Ketchikan resident Larry Jackson trolls near town in his charter boat Alaskan. (Jeff Lund / For the Juneau Empire)

I Went to the Woods: Why teachers should read more books about entrepreneurship

It’s no surprise that I have students who want a career outside.

By Jeff Lund

It’s no surprise that I have students who want a career outside — outdoors and Alaska. High school students all across Southeast Alaska have their eyes on the ocean or the forest and for good reason. There is a tremendous amount of opportunity in traditional, as well as entrepreneurial careers.

While I didn’t start reading books or listening to podcasts about entrepreneurship to inform my teaching, I have found it a valuable asset. I have never been much of a reader about education or educational theory. So much seems to be written by people who were in the classroom for a few years, then administration then became a studier of education in the abstract, theoretical manner and decided to write about it while the rest of us continued to live it.

Entrepreneurs often rail against teachers because many of them were the ones who were stifled by the stereotype: our ridged authoritarian ways in the classroom, we demanded compliance, silence and trained them to be subordinate workers prepared for a generation long-since past.

Author of Linchpin and Purple Cow, Seth Godin wrote, “Large-scale education was never about teaching kids or creating scholars. It was invented to churn out adults who worked well within the system.”

Rather than get defensive when I read quotes like this, I’ve found it more constructive to understand that while Godin doesn’t see what happens in the classroom, he does see the product. Even if I don’t agree, that doesn’t mean it’s not a valid perspective.

Southeast Alaska schools have the unique opportunity to become (if they are not already) institutions that produce young adults ready to create value in meaningful careers.

Students work for entrepreneurs over the summer commercial fishing, guiding kayak tours, working as dock reps and selling excursions, so of course many of them are interested in running their own charters, or owning their own businesses after high school. I have a student who is weaving and selling beautiful cedar hats. Is there a better, more empowering way for her to practice, preserve and cherish her Native culture while building confidence?

Most of us are often parrots, repeating or regurgitating lines that we memorized from books or social media. This might not be a bad thing for teachers because a lot of that is what a student needs to hear. In different words, from different voices, over and over again until it sticks.

But if I’m going to be a parrot, I’d rather be an entrepreneurial parrot if for no other reason than kids need to be inspired and helped with insight about how to explore their creative individuality, not just find a college with a major they might like.

I absolutely loved college for the education, the networking and the chance to leave Southeast and experience the Lower 48. It was only after ten years did I return.

That is not the path for everyone.

Being armed with a better understanding of entrepreneurship benefits me far more than some book about educational theory when I’m attempting to help students chart a path. I am not an expert, nor an entrepreneur really, but having the ability to connect students to resources and having conversations about marketing, viability and long-term prospects in an outdoor or tourism industry has helped me provide students with more meaningful depth.

It’s not my place to give parents homework, but I would recommend books like Godin’s. Not for post-able barbs about how bad the education system is, but for ways to help their kids too, graduates or not.

The world knows we need more entrepreneurs and less whiners.

• Jeff Lund is a freelance writer based in Ketchikan. His book, “A Miserable Paradise: Life in Southeast Alaska,” is available in local bookstores and at Amazon.com. “I Went to the Woods” appears twice per month in the Sports & Outdoors section of the Juneau Empire.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 10

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Juneau Assembly Member Ella Adkison (center) helps state Sen. Jesse Kiehl load donated groceries into a van on Saturday during a food drive at Super Bear IGA Supermarket hosted by the Juneau Central Labor Council. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Nonprofits say need is high as collections for annual Thanksgiving events approach

Food bank, other agencies say number of people seeking help is rising due to cost, other factors.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy poses with then-President Donald Trump during a refueling stop by Air Force One at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in February of 2019. (Official White House photo)
Report: Dunleavy discussing Interior secretary post with Trump transition officials

Alaska governor has said he’s open to such a job; Trump video praises “very special relationship.”

Eaglecrest Ski Area Board President Mike Satre (right) points Megan Behnke toward a checkout person during the annual Juneau Ski Sale at Centennial Hall on Saturday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Anticipation and anxieties accumulating with Eaglecrest’s scheduled opening less than a month away

Big turnout at annual ski sale despite loss of a main lift at resort; more critical crowd at public forum.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

President Donald Trump and Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy pose for a photo aboard Air Force One during a stopover at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage in 2019. (Sheila Craighead / White House photo)
Alaska Capitol’s ‘worst-kept secret’ is that Gov. Dunleavy may leave office to join Trump

Some lawmakers believe governor may not be in office when new Legislature convenes in January.

Most Read