It's Good Stuff

The online community that I have joined and have found most helpful has been the Alaska Teacher Placement website. It has been helpful for many reasons, the greatest of which is that it helped me land a job. I originally became a member as it was required to attend the job fair. But as the fair grew nearer, I tended to check the site more often. They listed all jobs that were posted, and it was a good resource for helping me narrow down the locations that I was interested in. I was able to apply to a couple jobs and make some contacts even before the fair. Additionally, the forum includes advice from current teachers, that was helpful when deciding my future.

Since accepting my position, the website has actually been an even bigger help than it was before. This is because it offers advice on teaching in small villages, and gives tips on shopping. The site has been a huge help in directing me as to how to shop for food and clothing before I arrive in the fall. I'll need winter, and recreational gear, but each location in the state requires relatively different supplies. How do you get fresh produce? The ATP website will let you know. And that is important when moving to an unusual place where your primary focus is on the job.

It is nice to read that some of the questions that people ask are ones that I would like to have answered. But many of the responses advise you to contact your school and District. Get to know them, and they will tell you what you need to do.

I have used the site more for gathering information than contributing. I have little advice to offer to new hires, as I am one of them. Perhaps next year, I will be the wise teacher from the Northwest encouraging and informing young MAT students dreaming of moving north.