Teaching in Alaska: What I Learned in the Bush

by Julie Bolkan

The Molly Hootch Act, a little known (outside Alaska) law, had a profound effect on the education of native Alaskan children. Mandating that every village have a public high school, Alaska scrambled to erect buildings and recruit
teachers from the lower 48. Bob and Julie Bolkan answered the call and set off for the remote bush village of Akiak.

Among the first outsiders to live and work with the Yup'ik in their small villages, this book tells Julie's story of how she survived the culture clashes, isolation, weather, and her struggles with honey buckets--a candid and often funny account of one "gussock" woman's 12 years in the Alaskan bush.

120 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2018

Reviews

[Su Hodgson]

I was delighted by this book. The more into it I read, the faster I read, wanting to hear of all the adventures that accompany teaching in the Alaskan bush. A teacher myself, I see job advertisements to still go up there and teach in remote villages; I knew I could not consider it until I discovered what the Bolkan's experienced, and Julie didn't disappoint with her clear voice and organized text.

Su Hodgson

[J.V. Bolkan]

Interesting memoir from a woman that obviously didn't want to be in the bush in the beginning, but who ended up staying there with her husband for 12 years and learning and coming to appreciate the people and environment. A candid snapshot of small yup'ik village life. There are about 3 dozen photos and some honest and humorous stories.

[Sharleen Nelson]

Great fish out of water story. Poignant and relatable.