About Alaska EdVenture: Lessons from the K-12 Frontier with Dr. Meinert
Hosted by Dr. Meinert, superintendent of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, this podcast is your gateway to the heart of Alaska's educational landscape, where each episode features guests sharing their unique perspectives. From administrators and board members to dedicated teachers, support staff, student leaders, and community members, we’re bringing together voices that shape education in the Last Frontier!
Join us on Alaska EdVenture as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and innovations in Alaska’s K-12 classrooms.
What Makes Denali Special?
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert visits Denali Elementary to talk about the people, relationships, and experiences that make the school a special place to learn and grow.
Joined by Denali’s Principal Rebecca Zaverl, Counselor Kristy Stepp, and two students, Quinn and Noah, Dr. the conversation explores school culture, student experiences, and the relationships that help students feel connected, supported, and part of their school community.
The group also highlights the important role families and community members play at Denali, along with the traditions, activities, and everyday moments that make the elementary school experience memorable.
Discover what makes this school community special!
26 May 2026
051: For The Game—For The Students: Leadership, Mentorship, and Impact
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert sits down with retiring Coach David DeVaughn, Alaska’s winningest high school football coach, and longtime Activities Coordinator Wayne Sawchuk to reflect on careers dedicated to students, leadership, and community.
Together, they discuss the moments, relationships, and lessons that defined decades of service and helped shape the lives of countless students both on and off the field.
Listeners will hear stories and reflections on the lasting impact of school activities and the important role they play in helping students build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and meaningful connections.
The conversation also looks ahead to the future of student activities across the district and explores why involvement in athletics, clubs, and school programs continues to be such an important part of the student experience. Join us for an inspiring discussion on legacy, mentorship, and the lessons that extend far beyond the game.
12 May 2026
050: The Power of School Culture: North Pole Middle
In this episode, we sit down with the leadership team from North Pole Middle School to discuss the importance of student experience, positive school culture, and the relationships that help students succeed.
Thank you to our guests for joining the conversation:
Joseph Self, Principal
Jacob Glenn, Assistant Principal
Chip Abolafia, Assistant Principal
The conversation explores how schools create environments where students feel safe, connected, supported, and motivated to learn each day.
Listeners will hear about the intentional work behind building strong relationships between students, staff, and families, along with examples of student success both inside and outside the classroom at the district’s largest middle school.
The episode also highlights the role of staff collaboration, consistency, and leadership in creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,487,260
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
22
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
32
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