Marshwood Middle School is thrilled to announce that Mrs. Tami Schoff, a 6th-grade Language Arts teacher, has been selected as a 2027 finalist for the prestigious Iditarod Teacher on the Trail program, proudly representing the state of Maine! Mrs. Schoff lives in South Berwick and teaches in Eliot, where she inspires students every day through engaging, meaningful learning experiences.
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race—often called “The Last Great Race on Earth”—is a legendary, nearly 1,000-mile endurance race held each March from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Mushers and their sled dog teams traverse frozen rivers, towering mountain ranges, and vast stretches of tundra, braving extreme conditions while honoring Alaska’s rich history and sled dog traditions.
Each year, educators from around the world apply for the highly competitive Teacher on the Trail position through a rigorous, multi-stage selection process. The journey begins with an extensive portfolio submission due December 1, serving as a candidate’s “foot in the door.” Portfolios include showcase lessons, relevant professional experiences, letters of support from school districts and administrators, a video submission, and thoughtful responses to situational questions that demonstrate readiness for this once-in-a-lifetime role.
Applications are carefully reviewed and scored by members of the Iditarod Education Committee. Based on these scores, candidates are ranked, and only the top three finalists advance to the next round—an incredible achievement in itself.
Mrs. Schoff and the two other finalists will travel to Alaska February 28–March 9, the week leading up to the race, for the final phase of the selection process. During this immersive experience, finalists will work closely with the Iditarod Education Committee, present at the Educators Conference, and complete hands-on assignments that mirror the real responsibilities of the Teacher on the Trail role. This exciting stage allows candidates to showcase their ability to engage educators, communicate powerfully, and bring the Iditarod experience to classrooms around the world.
Already, Mrs. Schoff has begun weaving the Iditarod into the 6th-grade curriculum at Marshwood Middle School. Students are exploring the race route, learning about sled dog care and training, and discovering the cultural significance of the Iditarod to Alaskan communities—bringing real-world adventure straight into the classroom.
“Being named a finalist for Teacher on the Trail is an incredible honor,” said Schoff. “It’s been exciting over the years to see students light up as they connect classroom learning to a real-world event that highlights perseverance, teamwork, and resilience.”
If selected, Mrs. Schoff would be the first teacher from Maine to represent the state in this remarkable Alaskan adventure. The winner of the 2027 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail will be announced in April 2026.