Lower Kuskokwim School District

- 2-year signing bonus of $3,000
- Full Family Health Insurance
- Reimbursement for one free round trip from Anchorage to school site each fiscal year
- Each teacher will be reimbursed up to $150 for classroom materials beyond those purchased by the district
- LKSD provides a computer for each teacher
- LKSD provides subsidized housing in the villages with all utilities included
- $50,000 Life Insurance with double indemnity in the event of accidental death
- Additional Life Insurance is available to purchase at a reduced group rate
- 2 days of personal leave each year
- 12 days of sick leave each year, one day of which is donated to a sick leave bank
- LKSD may provide financial support for teachers seeking certification in Administration or other areas of need
- An Employee Assistance Program is available that offers counseling and referral services either in Bethel or via telephone
- Teachers are enrolled in the Alaska Teacher Retirement System; information available at www.state.ak.us/drb/trs
- LKSD facilitates participation in 403 (b) Supplemental Retirement programs as well

Professional Development Opportunities

Historically, LKSD has one of the highest teacher retention rates in Alaska. The District values experienced, well-trained teachers and invests significant resources in support of that effort. LKSD’s emphasis on staff development equates to quality education for staff and students resulting in a strong sense of employee commitment.

- LKSD provides 10 professional development days as part of the standard contract year.
- LKSD provides new teachers with a highly refined induction and mentoring program.
- LKSD provides new to District teachers with an additional five days and second year teachers with an -additional three days inservice designed to promote professional growth.
- LKSD may provide financial support to cover tuition, books, and fees.
- LKSD may provide “for credit” courses each year available on a voluntary basis for all staff.
- LKSD promotes from within to fill available administative positions. After three years of successful teaching in LKSD, teachers may apply for the Educational Leadership program.

What’s Important to LKSD?

LKSD strives to find teachers who hold the following four traits considered necessary to work within the district.

1. Support Bilingual/Bicultural Education: LKSD has the largest number of children who speak the Yup’ik Language of any Alaskan school district. Parents have two main goals for their children.

• To speak the Yup’ik language at a level of understanding allowing them to converse with their elders
• To use the English language at a high academic level allowing them to succeed in college or technical training

2. Demonstrate Interest in a Cross-cultural Environment: LKSD wants teachers and administrators who thrive in a cross cultural environment; who see the different sights, sounds, and smells of our villages as an enriching opportunity; who are comfortable in our communities and can help to create a link between the school and community.

3. Communicate High Expectations with Care: LKSD seeks teachers and administrators who have high expectations of their students’ performance, coupled with the ability to foster caring relationships.

4. Prepare Students for the “Test of Life”: LKSD is looking for educators who can connect a rigorous curriculum to “real world applications".