
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Yvette works on beading with a native student.

Yvette Cross

Teaching with Tradition at Knik Charter School.
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Glenn with students

The Rural Educator

Glenn Charlie never expected he’d be building up his community through education instead of wood and nails.
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Mandy 3

The Paraeducator

Mandy’s work, like the work of all ESPs isn’t easy, but she finds it deeply rewarding.
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The Paraeducator

From her resource room, Leilani runs a small reading group for fifth-graders.
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The Elementary School Teacher

For Kate Hamre, the classroom goes beyond her four walls.
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Julia Walker high fives a student while walking to the school bus.

The Forever Bear

Part of what makes Julia so special not only in her school but in Kodiak are her deep community roots.
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Glenn Charlie sitting on bleachers
Alaska struggles with high rates of teacher turnover, with out-of-state educators often staying in classrooms only a year or two. The students and community of Napakiak can really benefit from dedicated local educators.
Quote by: Glenn Charlie, Rural Educator
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The Welding Instructor

Robert Frasher had a full career before he took an official role as a teacher in 2007 with the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC).
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The Culinary Arts Teacher

Melinda Dooley’s culinary arts program is inspiring Anchorage students and setting them up for lifelong success.
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The Welding Instructor

Pete Daley instructs the Girls in Welding program in Fairbanks, Alaska.
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The Education Support

Education support professionals are the unsung heroes of our public schools.
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Reach. Teach. Inspire.

NEA-Alaska advocates for an excellent public education for each child in Alaska and advances the interests of public school employees.
About Us
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Anchorage Office
4100 Spenard Road
Anchorage, AK 99517
907.274.0536
Juneau Office
201 Main Street, Suite 300
Juneau, AK 99801
907.586.3090
Fairbanks Office
2118 S. Cushman Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701
907.456.4435
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The NEA-Alaska is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

Learn more at NEA.org