THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Commissioner Deena Bishop Ed.D.
Deena Bishop began her Alaska educational career in 1991 as a math teacher. Her most cherished career experiences as she worked with young people teaching, coaching, and serving as a school principal. She has served over fifteen years in the assistant superintendent and superintendent roles in two of Alaska’s largest districts, leading with student success in mind. In August of 2023 she was named Alaska’s Commissioner of Education. She believes that all students deserve high quality teaching, academic rigor, and exceptional school experiences. Her present “best work” is being “Gigi” to two grandchildren. Dr. Bishop enjoys outdoor sports, interior painting, and spending time traveling with her family.
Dr. Joel Isaak
Dr. Joel Isaak is from Kahtnu, Kenai, Alaska. His journey to Dena’ina language learning began when he reconnected with his Dena’ina material culture as a BFA Sculpture student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Joel is an artist, educator, and lifelong learner. He uses art to develop understandings of working in a classroom and educational policy environments, where he combines the Western education model with traditional Alaska Native ways of life. Joel’s doctoral research focused on developing Dena’ina culturally based methods for reading instruction. Joel recently served as the Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Education and Early Development. He currently serves as the Director of Culture Preservation and Language for the Kenaitze Indian Tribe.