About Us

Jane Teague has extensive experience in facilitating educational experiences for teachers, with a  long career in education.  In her former role of Director of Online Curriculum, she spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative learning programs, ensuring that educational content is engaging, accessible, and effective. Jane has also managed preschool and after-school programs, providing young learners with a strong educational foundation and enriching extracurricular activities. Her role as an adjunct professor For UAF has allowed her to share her expertise in education with the next generation of educators and professionals.

In addition to her leadership roles, Jane Teague is known for her ability to integrate cutting-edge media and communications strategies into educational settings. Her work in this area has helped bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern technological advancements, enhancing the overall learning experience for students and teachers alike. Jane's commitment to educational excellence and her innovative approach to curriculum development make her a highly respected figure in the field of education. Contact Jane: jteague@fireweedcollaborative.com

An Alaska educator since the mid 1990’s, Tracie Weisz has been privileged to work with students and teachers in a variety of K-12 as well as university settings.  She has worked as a classroom teacher, an adjunct instructor in the University of Alaska system, a teacher mentor, and as a curriculum director and district-wide administrator. She was fortunate to be able to spend her career in public education focused on her favorite professional interests in curriculum and instruction planning and development. She spent much of her career planning and delivering professional development experiences to educators across her district and the state in a variety of capacities, including workshops, conferences, conference planning, district-wide inservice planning, and as an adjunct university instructor and contract trainer. Over the course of her career, Tracie has served in a variety of roles in various statewide programs and initiatives. A lifelong Alaskan, Tracie enjoys pursuing outdoor activities as well as traveling around and exploring her home state. Contact Tracie: tweisz@fireweedcollaborative.com

LeAnn has held numerous roles throughout her educational career, including Teacher, Principal,Special Education Director, Director of State and Federal Programs, and Assistant Superintendent.She has managed and overseen multiple grants and programs, including multi-million-dollar federal

grants, and has experience in developing and managing grant budgets.For six years, LeAnn served as a board member of the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals and contributed to the AASSP conference committee. She has planned, hosted, and assisted in the instruction of various professional development institutes. LeAnn's expertise spans teaching, school administration, grant management, including budget oversight, and instructional leadership. LeAnn, a lifelong Alaskan,has a love for the outdoors, where she enjoys snowmachining hiking, fishing, hunting, and embracing Alaska's rugged beauty. Contact LeAnn: lyoung@fireweedcollaborative.com

Melissa Reese grew up in the sandhills of Nebraska and spent a few years in the US Army. She moved to Alaska to teach business and technology classes for Valdez City Schools in 1997. As an educator, Melissa helped students acquire knowledge and skills to thrive in a global community.  While teaching, she served in various local and state-wide leadership positions. As a school and district administrator she enhanced a team of excellent educational staff and provided professional development to build capacity and meet student needs.  During her tenure as elementary principal, Hermon Hutchens Elementary School was selected as a National Title I Distinguished School in 2017. Melissa has coordinated professional development opportunities on-site, on-line, and at state and national conferences.  Melissa retired from Valdez City Schools in 2023 and enjoys time with her family. Contact Melissa: mreese@fireweedcollaborative.com