Amy Jo Meiners, who teaches extended learning at Auke Bay Elementary and Riverbend Elementary in the Juneau School District, has been named Alaska Teacher of the Year for 2016.
Frances Roberts, who teaches mathematics at Homer High School in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, has been named Alternate Teacher of the Year.
The Alaska award is given by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development as part of a nationwide program sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Meiners has taught for 26 years, nine in her current position. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Whitworth University.
Roberts, the Teacher of the Year alternate, has taught for 22 years, all in her present position. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a master’s degree from Montana State University. Roberts became an educator after a career as a meteorologist and co-owner of a sheep and cattle ranch.
The Alaska Teacher of the Year may be called upon to speak at education conferences and participate in various statewide education working groups. The teacher is the Alaska nominee for national teacher of the year. The alternate teacher of the year would serve as Alaska teacher of the year if the latter were named national teacher of the year.
