From Chicago to Anchorage: My Journey as an Iditarod Teacher on the Trail Finalist by Jackie Denton- INDLS 7th Grade Teacher

Saturday, February 22, 2025

There’s something about an early morning departure that makes everything feel more real. As my flight lifted off from Chicago, bound for Seattle and then Anchorage, I felt the weight of anticipation settle in. I was officially on my way to Alaska as a finalist for the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, a journey that had already changed my teaching—and my life.

But, as with anything related to the Iditarod, flexibility is key. This year, that lesson is hitting a little closer to home. The race restart, typically in Willow, is being moved to Fairbanks due to poor trail conditions. That shift brings a whirlwind of unknowns: new logistics, a different route, and a fresh set of challenges for mushers, dogs, and everyone involved—including me.

By the time I landed in Seattle for my layover, my mind was already racing with questions. How would this affect the strategies of the mushers? What new lessons could I bring back to my students from this change? I grabbed a much-needed coffee and jotted down some notes, knowing that this unpredictability is exactly what makes the Iditarod such a powerful teaching tool.

As my final flight took off from Seattle to Anchorage, the landscape transformed beneath me. Snow-covered mountains stretched for miles, reminding me that, no matter where the race restarts, the heart of the Iditarod remains the same: resilience, determination, and a deep connection to the land and the dogs that make this journey possible.

Next stop: Anchorage. The real journey is just beginning.

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Today started off with a meeting with the other Iditarod Teacher on the Trail finalists and then we were free for the rest of the day to explore the city. For me that meant going to the final day of the Fur Rendezvous Open World Championship Sled Dog Races. Spectators filled the streets with anticipation and excitement to witness the fastest sled dogs and their mushers compete. I will have pictures of my stuffed Husky as my adventures continue in Alaska. I am looking for a name for the Husky. Send me an email with your suggestions at [email protected]. I will have a drawing once I get back home for someone to win the Husky.

I am off to bed as tomorrow brings the challenge for the finalists as well as my first interview with the selection committee. Wish me luck!!