Rural School Leadership: Lessons from Alaska

Christian P. Wilkens is an associate professor at the State University of New York, Brockport. He taught in Dzánti K’ihéeni [Juneau], Alaska, worked for the Alaska Department of Education, and has served as a school improvement coach in Kivaliñiq (Kivalina), Teełąy (Tetlin), Gitr’ingith Chagg (Anvik), and Qalqaq (Lower Kalskag).

Janice DeVore Littlebear taught for 15+ years in one of the most diverse communities in Ameria, then mentored early career teachers across Alaska. She has traveled the globe working with teachers, brought cultural pedagogical practices to the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project (ASMP), and directed the Teacher Education K-8 Certificate program at Alaska Pacific University until retiring from APU in 2021. Today she continues as Lead Cultural Consultant for ASMP, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Robert S. (Bob) Thompson has served as a teacher and principal in urban and rural Alaska for the last 35 years. He started his career in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District in 1986. In 2002, he and his wife began work in rural Alaska, including Alak School in Ulġuniq (Wainwright), Hopson Middle School in Utqiagvik, and later at Chief Ivan Blunka School in Cetuyaraq (New Stuyahok). He has been involved with the State System of Support Coaching Program since its inception and served as the managing director of the program for four years. He now continues his consulting work from his home in Palmer, Alaska.