Chugiak World Discovery Seminar Program

The WDS Teaching team is a diverse group of educators from many perspectives and walks of life. All of them split their schedule at Chugiak with WDS classes and traditional classes. Their schedules change year to year, but for the most part you can expect to have each teacher for at least one full year if you are in WDS for four years.

Claire Torbensen-Armstrong, English

Claire has been at Chugiak since 2003, and has been in the Seminar program her whole career. She has seen the program grow and evolve throughout the last twenty years and is a huge advocate for the learning community we have created. She recieved her bachelors from XXX and is graduating in May with her Masters in Counseling from University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Claire has lived in Alaska since XXXX and loves being outdoors and spending time with her husband and son, who is currently a sophomore in the program. She also serves as the advisor for the Chugiak GSA club. She has been the co-department chair of WDS since XXXX.

Claire currently teaches WDS Freshmen English, as well as traditional English I and Creative Writing.

Mackenna Handeland, English

Mackenna started at Chugiak in 2019 after teaching at East High for three years. She joined the WDS program in her first year and loves the style of learning and her role as a facilitator rather than a lecturer. She has a bachelors in English with a minor in Writing from Oregon State University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Western Oregon University.

She has lived in Alaska since 2016 and made the jump out to Eagle River in 2021. She loves not having a commute anymore! In her spare time, Mackenna volunteers with Alaska Cat Adoption Team and fosters kittens and cats in her home. She is also the Drama, Debate, + Forensics Coach, eSports Coach, and a Senior Class Adivser. This is her first year as co-department chair of WDS.

Mackenna currently teaches WDS Sophomore English, WDS English IV, Digital Composition, and Yearbook.

Brian Mason, Biology

Brian graduated from Chugiak in XXXX and has been teaching at Chugiak since XXXX. He joined the Seminar program in XXXX, when WDS Biology was added to the course options. He recieved his Bachelors in XXX from XXX. He lives in Eagle River with his two sons, one of which is currently a freshmen in the program. They also have a black golden doodle and two brand new kittens! You can find Brian almost daily walking up Baldy after school.

Brian was recently honored as a recipient of the Hughes XXXX and was able to spend time in Washington DC this past summer, learning and advocating with other science and environment teachers. Having Brian represent Alaska in this way has been a huge honor for Chugiak.

Brian currently teaches WDS Biology, as well as traditional Biology and AP Biology.

Alyssa Logan, Social Studies

Alyssa joined WDS in 2020 during her Xth year at Chugiak. She has been an excellent addition to the team and brings a huge knowledge base to the program with her passion for all things United States. She lives in Eagle River with her husband, who is also an educator, and her two daughters.

Alyssa recently completed her Master of Arts in American History and Government from Ashland University as the result of a very prestigious fellowship program. She also has a Master of Arts in Teaching from XXX and a Bachelors from XXX.

Alyssa serves as the National Honor Society adviser and the Model UN Coach. She currently teaches WDS Econ and WDS Government (each 1 semester in a full year program), as well as AP US History, AP Gov, and traditional Gov.

Dallan Petersen, Social Studies

This is Dallan’s first year at Chugiak and in the WDS program. We are so excited to have him join us after teaching at Gruening and Hanshew Middle Schools. He has a bachelors degree from BYU and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Western Governor’s University.

Dallan is also a huge history buff and has had extensive experience with studying historical archive documents and research. He lives in Peter’s Creek with his wife and three adorable daughters, who keep them busy.

Dallan is currently teaching WDS World History (Sophomores), WDS Ancient Civ/Alaska Studies (Freshmen), and traditional US History.

Stephanie Thornton, Emetrius

Stephanie has transitioned from the classroom to the Chugiak Library. She was a WDS teacher for XXX years and served as the Co-Department chair for XX years. She still teaches Psychology as an elective, but many WDS kids have flocked to it because they enjoy her teaching style. She continues to support the program in a variety of ways and is planning some educational travel that is open to all Chugiak students, but will likely be comprised of many WDS students.

Anna McGlocklin, WDS Principal

Anna serves Chugiak as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and recently became the special programs principal for WDS. She helps provide support for WDS and advocates for us on a school-wide level. She has lived in Alaska for XXX years and has been a principal for XX years. She taught as a physical education teacher with Anchorage School District for XX years prior to becoming an administrator.

She lives in Eagle River with her husband and two awesome children.