There's this thing that happens when people find out about your plans to move to Alaska. You will be bombarded with a million questions/comments. All from a place of love and curiosity...also because they think you've totally lost your mind.

1. Alaska!?! But it's so cold there! 
Yes, and that's why people make winter clothing. Cold is also exciting (for now, at least) considering I live in a state that prides itself on extended summer. I'm currently looking forward to 7.5 months with snow, but I'll be sure to let you know when I'm over it :)

2. But what will you do there?
I will be teaching elementary, just as I do now.

3. Are you sure? Like, how sure?
Yes, I'm sure. Really sure. I signed a contract. This is happening!

4a. Is your mom moving with you? What about your sister?
No, neither of them are coming with me. They will, however, visit. (Side note: No one seems to ask if my father will be following me there, even though he'd love nothing more!)

4b. Are your parents okay with this?! They're going to let you go??
My parents have known about Alaska longer than anyone. Three years ago when I started talking about it, they didn't think I was serious. They have since realized I've thoroughly thought this out and and are on board with my adventurous nature. As for the 2nd question, those who really know me already realize how funny that question is. Sure, I value their opinion and would prefer their blessing. But I'm a grown woman, fully capable of making life decisions.

5a. Is there a man waiting for you there?
No, there is no man. I promise.

5b. You'll probably meet someone up there, though!
It's possible. I'm not moving to Alaska to find a husband, however. If it happens, it happens.

6. How long will it take you to drive there?
You cannot drive to where I'm moving to. Hooper Bay is right on the Bering Sea, in the middle of the bush. I will be flying. The average total travel time to Anchorage is 13-15 hours depending on layovers. I'm not sure how long the flight out to my village is but probably another 1-2 hours in a smaller plane.

7. How are you going to deal with 6 months of NO sun??
I never have no sun, even in the winter. The shortest day of the year is in December and has about 5.5 hours of light. The longest day is in June with 19.5 hours of light.


The following is a Q&A I had with a student from another class. It's too funny not to share.

• Student: Miss Taraba, are you really moving to Nebraska?
• Me (giggling): No, sweetie, I'm moving to AH-laska.
• Student: Oh, that's much better!
• Me (giggling harder): Yes, I think so, too!

Finding Warm Clothes

I originally planned on waiting until I got to my village to order winter gear, but when I saw Eddie Bauer was having a 50% off sale over Easter weekend, it was too good to pass up! I got two winter parkas and a fleece jacket for layering.

The dark berry jacket is the Westbridge Parka. It's rated to -20 F and is waterproof. The hood is removable as is the faux fur ruff on the hood. The gray (dark charcoal) jacket is the Superior 3.0 Down Parka. It's rated to -40 F and is listed as their warmest, waterproof, windproof parka. This one has Down insulation and the faux fur ruff comes off the hood. The teal (peacock) fleece jacket is the Weekend Fleece and will be good for cool days as well as layering in the coldest part of winter

I also got a few hoodies for my soon-to-be new home, thanks to Etsy. My district isn't as strict on work attire because of the remote setting. Jeans are an everyday thing instead of for special occasions. I've never been a regular wearer of t-shirts and still hope to hold on to some of my fashion sense even though I'm moving to The Last Frontier!

My first 2 finds are from a fabulous shop called AK Republic Clothing. The company is actually located in Palmer, Alaska. They are the softest, comfiest hoodies I've ever owned!

I like the tie detail on the aqua Outside hoodie. I've never seen such a feature before. The wine moose hoodie is actually a full-zip boyfriend style hoodie. I'm obsessed with these and cannot wait to be able to wear them regularly.

My last hoodie came from a shop called Tasseled Rags and is located in Kodiak, Alaska. The picture is a bit misleading with its lighting because the fabric is really a dusty, light blue color.

It still doesn't feel real that I'll really call Alaska "home" in roughly four months. Here's to the next clothing purchases :)

Getting Certified

Getting your teaching certification for Alaska can be an intimidating process. There are a lot of pieces you have to submit and get approved. If you know this is something you want to do, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete the application and request all the documents you need. The best time to submit the application is in the middle of a semester. If you do this at the end of a semester, be prepared for a longer wait time. They'll have a lot of applications to go through because of graduations.

First, you need to visit the Department of Education and Early Development for Alaska. This is where you will find all of the application forms, online payment portal, and explanations. If you are already certified to teach in another state and have never taught in Alaska, you'll probably be applying for an Initial Out-of-State license. Do not send in your application in pieces. Gather everything you need to submit, and send it all in one packet. They'll return it to you, otherwise.

Set aside a good bit of time to fill out the application. The whole packet is over 10 pages long. The first few pages you need to read carefully so you know what to do. After you finish filling out the forms, you must get the last page notarized--do not sign this page until you are sitting in front of one! Check with your bank. Mine has a couple of notaries on staff, so I was able to get it done for free.

You'll need to get your fingerprints done as well to submit with your application. They need this card done so they can do your background check. Bring the fingerprint information page with you when you get them done. The officer who did mine read through it to make sure everything was in order. Also be prepared to tell them why you are getting fingerprints done. You'll get a lot of additional questions after you tell them you plan to move to Alaska! I don't know if that is a standard inquiry or if my small city just likes to be nosey :)

Along with your application, you'll need to submit a copy of your current teaching license and instructions on how the Dept of Ed can access it online, if applicable. You also need to include transcripts from every university you have a degree from. You'll need to request these be sent to you so you can put them in your packet. Do not open the envelopes, or the transcripts will be considered invalid!

You also need copies of your professional test scores. Check the Alaska website carefully! There are very specific tests they accept and the passing scores for each. You can get test scores sent electronically or get them sent to you to include in your packet. If you don't have test scores, they will only give you a 1-year certificate. Once they receive your passing scores, they extend your certification for an extra year without charge (so now it's valid for 2 years).

The application gave me sticker shock! It costs $200 for the actual application, plus you have to include $60 for the background check. You can pay this online or send an accepted payment in with your packet.

Make sure you get tracking on your application so you know when it arrives in Juneau. It took them about 2-3 weeks to evaluate my application, then another week for me to receive the coveted yellow postcard.

My best advice, especially if you plan on attending a job fair, is to have this yellow postcard before interviewing with any districts. Even if you interview via Skype or phone, districts like knowing you have The Card. It proves you're serious about doing this. It also proves you can actually teach in a classroom, since they don't let you in front of a class without being certified!

Once you have the certification, there are additional steps to getting your more permanent license in Alaska. You have to complete mandatory training and submit verification as well as take two different Alaska Culture and Studies approved courses. I'll fill you in more about this when I reach this part of the process.