Anchorage Favorite Teacher Memories

Who were your favorite teachers in Anchorage?

Mar 08, 2026

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Mary of Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club in her 3rd grade class at Denali Elementary in Anchorage, Alaska. Mrs. McGraw is the teacher.

In the photo above is the Denali Elementary School 3rd-grade class of Mrs. McGraw. Mary of Anchorage Memories is circled in the front row.

From elementary school, junior high school, and high school, we all have special memories of a teacher or two, or three, who really made a difference.

And we carry those memories with us for a lifetime.

Mary and I want to give you some space here to share your memories of a favorite Anchorage teacher who made a difference in your life.

Mary Remembers

Miss Werner was my first-grade teacher at Denali Elementary.

She made a shy student feel like a friend. And she went out of her way to make the other classmates my friends, too.

I had the same teacher for the 2nd and 3rd grade at Denali. Mrs. McGraw was very nice and helpful.

Our morning sharing time with my classmates was good and helped me to learn about them and to make friends.

Yes, You Can Share This Edition

And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will give you a free year of your favorite Lucky Wishbone lunch… well, it could happen.

Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

Mike Remembers

Two teachers come to mind here.

The first was my early 1960s gym teacher, Mr. Balote (sp?) at Clark Junior High School.

I remember him as being stern, but very understanding. In the 7th grade, I recall the need to visit his office in the Boy’s locker room. As I came up to his office, I noticed a sign on the window of his office door. The sign read, “Knock or Suffer.” I immediately knocked on the door and was told to come in.

Another thing I recall about Mr. Balote was something I witnessed when I was in the 8th grade.

The incoming 7th-grade boys had to adjust to changing into their gym gear and then taking a shower with all the other guys at the end of gym class.

My Balote noticed one 7th-grade boy was having a hard time and standing way off by himself. Coach Balote went over to him and gave him some reassuring words. The boy thanked him and joined the others.

In 1963, I auditioned as a trumpet player for Mr. James Everly, the conductor of the East Anchorage High School Symphonic Band.

Mr. Everly was an excellent teacher, and I learned a lot from him. In the East High band, I ended up in what is known as the first trumpet section. And by my senior year, I was First Chair First, the head of the trumpet section.

What Mr. Everly taught me was even helpful in my television and motion picture production career.

I was fortunate enough to win an Emmy Award for my camera work. I should have mentioned Mr. Everly in my acceptance speech.