An Original "Dream Team" Member

Hi Boot Camp Participants,

My name is Judi Roach, I teach 4th grade at Central Elementary in Sidney, NE. I attended the summer conference last summer. It was the first time the event was held at Vern & Susan's Dream a Dream Dog Farm, hence the name "Dream Team." It was an incredible adventure that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Meeting fellow Iditanut Teachers, the Iditarod staff, and of course working with sled dogs was great. A big Hi and hug, to this year's Teacher on the Trail Cathy Walters! I had the pleasure of meeting Cathy as a fellow finalist for this year's Teacher on the Trail. Cathy is a dedicated educator who has spent many years teaching Iditarod. Hi also to Jane, Terri, Diane, Vern and Sara! You all rock!! I wish I could be there!! Why can't teachers be independently wealthy, so they can go to Alaska every year? Whaaaaa!

I found the people of Alaska to be friendly, welcoming, and willing to help you with just about anything. All you have to do is ask, they will help you out! It was my first trip to Alaska, on my own, and with a rental car in the "Far Distant Place!" Don't be afraid, if I can do it, you can do it. I blogged my experience during the summer conference (you should read the "I made It" entry for some comic relief, the key words for the airport are, BE EARLY!!!) and also during my trip to Alaska as a Finalist for this year's teacher on the trail. If that interests you, click on the links to read the Judi Roach spin in those adventures. (please excuse any typos and errors, I have tried to edit most of them out, none the less, some are still lurking I am sure! :)
Judi's Recommendations for an incredible Summer Conference!
1. Don't think shorts so much, more like lightweight cropped pants, jeans, or windpants, hiking boots or tennies, good socks, hoodie, lightweight jacket (waterproof), t-shirts, a hat and sun screen. It's great being in the outdoors; no makeup needed and a visor or hat works for a hairdo. How much better could life be!
2. Diane has a lot of great ideas for things to do and places to see. GET AN EXTRA PHOTO CARD, OR SCAN DISC, BELIEVE ME YOU WILL NEED IT! I took over 400 pictures. You have to eat the fiddle ferns in Talkeetna! They are tasty!
3. As you investigate your surroundings, think; How can I use this with my students? I took pictures in the Native American Museum to use in my Alaska Native American Unit. My pictures were of the dwellings located outside, the information on the posters outside, and also the displays inside. Combine the information that will provided at the conference with these pictures and you have a great information for a Native American Unit, super for comparing and contrasting. That museum is incredible. You will probably feel brain dead by the time that event rolls around, so take the pictures. You can read for information when you get your pictures printed off. :)
4. Be prepared for not a lot of sleep. The sun does not set as we know it during this time of year in Alaska. Believe me, you will run on adrenaline!
5. Pick each other's brains, learn everything you can about how other teacher's teach Iditarod. Teaching Iditarod is a great adventure that should be a little different each year. There are many ways to incorporate it in all subject areas. Grab all the ideas you can to keep it interesting and adventuresome for your students!
Enjoy it all and take in as much as you can. It is a wonderful experience. I wish you all lots of fun and excitement in this great learning adventure. I can't wait to share the adventure via the blog. I will be reading, so please post when you have a chance! :)

Happy Trails!
Judi Roach