My name is Katie Akers and I originally come from Prince Edward Island but have been in the Yukon now for 13 years. I have 2 kids, Austen (8 years old) and Evelyn (5 years old) and parenting has been the most rewarding and humbling venture I've ever embarked upon.
After completing both of my undergrads in Fredericton, New Brunswick at St. Thomas University and U.N.B., I spent 2 years travelling and teaching in South Korea. I taught English in the public school system in a rural town called Mokpo, South Korea. "Rural" meaning that there were over 350 000 residents! Not so rural but definitely an experience. There was little to no English in my area so I became an expert at charades very quickly and even picked up some of the Korean language as well. During my 2 years abroad I had the chance to travel and explore my way through much of South East Asia. It was an amazing and enlightening time in my life that has helped to shape the individual I am today.
While teaching abroad I was lucky to meet my husband which, is actually what ended up drawing me to the North. He has lived off and on in Skagway for close to 10 years at that time and brought me along for the ride. I am happy to say that I am one of the many cases who will one day say, I came for a visit and I stayed for a lifetime. The ultimate draw of the Yukon is undeniable. I am constantly amazed at the awe-inspiring views around every twist and turn in the Yukon and love to spend my free time outdoors soaking up the fresh air, wildlife viewing potentials and scenery. I believe that an active life is a happy life and truly value the drive to get outside that Yukon parents and children seem to have. I hope this is a year filled with many opportunities for exploration and adventure both in and out of my class :)
It is now my eleventh year teaching grade 1 and as always it will be an epic journey. Grade 1 is a year with big foundation blocks of learning being established along with continual growth and transformations. It is truly an amazing time and I like to believe that I work hard to foster, not just, the core curriculum understandings but also spark a love for learning and a desire for exploration in each child. I promise to do my best to ensure a safe and stimulating environment for your child to learn :)
After completing both of my undergrads in Fredericton, New Brunswick at St. Thomas University and U.N.B., I spent 2 years travelling and teaching in South Korea. I taught English in the public school system in a rural town called Mokpo, South Korea. "Rural" meaning that there were over 350 000 residents! Not so rural but definitely an experience. There was little to no English in my area so I became an expert at charades very quickly and even picked up some of the Korean language as well. During my 2 years abroad I had the chance to travel and explore my way through much of South East Asia. It was an amazing and enlightening time in my life that has helped to shape the individual I am today.
While teaching abroad I was lucky to meet my husband which, is actually what ended up drawing me to the North. He has lived off and on in Skagway for close to 10 years at that time and brought me along for the ride. I am happy to say that I am one of the many cases who will one day say, I came for a visit and I stayed for a lifetime. The ultimate draw of the Yukon is undeniable. I am constantly amazed at the awe-inspiring views around every twist and turn in the Yukon and love to spend my free time outdoors soaking up the fresh air, wildlife viewing potentials and scenery. I believe that an active life is a happy life and truly value the drive to get outside that Yukon parents and children seem to have. I hope this is a year filled with many opportunities for exploration and adventure both in and out of my class :)
It is now my eleventh year teaching grade 1 and as always it will be an epic journey. Grade 1 is a year with big foundation blocks of learning being established along with continual growth and transformations. It is truly an amazing time and I like to believe that I work hard to foster, not just, the core curriculum understandings but also spark a love for learning and a desire for exploration in each child. I promise to do my best to ensure a safe and stimulating environment for your child to learn :)