Alaska Studies and Multicultural Education Courses
New to teaching in Alaska?
Our courses are approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to meet initial certification requirements.
Academic Coursework Requirements for Teachers New to Alaska
- Alaska Studies: 3 semester hours covering Alaska’s history, institutions, and indigenous and immigrant cultures.
- Alaska Multicultural Education: 3 semester hours in cross-cultural communication or multicultural education.
- All ASDN Alaska Studies and Multicultural Education courses are approved by DEED.
Note: If you are an out-of-state teacher new to Alaska, you do not need to delay your application; DEED allows you up to two years from the issue date of your Initial Certificate to complete this specific Alaska-focused coursework.
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Alaska Alive!
Alaska Studies Requirement
This course aims to provide learners with the tools, knowledge, and abilities to be successful in an Alaska school! You will learn the context of education in Alaska as it relates to Alaska Native cultures, social systems, governance structures, historical contexts of education, and the current systems that impact communities, families, and most importantly, students! This course takes a community asset-based approach to understanding education. How these all work together and effect you, as a teacher in our schools, is what is important. You do not have to be currently teaching in a classroom to take this course. This course was recently updated and revised by Sonta Hamilton Roach.
- Tuition $425/$550 Subscriber/Non-Subscriber
- 3 credits • APU • ED 59500 • Graded A-F
- Sharon Bandle, Instructor
- Online self-paced course. 30 days to one year to complete.
- Register anytime.
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Creating Culturally Responsive Schools
Multicultural Education Requirement
The goal of this course is to introduce you to the Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools. The Cultural Standards are intended to guide an educator through a thoughtful process of introspection and investigation of key questions: How effectively do I teach my students? How might I improve my classroom or school to increase student engagement? Creating Culturally Responsive Schools will help you evaluate the work you do through a lens of cultural knowledge. You do not have to be currently teaching in a classroom to take this course.
- Tuition $425/$550 Subscriber/Non-Subscriber
- 3 credits • APU • ED 59600 • Graded A-F
- Doug Penn & Laurie Van Huis, Instructors
- Materials required and must be purchased separately.
- Online self-paced course. 30 days to one year to complete.
- Register anytime.
Online Course Semester Based
Alaska Studies for Educators
Alaska Studies Requirement
This course is for Alaska K-12 teachers of all subject areas. Meet other Alaska teachers from round the state while learning about conflicting perspectives of key events in recent Alaska history. Participants will engage in conversations and activities with other teachers from around the state focused on Alaska Native perspectives while exploring varying views of the social, economic, and political history of Alaska and the educational institutions and laws that affect the people of Alaska. Participants will create their own Alaska-focused lesson plans for use in their classrooms following the course. You do not have to be currently teaching in a classroom to take this course.
- Tuition $425/$550 Subscriber/Non-Subscriber
- 3 credits • UAA • ED A545K • Graded A-F
- Joanna Karet, Instructor
- Online self-paced.
- Upcoming sections:
- August 31-October 18
- October 26- December 6, 2026
Online Course Semester Based
Multicultural Studies for Alaska's Teachers
Multicultural Education Requirement
Join Dr. Panigkaq Agatha John-Shields for this engaging course that offers a comprehensive framework for understanding multicultural education within the classroom, community, and broader society. The course emphasizes building strong, respectful relationships in classrooms to support multicultural learning. It includes an overview of Alaska Native cultures, historical contexts, and worldviews, offering students valuable insights into Indigenous perspectives. Participants will also explore contemporary educational issues and learn how to plan and implement classroom activities and strategies that foster inclusivity. This course aims to support the professional growth of teachers by helping them appreciate and embrace cultural diversity—enriching both their teaching practice and their students’ educational experience. You do not have to be currently teaching in a classroom to take this course.
- Tuition $425/$550 Subscriber/Non-Subscriber
- 3 credits • UAA • ED A555B • Graded A-F
- Dr. Panigkaq Agatha John-Shields, Instructor
- Materials required and must be purchased separately.
- Weekly required zoom meetings and asynchronous online coursework.
- Mandatory meeting dates: September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 & 11, 2026