I was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail. I will be traveling to Alaska from February 25 - March 7 to compete with two other teachers for the 2024 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail. I am a fifth-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher in Texas. Every year I use the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as a lens to engage and excite students in their learning.

Although I am a finalist for this prestigious position, I must pay my own way. I will bring my experiences as a Finalist to my classroom in real-time and for years to come. Your contributions will go directly toward bringing this experience to my students, and to you.

I will be working with hundreds of Iditarod volunteers, without whom the race would not be possible. I will be learning about dog handling and trail communications. I will be presenting my best Iditarod lessons at the Iditarod Education conference, as well as completing interviews and challenges.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race takes place every year in Alaska. The race brings together dedicated mushers, volunteers, and spectators. The race was started to help preserve the dog sledding way of life that has been a part of Alaska tradition for millennia. For 1,000 miles over snow, sea ice, mountains, and forests, mushers and their teams of incredible dogs compete to see who can be the first to reach the finish line in Nome.