My name is Emily Vanderpool, and this is my 21st year with the Kuspuk School District and my 9th year serving as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction. I grew up in Oregon and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Western Oregon University. My career began in Russian Mission, Alaska, where I taught elementary school. In 2005, I moved to Aniak and began teaching at both Auntie Mary Nicoli Elementary School and Aniak Jr./Sr. High School. I quickly fell in love with the community and the stunning middle-Kuskokwim landscape. Beyond the classroom, I coached high school mixed-six volleyball for many years, taught a districtwide VTC class that connected me with students in every village, and made frequent trips to schools across the region. While teaching in Aniak, I continued my education, earning a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics with an emphasis in Yup’ik from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (2008–2010), followed by a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage (2012). After many rewarding years at AMNES, I joined the Kuspuk District Office in 2017 as the Director of Curriculum. I am married to Ron Vanderpool of Aniak, and together we have four boys—Danny (19), Ryder (16), Ronnie (13), and River (4). My favorite pastimes include watching sports, especially when my kids are playing, as well as spending time on the water boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just floating. I also enjoy reading, gardening, and Broadway musicals. Whenever I get the chance, I love to travel and explore new places. And one last fun fact—I love to sing karaoke, no matter how off-key I might be!4
