Kevin Spink, Ph.D.
Kevin Spink, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Elementary Education
School of Education
Biography
- I am a third-year faculty member at UAS, School of Education, teaching in our elementary MAT program. I currently teach our intermediate literacy methods, our curriculum development, and our learning management courses. I have taught K-12, elementary and middle school in Alaska for 25 years, specializing in literacy and science. I have earned an M.A. in language, literacy, and culture, and a Ph.D. in teacher education — both through the University of Arizona.
- I began my teaching career more through my interest in environmental science than because of a conscious desire to become a teacher. By working as an environmental science teacher/naturalist at outdoor science centers in California and New England, however, I discovered great satisfaction in sharing my love of nature with students.
- At the same time, through my summer commercial fishing jobs, I also discovered my love of the natural environment of Alaska and the people whom I encountered during my college summers working in our great state. Eventually, I earned my teaching degree through UAA, and then advanced degrees through the University of Arizona.
- I have taught public school students, both in the outdoor classroom and in traditional K-8 settings, for thirty years; and I have taught future teachers for the past five years. I feel very grateful, each semester, to learn that so many talented, determined, and socially idealistic young adults continue to choose to dedicate their professional lives to the betterment of the next generation by becoming teachers. UAS is a wonderful place to meet and teach our dynamic and diverse students, who represent all of the regions and the rich cultural diversity present in Alaska.
Kevin Spink, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Elementary Education
School of Education
- Email address: jspink@alaska.edu
- Phone number: 907-306-7602