Tuesday was the first day of the Educators Conference, and the schedule was loaded up with incredible presenters all day long! Just like last year, it's such a cool feeling to sit in a room of people who "get it" and share a passion not only for education but for this race and all it has to offer. And of course, again, a different experience to be here as a Teacher on the Trail finalist. 

I sit here on Friday afternoon, technically Day 7 of our trip, looking back 3 days ago to Day 4 and trying to remember it all. There's been so much happening and so much excitement with every single day that it feels like Tuesday was just yesterday and yet weeks ago at the same time. 

On Tuesday, we briefly heard from Chas St. George, COO of Iditarod, listened to 2023 Teacher on the Trail, Juli Westrich, present about how she implements Iditarod into her Library lessons and we got some incredible digital resources and ideas from 2015 Teacher on the Trail, Erin Montgomery.  We also got to hear from some Iditarod volunteer coordinators, Liz Millman who is in charge of the Return Dogs program of Iditarod and Martha Dobson, who was Teacher on the Trail in 2011 and now runs the dog urine collection for the random drug testing of the dogs that takes place throughout the race.  What's really cool besides the work she does, is that Liz Millman (also a veterinarian up in Fairbanks as her career) got interested in Iditarod because her 2nd grade teacher taught about it in her class. Talk about an inspiring story for a room of educators to hear who came all the way to Alaska for something they love to teach about. So many times since I started teaching this race I've wondered if any of our/my students will find themselves up here and involved in this to some capacity one day. 

I could literally write an entire chapter of a book about what each of these ladies do in their respective roles with Iditarod, because it's absolutely fascinating. What I really want to iterate through this is the fact that these people are VOLUNTEERS. There are only 7 people involved with Iditarod who receive a salary for the work they do. And I guarantee that just like teachers, those 7 people work a whole lot more hours than their salary probably dictates. That's one of the underlying aspects of this race that I absolutely love and connect with - it's more than a job for anyone - it's the passion, dedication, and experience that leaves you wanting more, whether you donate your time or get a paycheck for it. It's a shared love of these precious dogs, who are meticulously trained athletes, and an appreciation for the history and the culture that  is what this race is all about for everyone. I can't imagine anyone being involved here who doesn't love the dogs...the dogs are the number one priority and interest, and let me tell you - they just steal your heart when you meet them. 

After lunch on Tuesday, we got to hear from even more amazing folks. One being an Iditarod Pioneer - someone who ran and finished the very FIRST Last Great Race on Earth back in 1973, Rod Perry. His story was one of intrigue, excitement, and an explanation of the unparalleled experience that those who ran in the very first race - a crazy idea of Joe Redington, Sr.'s that had come to life, running 1,000 miles across the Tundra - as compared to the rest who came after. In fact, as I write this, today on March 3, 2023 it is officially 50 years and just a few hours since that first race began, on March 3, 1973. 

We also got to hear from Katie Mangelsdorf, author of the book Champion of Alaskan Huskies, a biography she wrote about Joe Redington, Sr. so that her students had a book about someone with the qualities and characteristics Joe had - the man was a dreamer who worked hard and overcame challenges to see his dreams become reality, he persevered, was kind of a "Jack-of-all-trades" when it came to living in rural Alaska and survival, honest, friendly, innovative. As part of the Iditarod Certified Educator Program last year following the conference, we did a book study on Katie's book, so it was awesome to have already read her book prior to her speaking on Tuesday, and prior to getting to go see The Nomad on Sunday (Day 2). 

Shelley Gill is an author of several engaging children's books, including one I brought my neice home last year, Kiana's Iditarod. I had no idea she had actually run Iditarod (and finished) back in 1978. She was hilarious! I could have listened to her go on and on about her stories and passions. Besides writing books, she also goes out and researches wildlife and collects data related to how climate change is impacting the ecosystems and environment in this area. For many years of following the race, I've understood that Alaska is truly a place where you see the effects of climate change. It isn't about the fact that it gets to -65 in some places, it's about the winter being far shorter, and warmer each year, about there being more rainfall than ice and snow, and many other different and noticeable effects. 

After hearing these presenters, we were able to have a meet and greet, purchase their books, and take pictures with them. It was a pretty incredible first conference day.