Dale Ebcas chose Alaska because it offered everything he had been searching for as a teacher: the opportunity to connect deeply with students through small class sizes, the safety and warmth of a close-knit community, and strong professional development opportunities.
For him, teaching in Alaska means making a meaningful impact not only in the classroom but also in the lives of families and the wider community.
With a background as a K–6 teacher, behavior therapist, and national lecturer on teacher training, he wanted to strengthen his skills in special education and found Alaska’s framework to be both rigorous and supportive.
In his six years teaching in the state, Dale has seen the impact of his presence ripple far beyond academics.
He describes feeling deeply connected to his students and their families, making a difference not only in the classroom but also in students’ social and emotional growth. He points to a transformation in his community—from parents rarely attending school events to nearly 90% showing up—evidence of trust built through stability and care.
Unique Alaskan experiences have shaped Dale’s teaching as well. He recalls culture weeks, berry picking, ice fishing, and nature walks, all of which allow him to weave academics into hands-on, memorable lessons. These activities, he says, show students that school can be fun, meaningful, and rooted in local culture. His mission now is to inspire his own students to eventually become teachers themselves, creating a future where communities can educate from within.
When asked what advice he would give to new teachers, Dale encourages openness to feedback and communication with districts. Alaska, he explains, provides extensive professional development—often free and accessible online—that can fuel professional growth for those willing to embrace it.
Since beginning his Alaska journey, Dale has been honored with several recognitions, such as the Individual of the Year for Inclusive Practices by the Governor’s Council on Disability and Special Education in Alaska (2024), Educator of the Year Honoree 2024, and the First Lady Volunteer of the Year 2025 in the state of Alaska.
Dale is shown here being awarded the First Lady Volunteer of the Year 2025 by Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom and First Lady Rose Dunleavy.