By Tommy Wells

Arctic Sounder - Oct. 4, 2012, excerpt

Jennifer Litera has always believed school was a special place. A place where young boys and girls can go to learn, play and take step toward whatever dream they may have for the future.

When she was a young girl growing up in Nome, she spent countless hours at the school reading, playing and learning from positive role models - even on Saturdays. More than two decades later, that love of school led her to become a teacher and administrator in the Alaskan school system.

That same love is something Litera would like to see other rural Native children develop. Especially since it could mean more Native teachers who could convey their traditional customs and values to youngsters.

"We don't have enough Native teachers in Alaska," said Litera, who is beginning her sixth year as principal at Ipalook Elementary School in Barrow. I would like to see more Natives become teachers so they can fill that role."

A half Inupiaq educator, Litera said she knew early in high school days that she wanted to become an educator. Following her graduation from Nome-Beltz High School, she enrolled in The University of Alaska Fairbanks and earned a Bachelor's degree with the goal of becoming a teacher and role model for other Native students. That desire also drove her to continue her education. She received her Master's degree from The University of Alaska Anchorage, and then her Special Education endorsement from The University of Alaska Juneau.

"I knew this was my calling," she said. "Hopefully, the kids can see I reached my goal and that if they set their mind to it, anything is possible."

After receiving her bachelor's degree, Litera said she initially wanted to return home and become part of the Nome City School District. Unfortunately, her alma mater didn't have an opening, so she decided to look elsewhere.

"I went to a job fair and that is where I found out Barrow needed a teacher," she said.

Litera said she feels her rural background helped her earn a job offer from Barrow. They felt that being Native and raised in western Alaska would help her integrate into the northern Alaskan community.

Thirteen years later, Litera said she felt she was ready to take a leadership role in the education system and applied for a vacant principal position.

"It was a dream of mine," she said. "Students need to know that you can do what you want if you work hard enough. I want to be a positive role model for them. They need to know anything is possible."

Jennifer said she hopes her career journey will inspire more Native students to seek careers in education.

"I'm hopeful there will be more Native students going to college and getting into education," said Litera, who has served as the elementary school principal since 2006. "I don't think we haveenough Native teachers in the state. It would be good for our children, our culture and education, as a whole, in rural Alaska because we could have a few more teachers who grew up in the same culture as the students."

It could also provide more role models for Native students, and proof that hard work in the classroom can lead to a lifetime job.

The dream all starts with Native students attending school, developing a dream and following that dream until they become a productive part of society.