In Alaska Native villages, teachers must decipher the unwritten rules of cross-cultural communication. They will be judged on their personal as well as their professional qualities. High academic expectations and varied teaching strategies - Effective rural teachers have a strong academic orientation and do not use cultural differences to excuse low achievement. They also have many teaching strategies to use in different situations. Entrepreneurial spirit - Effective village teachers form educational partnerships with the community and design an education that fits the place.
Students represent a variety of cultures.
Cultural subjects and considerations are an important part of school programs. Each of the state's 54 school districts hires its own teachers. However, it is important to have a valid Alaska Teaching Certificate. The University of Alaska Fairbanks serves as a general clearinghouse for teaching vacancies. For a registration fee, educators are listed in a central pool from which many school districts hire teachers.