Professional Learning

All certified educators who teach, provide, and/or supervise reading instruction to students in grades K-3 must complete Alaska DEED-approved evidenced-based training (these courses are currently open to anyone working in K-6). An educator is defined as a professional who is responsible for, creates, or supervises the literacy instruction of student(s). This may include, but not limited to, the primary classroom teacher, an instructional coach, a reading Interventionist (in grades K-3), a special education teacher, an English language learner teacher, a Title I teacher, a building principal, director, or ANY other educators who are responsible for supervising/delivering reading instruction and have been employed to teach kindergarten or any of grades one through three.

K-3 teachers (including SPED and ELL) and administrators will need to complete their certification by summer 2025.

All applications need to be submitted online through TEACH-AK. Click here for the add endorsement application instructions. Application fee is $50.

The district will cover the PRAXIS exam cost for FNSBSD staff.

If testing during the school year use a school p-card. Please avoid using your personal credit card. Email a copy of the receipt to Flora Roddy in the Teaching & Learning Department at flora.roddy@k12northstar.org. 

If testing during summer break please call the Teaching & Learning Department for assistance with registration and payment.

The district will cover the cost of a second attempt, in the same subject area if a passing score is not achieved at first.

Alaska Professional Organizations that may offer additional continuing education or professional development opportunities for educators.

• Alaska Arts Education Consortium
• Alaska Council for the Social Studies
• Alaska Geographic
• Alaska Science Teachers Association
• Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
• Golden Heart Literacy Council
• UAF Summer Session

Teachers who need to renew their certification, check approved credit courses, or apply for additional endorsements should review the information on the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) website.

For recertification, there is also an option to use Alaska Department of Education's E-Learning site - http://education.alaska.gov/ELEARNING/. This site offers several courses, ranging from one hour to six hours. To received a certificate, 15 hours of work must be completed. These course are free and each teacher can take maximum of two continuing education credits (CEUs). More information can be found on the DEED site.

Alaska Studies course and Multicultural course

Teachers who need to take an Alaska Studies course and Multicultural course to receive their permanent Alaska teaching certificate, can find the list of approved courses on the Alaska Department of Education website, under Certification Requirements.

Approved Alaska Studies Courses
Approved Multicultural Ed Courses

Teachers can take required classes via distance learning offered by Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN), or UAF eCampus.