A Northern Michigan University alumna who teaches in Alaska was inspired by Thanksgiving to express her gratitude to NMU education professors and staff for effectively preparing her for a career in the field. Hannah Snow wrote in an email that one of her school administrators validated her readiness by saying, “You’re the most proficient first-year teacher I’ve ever seen.”

Snow teaches at Fireweed Academy in Homer, the location of popular television shows such as “Deadliest Catch” and “Alaska, the Last Frontier.” Fireweed Academy is a project-based charter school that Snow describes as very student-centered. She teaches fifth and sixth grade language arts and third grade math.

“The students move around a lot amongst the teachers, which seems to benefit them and us, and it creates dynamic and supportive groupings,” Snow wrote. “Without NMU’s guidance and support in getting [my classmates and me] in to the classroom and working with students as soon as possible, I would’ve found my first two years even more challenging. I applaud [the education department] and the program setup.”