They’re the reason why I do what I do': CHS teacher named 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year

During a regularly scheduled assembly, students at Colony High School in Palmer were gathered in the gymnasium for the annual “Step Up Step Down” assembly to welcome incoming 8th grade students from Teeland Elementary and say farewell to graduating seniors, and also say goodbye to a few beloved staff members.

As the time drew near, the students were getting a little antsy, waiting for the all-important signal to let out for lunch, when Assistant Principal Peter Olson held up proceedings with an all-important breaking news story involving one of their own teachers.

“We’ve got some very special people in the house to recognize one of our own,” Olson said before introducing Dr. Deena Bishop, the Alaska Education Commissioner to reveal the big announcement. Gathered with Dr. Bishop was Dr. Randy Trani, Superintendent for the Mat-Su Borough School District (MSBSD), and Dr. Justin Ainsworth, Associate Superintendent for MSBSD.

“I’m here today to announce the Alaska State Teacher of the Year,” Dr. Bishop told the assembly as a murmurs of excitement raced around the gym.

“This one is pretty special because this individual was not nominated by one of her peers. She was nominated by you, the students.”

She then told the students that their principal, Kristy Johnston wrote: “One of the most remarkable aspects of this individual is her ability to create a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where every student is welcomed and valued and supported. She goes that extra mile to ensure that students receive personalized attention, thereby unlocking their full potential. Her unwavering belief in the abilities of her students empowers them to strive for excellence and achieve remarkable success both academically and artistically.”

Dr. Bishop then announced that Kelly Rentz has been named the Alaska Teacher of the Year, earning thunderous applause, a few screams of support, and definitely more than one person saying “we love you Ms. Rentz!” from the students and staff.

When asked to say a few words, Rentz, clearly overcome by the announcement, simply said, “Thank you, thank you. I don’t know that I could say a lot right now. These students are just the best, and they’re amazing and they bring it every day. They’re the reason I do what I do.”

During the open nomination period, Rentz received nominations from students who are thrilled to be in her classes. Her dedication to her students and school community was evident in the evaluation process and has been apparent throughout her career.

Rentz has been a choir teacher since earning her Bachelor of Arts in Music with a vocal emphasis in 1989. She has served as a music teacher, music specialist, and choir director in the Anchorage School District and Matanuska-Borough School District. She has taught music for elementary and high school grades, produced the highest percentage of students selected for Alaska’s All-State Choir of any choir program in the state each year since 2020, co-hosted the Mat-Su District Honor Festival since 2019, and has taught AP Music Theory since 2019. She is currently the Director of Choirs at Colony High, a position she has held since 2018.

Her professional summary states, “Compassionate teaching professional, creating a culture of respect, integrity, and excellence through education in the fine arts. Community leader inspiring others to make good art for great causes.”

Governor Mike Dunleavy offered his congratulations, saying: “Congratulations to Ms. Rentz for this great accomplishment. Great teachers motivate their students and create a learning environment students look forward to coming to. It’s clear that Ms. Rentz’s students look forward to learning from her.”

“Kelly's dedication to educational excellence serves as an inspiration to our students, staff, and community," Dr. Bishop said. "There is no higher praise than to be nominated by your students, and it is with great pride that we honor her as the 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year.”

As Alaska’s Teacher of the Year, Rentz will participate in programming offered by the Council of Chief State School Officers with other state Teachers of the Year. Rentz will also be Alaska's candidate for the National Teacher of the Year.

“We do not take enough time in our day to thank our teachers, our principals, paraprofessionals, custodians, and support staff and how much we appreciate them. Great educators do more than just teach-they change lives…teachers continue to inspire the people they teach.”