Leola Rutherford

Leola Rutherford is a fifth-generation Alaskan with over 20 years of teaching experience. Her family first came to Alaska in 1897 with the gold rush, hiking the Chilkoot Trail, opening a hotel in Nome, prospecting in Sunrise and Girdwood, building the Alaska railroad, trapping, commercial fishing, and participating in Anchorage’s growth from a tent city to what it is today. Leola is a lover of languages and the arts. A K-8 Certified Teacher, Leola has dual Master's degrees in Education (APU) & International Affairs (George Washington) and has worked for two Alaska Governor’s as well as state senators in both Juneau and Washington, DC. Once a professional potter, debate coach, classroom teacher and frequent presenter, Leola has been recognized by Code.org, the Alaska Legislature, BP Teacher of Excellence, Next Generation Personal Finance Distinguished Educator, and the Smithsonian NASM Teacher Innovator Institute.