Meet the Principal


I started as principal of Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat in the Fall of 2015, though I have been in Bethel since 2007 and the region since 2003. I taught in Mekoryuk and Nunapitchuk before moving to Bethel, where I have taught kindergarten, German, English Language Arts, and English as a Second Language. My administrative work in Bethel started at BRHS in 2013 as I completed my Master of Education in Educational Leadership through the University of Alaska Anchorage.

My birth state was Oregon, a beautiful state where I spent most of my childhood and college years up until my first Master of Arts in Teaching degree program was complete. Two of my schooling years were spent as an exchange student in Germany. After graduating from Willamette University, I moved to Japan for three years to teach English as a Foreign Language.

I enjoy outdoor activities such as cross country skiing in the winter and camping and fishing in the summer months. You might see me outside walking or jogging with my dogs around town at times also. My indoor hobbies include sewing, crafting, reading, and cooking.

As an educational leader, my goals are to support my staff to help students get maximum "brain growth" during their time at school. To me, this means much more than reading and writing. Our brains also have to handle the social emotional side of life, which is a critical area of development for youngsters in grades K, 1, 2.

If I could give one piece of advice to guardians to help them prepare their children for school, it would be to make sure they have a healthy sleeping and eating schedule. Healthy routines are extremely important for our young students to be comfortable and confident learners. The brain works better at learning when the body is well rested, hydrated, and provided with nutritious foods.

I look forward to your partnership in education!

Jazzmin LaValle
Principal, Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat
[email protected]
(907) 543-2845, ext. 3601
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