Cosette Moore is a semi-retired teacher currently living in Washington State. She began her teaching career in 2002 and spent about nine years in the classroom. Today, she continues to work as a substitute teacher. In the fall of 2024, she took a long-term substitute position in the small village of Shishmaref, Alaska—a remote coastal village located 126 miles north of Nome. Returning to Shishmaref was particularly special for Cosette, as it happened to be the first place she taught 22 years earlier. Seeing familiar faces and reconnecting with former colleagues and students brought her great joy.

Throughout her career, Cosette has taught in various locations across Alaska. She spent a month in Utqiagvik (UUT-kee-AH-vik), formerly known as Barrow, the northernmost city in the United States, where the sun doesn’t rise from late November to late January, yet the snow-covered landscape makes it feel bright anyway. She also taught in Angoon and Gustavus in Southeast Alaska, a region she considers unrivaled for its breathtaking natural beauty. In addition, she spent time in Dillingham and Bristol Bay, areas well known for their fishing.

Farther north, she taught in the Northwest region, including the villages of Savoonga on St. Lawrence Island and Shishmaref on Sarichef Island. Both are a part of the Bering Strait School District—a district that she has grown especially fond of over the years.

During a conversation with a friend from Washington, Cosette was asked whether the people in Shishmaref had changed much over the past 22 years. She replied that to her delight, they remained the same warm and welcoming community she remembered. However, many of her former students now had children of their own attending the local school.

Nowadays, Cosette spends her time volunteering where needed at the Garfield County Museum and the Historical Society of the United Methodist Church in eastern Washington. Reflecting on her experiences, Cosette shared, “I have enjoyed all my years in Alaska and would do it all over again if I had the chance. I may still do some long-term sub jobs while I still can.”

Thanks to the Teachers’ Retirement System, Cosette and her husband have been able to travel extensively, and the AlaskaCare health plan provides them with reliable medical benefits.

“Thank you, Alaska!”

If you would like to learn more about how your State of Alaska retirement can allow you to enjoy a comfortable retirement, please contact the Division toll-free at or at in Juneau.

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