Education Matters - Mat-Su, Alaska

Host Jeremiah Bartz talks with Kristen Cook, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District's new Culinary Education teacher, about her unexpected path from social work to owning a local restaurant, The Grape Tap, to launching the district's brand-new culinary program. Kristen shares how she's building curriculum from scratch, balancing students with restaurant experience alongside total beginners, and what her classes at Palmer and Wasilla have covered so far: from safety and sanitation to knife skills, popcorn, cookies, and pizza dough. One of her students joins partway through to share her own experience in the class and her goals for the semester. The conversation wraps up with some timely potato recipe recommendations ahead of the Potato Bowl.

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🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

Mat-Su Career and Tech High senior, Ian Naylor, recently summited Denali at 17 years old. Jeremiah Bartz sits down with Ian to hear about how he prepared and accomplished this amazing feat. 

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🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

There’s something special happening in the shop at Su Valley High School—and it’s more than just a car build.

In this episode of Education Matters, we headed north to Talkeetna to meet with student members of the Hot Rod Club to talk about their ongoing project: a custom 1930 Ford Model A built from the ground up. From welding and fabrication to engine work and problem-solving, these students are gaining real-world skills that go far beyond the classroom. 

What started as a small after-school effort has grown into a multi-year project powered by student dedication, mentorship, and a passion for learning by doing. Along the way, students are exploring career pathways, building confidence, and creating something they can truly be proud of.

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🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

What inspires students to join JROTC—and what keeps them coming back? In this episode of Education Matters, we hear directly from cadet leaders at Colony High School as they describe a student-led program built on service, leadership, and belonging. Cadets talk about their weekly routines, competitions, community service, and the moments—both funny and meaningful—that shaped who they are today. Whether students are interested in the military or not, JROTC offers real-world skills, confidence, and a second home for students in grades 8–12.

Show Information

🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

In this episode of Education Matters, we visit Palmer High School to explore their long-standing International Baccalaureate (IB) program — one of the most rigorous and rewarding paths a student can take.

Host John Notes sits down with IB Coordinator McKenzie Moore and students Oscar and Teagan, who share what it’s like to take six or seven IB classes, balance academics with sports, and create meaningful community impact through their CAS Project — including their “Trick or Trot” fun run fundraiser for early childhood education. 🏃‍♀️🍬

Hear how these students are preparing not just for college, but for life — building confidence, creativity, and global awareness along the way.

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🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

🎬✨ In this episode of Education Matters, we sit down with students Liam and Kaya, along with teacher Rhett Buchanan from Teeland Middle School, to talk about their incredible Media Skills class. From producing weekly newscasts to creating a full music video called Let It Flow—these students are learning real-world storytelling, editing, and collaboration skills that will last a lifetime.

Catch their inspiring story and see how Teeland students are raising the bar for creativity and excellence!

Show Information

🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

New episode: students share first-hand stories from the Palmer–Saroma exchange—how they were selected, standout cultural moments (from spotless streets to less phone time), and how the trip grew their confidence and independence. They even share advice for peers thinking about applying next year.

If you enjoy the show, follow and leave a quick rating to help others find Education Matters.

Show Information

🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

In this joyful and heartwarming episode of Education Matters, host John Notestine sits down with a group of enthusiastic students from Big Lake Elementary School as they prepare to perform for the MSBSD School Board. From favorite teachers and math lessons to choir practice and musical games, these students share what makes their school such a special place to learn and grow.

🎶 Highlight Alert: Don’t miss the impromptu performance at the end—Big Lake’s student choir brings the energy with a surprise live rendition of a pop favorite!

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Students reflect on their favorite parts of school
• Insight into what they’re learning (comparing fractions, dividing decimals & patience!)
• Behind-the-scenes fun from choir rehearsals
• A musical game that doubles as vocal training
• An unexpected live performance full of Big Lake pride

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of student voice, this episode will leave you smiling.

👉 Subscribe and follow for more student-led stories from across the Mat-Su Borough School District.

Show Information

🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

On this episode of Education Matters, we’re diving into the incredible world of SkillsUSA with a group of talented students from Colony High School! 🏅🔧✨

These students are sharpening their skills in welding, technical drafting, public speaking, and more—all while preparing for intense competitions that could shape their futures. Hear how SkillsUSA is helping them build real-world expertise, gain confidence, and develop the professional skills needed for life beyond high school.

From welding sculptures to nailing math competitions, their stories of hard work and perseverance will inspire you! Tune in now and discover why SkillsUSA is a game-changer for career and technical education.

Listen in as they discuss:

• ✅ The hands-on projects they’re tackling
• ✅ How SkillsUSA is preparing them for the workforce
• ✅ The valuable life skills they’ve gained—beyond just their trade
• ✅ Their best competition stories and what’s next for them

💡 Inspired by this episode? If you know a student who could benefit from SkillsUSA, share this episode with them!

📢 Join the conversation! Comment below and tell us: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve learned in school or your career?

⭐️ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people discover the great things happening in our schools!

If you’re a student, parent, or educator interested in career and technical education, this episode is a must-listen!

🔗 Learn more about SkillsUSA: https://www.skillsusa.org/

🔗 Mat-Su Borough School District: https://matsuk12.us 

Show Information

🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]

In this episode of Education Matters, we explore how Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are preparing students for success beyond high school. Host John Nelson sits down with student leaders from Educators Rising and Business Professionals of America (BPA) to discuss the skills they’re gaining, the competitions they’re tackling, and the impact of these programs on their futures.

Want to know how these programs are shaping the next generation of educators and business leaders? Tune in now!

#EducationMatters #CTSO #BPA #EducatorsRising #FutureLeaders #CareerReady

Show Information

🎙️ Education Matters is the official podcast of the Mat-Su Borough School District, highlighting students, teachers, and the innovative programs that make our schools great.

📲 Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/akmatsuk12

📩 Got a story to share? Contact us at [email protected]