Math teacher Allison Jech to teach in Alaska
Q:Why are you leaving?
A: I am leaving so I can go teach Native American Eskimos in Alaska.
Q:Are you excited?
A: I am excited. I am going to be living in rural Alaska. The only way in and out is on a single engine bush plane, and there are no roads in my village. There are only like 420 people that live there.
Q: So how many years have you worked at Free State?
A: One year.
Q: How many years have you been a teacher?
A: This is the end of my sixth year.
Q: So are you sad or happy about leaving?
A: I’m sad because of all the schools I’ve ever worked at, I like Free State the best. But, I’m excited that I get to go and get to experience a different way of life.
Q: Can you go into more detail about your future plans?
A: Well, basically, I’m just going to be living in rural Alaska and … immersing myself in a new culture and way of thinking. Hopefully I learn from them as much as I will teach them.
Q: What will you miss most about Free State?
A: All of my students that I’ve developed a bond with.
Q: How has Free State impacted you?
A: I like the freedom that they give their teachers here … There are some schools that like to micromanage, and this school really allows you to be who you are and doesn’t have too many restrictions.
![After receiving advice from her students, orchestra director Judy Erpelding marks her music. Although the director normally makes the artistic decisions, Erpelding will often consult her students and hear their opinions on what sounds good and what they should try out. “[The students] are the heart of the program, not me,” Erpelding said. “I know they will carry that on and I will miss them. Making great music with them, being able to challenge them, taking their inspiration.”](https://www.fsfreepressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Roust_Erpelding_5_11_23-317x475.jpg)
