Testimonials & Reviews
The Right Guide at the Right Time
"I was a retired teacher, just biding my time until August 2026, when I took an emergency, temporary job teaching English and History to 6th–12th graders in the Sugpiaq village of Nanwalek, Alaska. The day after I arrived, Billeen Carlson came to the village to help me transition in. From the start, she was a professional guide and mentor, helping me understand the assets, challenges, and complexity of educating in Nanwalek.”
She introduced me to non-traditional assessment approaches, encouraged me to incorporate students' unique and rich cultural backgrounds into learning, and championed project-based learning as a way to keep students engaged. Beyond pedagogy, she went above and beyond—donating lights, furniture, and organizers to make the classroom hip, inviting, and comfortable for kids.
Billeen has been absolutely critical in my transition back into teaching, and I can’t thank her enough for her support, guidance, and generosity.”
-Thomas DeGray
ELA/History Teacher
Nanwalek Elementary/High School
A Highly Recommended Distance Learning Experience
My son recently completed a distance education class with Billeen Carlson, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. As a high school student, he needed a flexible and engaging learning option, and her class delivered exactly that. Ms. Carlson is an exceptional teacher—knowledgeable, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to her students' success. She made learning accessible and ensured my son felt supported throughout the course. Not only was she always available to provide guidance to students, but she also offered valuable support for parents. Even in a virtual setting, she fostered an interactive and encouraging environment that kept my son motivated and engaged. I highly recommend Billeen Carlson and any class she designs to anyone seeking a high-quality distance education experience.
— Virginia Morgan; Cooper Landing
“I entrusted her to teach my children..."
I had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Billeen for a semester during my time in Nikolaevsk. Being in a rural Alaskan community brought a unique set of challenges, which Billeen approached with unparalleled dedication and skill.
As a teacher with nearly two decades of experience in rural Alaska, I’ve personally navigated the challenges and rewards of working across grades and within multi-age classrooms. In working with Billeen, I saw firsthand how she tailors her methods to ensure all students, regardless of their age or background, thrive.
Billeen’s approach to teaching not only fostered academic growth in the students but also supported their personal development. Leading by example, she created an environment where students felt empowered to take ownership of their learning.
Billeen consistently sets high expectations for all students, whether in person or remotely, and tailors her methods to meet the unique needs of rural and indigenous communities. Like a true educator, her adaptability is one of her greatest strengths, ensuring that every student’s needs are met.
Her passion for creating culturally relevant learning experiences was evident in the cross-disciplinary projects we worked on together, including our collaboration on ASTE. Every project she undertakes is a reflection of her deep commitment to both the students and the community.
While my direct experience with her distance education work is more limited, it’s clear that Billeen’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning transcends the physical classroom. Even in remote settings, her enthusiasm for teaching remains infectious and impactful.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her for any educational project, and I look forward to future opportunities to collaborate. Not only do I recommend her wholeheartedly, but I eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to work together.
In closing, I offer the highest praise a teacher can give: “I entrusted her to teach my children and would do so again!"
-Daniel Cernek; Anchorage School District
Insightful, Pragmatic, & Fair
"Billeen is insightful, pragmatic, and fair. She solves problems and does not place blame. She works to the strengths of those she works with and point those strengths out while dealing directly with the issue(s). She looks for answers and arrives at viable solutions. ... on a personal basis. I think she is bright and easy to work with."
-Michael Hundorf
Retired Teacher
Nikiski, Alaska
She inspires me...
"Billeen is a thoughtful and talented teacher. She promotes critical thinking skills, invites student centered projects, and individualizes lesson plans over a range of subjects and grade levels. She is an instructional coach with a vast set of tools to meet the needs of both students and teachers. She inspires me to be a better educator."
-Lisa Fellows
Retired Teacher & Counselor
Homer, Alaska
She has a passion for creative approaches...
"Billeen and I were colleagues in a two-teacher school in a Russian village here in Alaska. With such a small staff, it is difficult not to get to know one another well. I taught the elementary grades...K - 5 and she taught the junior high/high school. Talk about a challenge! Billeen's approach to teaching is research based and individualized to meet the needs of each student. She has a very hands-on approach that engages students at their ability levels. She has a passion for creative approaches that captivate her student's attention. I once had a student say, 'He tricks us. We learn when we don't even realize he's teaching us!' That is exactly what Billeen does. Billeen makes learning enjoyable and the students love her."
Paul Houchins
Retired DoD Teacher
Homer, Alaska
She has a remarkable ability to encourage both children and adults to embrace challenges
I began working with Billeen Carlson in 2021 when I was very new to the world of education, and her mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my journey as an educator. Through her guidance, I’ve gained valuable insight into the teaching profession, from effectively incorporating technology in the classroom to recognizing and addressing different types of biases. Her passion for education goes beyond academics—she truly cares about the whole child, ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and valued.
One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned from Billeen is the importance of fostering a growth mindset, not just in students but in educators as well. She has a remarkable ability to encourage both children and adults to embrace challenges, view mistakes as learning opportunities, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Her dedication to creating an environment where curiosity thrives and individuals feel empowered to grow has profoundly shaped my own approach to teaching.
Thanks to Billeen, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of what it means to be an impactful educator. Her mentorship has helped me see the bigger picture—education is not just about delivering lessons but about nurturing a mindset that prepares students for success in all aspects of life. I am incredibly grateful for her wisdom, encouragement, and the perspective she has shared with me.
Veronica Jones
Elementary Paraprofessional
KPBSD
Billeen has been enthusiastic and creative and led really wonderful trainings.
The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies has been lucky to have Billeen Lead trainings and conversations with us about universal design, flexible teaching, sensory-friendly programing, and working with neurodiverse youth. Billeen has been enthusiastic and creative and led really wonderful trainings.
She has adapted her curriculum and tailored her approach to our unique offerings, which is above and beyond. This has helped our staff learn new tools and shift their thinking. As a result, we have been able to work towards supporting neurodiverse campers and students better on our field trips and summer camps.
We have worked with Billeen to teach and lead discussions with our environmental education staff about student-centered and flexible learning. This has greatly helped our staff shift their approach with our programs to adapt to students, meet them where they are at, and have more understanding expectations.
We have incorporated sensory kits into our programing, take more breaks to regulate, and take more time to connect with guardians to plan for student and camper success. This has helped our team build confidence in working with a wider range of neurodiversity and expanded access to outdoor and environmental education. Most of all, it has helped us have a growth mindset about learning more!
Billeen has helped us shift away from having a rigid approach to a more accommodating and open-minded approach to working with "challenging behaviors." We really appreciate the time she has given to our organization to help support kids getting outside. A huge thank you Billeen! - Joscie, Community Liaison and Wellness Specialist, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Homer, AK
