Okalena Morgan teaches first-grade at Auntie Mary Nicoli Elementary School in Aniak, a remote village not far from where she grew up. A Yup'ik Eskimo, she is one of the region's few native professionals. Mrs. Morgan is a powerful role model for the area's youngsters as well as other educators. Teachers from outlying schools frequently visit Aniak to observe her instructional approaches, which include the use of learning centers, an improved reading curriculum, and integration of a Yup'ik language computer program. She assisted in creating the district's language arts and health curriculum, and conducts staff training. Mrs. Morgan was selected as the village team leader for a long-term school improvement project, Alaska Onward Towards Excellence.
1990 Alaska Pacific University, B.A.
