2010 Western Regional Student Gathering Recap

By LKSD Coordinator Sharon Wegner

The first FEA Western Regional Conference was held in Bethel October 21-23, 2010. The Lower Yukon School District (Pilot Station, Nunam Iqua, Scammon Bay, and Kotlik), St. Mary’s School District, and the Lower Kuskokwim School District (Newtok, Nightmute, Quinhagak and Ayaprun Elitnaurvik) participated in the conference.

Michelle Woods, FEA Coordinator for the North West Arctic School District was the presenter. Her background in counseling and the Natural Leaders was a great asset to have. She was very motivating and inspiring to the students and adults.

The conference was geared for FEA students in 6th-9th grades. For a day and a half students engaged in leadership, role modeling, goal setting and teamwork skills. They also toured the Kuskokwim Community College to get an idea of what the school has to offer students coming in from various villages.

All of the activities led up to skills needed to be successful teachers. Students were probed of what kinds of characteristics make good teachers, were given ideas of what they can be doing in the school environment as an FEA club, and had a roundtable of powerful things about teachers and their feelings.

Overall, the FEA Western Regional Conference was a great success. Collaboration between the school districts was an excellent idea. I hope we continue this great experience for future teachers of Alaska.