By KTNA Intern C’ebrina D. Tollefsen
for Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
Published on Monday, November 28, 2011 8:01 PM AKST
TALKEETNA — What started three years ago as a series of symposiums has grown into the nonprofit Northern Susitna Institute (NSI), located at Mile 14 of the Talkeetna Spur Road in the former Talkeetna Christian Center.
Founded by retired educators Erin Aulman and Joe Page, the nonprofit celebrated its grand opening in August. Aulman retired in 1996 from Talkeetna Elementary, where she worked as principal for 20 years.
Page, the 2009 BP Teacher of the Year, retired after many years as an elementary teacher.
Three years ago, the two partnered with other teachers and community members to organize three symposiums. Area residents were invited to these Saturday meetings to talk about what they wanted their children to know and be able to do by graduation. The community set priorities of:
• Opportunity to apply “life” skills.
• Intergenerational age skill sharing.
• Hands-on experience.
• Implementation and presentation of operation.
Modeled after the North House Folk School in Minnesota, NSI’s motto is “real learning in the real world.” The school provides opportunities for community members to build on their own educational experiences.
In addition to his work at NSI, Page continues to work as a grant writer for the Denali Arts Council, earning him practice, knowledge and alliances.
NSI received its nonprofit status in spring 2010 and has established a board of directors and program directors.
Working with the community the school offers a variety of programs including:
• Talkeetna Build-a-Plane: Students as young as 10 and adults as old as 75 work together to rebuild an aircraft.
• Classroom with a View: Students develop leadership and outdoor skills in remote, out-of-state and international settings.
• Alaska Folk School: Focus on a variety of teaching and learning experiences that capitalize on the talents and skills of community residents.
• Internship challenging career exploration and Applied Learning Academy: Offers in-depth, entrepreneurial internship experiences for high school students.
Aulman and Page say they hope the school will grow to be able to offer programs that are recognized for home school and college credits and are transferable both in and out of state.
For more information, contact 733-7111 or visit northernsusitnainstitute.org.
C’ebrina D. Tollefsen is a high school student who lives in the Talkeetna area and is enrolled in Copper River Correspondence.
