Story
For Educators
A place-based professional development workshop series connecting communities along the Iditarod National Historic Trail - promoting resource stewardship, recreation, and community engagement.
Iditarod Trail to Every Classroom (iTREC!)
Modeled after "A Forest for Every Classroom" along the Appalachian Trail, iTREC! was originally composed of a three-season, multi-disciplinary professional development series for educators aimed at providing the inspiration, knowledge, and skills to transform teaching into effective and exciting place-based education. Educators who participate in iTREC! will develop their own curriculum that increases student literacy skills and fosters student understanding of and appreciation for the public lands and resources connected by over 2,400 miles of the Iditarod National Historic Trail.
These curricula will integrate hands-on study of the natural and cultural resources of communities from Seward to Nome addressing concepts in ecology, sense of place, recreation, volunteerism, and civics. Research shows that a place-based education and service-learning increases student achievement, community engagement, and environmentally responsible behavior! At the heart of iTREC! is the belief that students who are immersed in the interdisciplinary study of their own "place" are more eager to be involved in stewardship of their communities and public lands.
The 2002 Independent Sector report, "Engaging Youth in Lifelong Service," states, "Adults who begin volunteering as youth are twice as likely to give time as they grow older." A recent report from the Corporation for National and Community Service, "Youth Helping America," also suggests that volunteering is a learned social behavior.
Three Workshops, Three Seasons
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1
Summer Institute
An introduction to the Iditarod National Historic Trail, place-based education, service-learning and curriculum planning
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2
Fall Workshop
Curriculum development and evaluation
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3
Spring Workshop
Curriculum implementation and sustainability
COVID years and changing funding opportunities have meant changes in the program, among those creating virtual opportunities for educators. The future of the iTREC! program remains a high priority for IHTA and discussions with partners continue. Watch for updates. As a teaching strategy that promotes volunteerism by linking curriculum with community services and fulfilling education goals, as well as, the needs of community organizations, we believe service-learning will promote civic engagement in communities along the Iditarod National Historic Trail and build lifelong stewards of Alaska’s public lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage.
Take It Outside
Watch "Take It Outside" iTREC! training sessions developed in 2021-2022, still on Youtube!
Teacher on the Trail
The Iditarod Trail Committee also has a yearly Teacher on the Trail program and provides resources on how you can incorporate the Iditarod Sled Dog Race into your classroom! More information is available at www.iditarod.com/edu/