Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/07/2025 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s): Professional Teaching Practices Commission | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 13 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 7, 2025
3:36 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Löki Tobin, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Mike Cronk
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): PROFESSIONAL TEACHING PRACTICES
COMMISSION
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Angie Alston - Fairbanks
Kathryn Baird - Fairbanks
Patrick Frymark - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
SENATE BILL NO. 13
"An Act relating to the summer electronic benefits transfer
program for children."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
ANGELA ALSTON, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
KATHRYN BAIRD, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
PATRICK FRYMARK, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:36:53 PM
CHAIR TOBIN called the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting to order at 3:36 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Senators Bjorkman, Kiehl, Stevens, and Chair Tobin. Senator
Cronk joined thereafter.
CHAIR TOBIN announced an ease at 3:37:32.
CHAIR TOBIN reconvened the meeting at 3:37:44.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): PROFESSIONAL TEACHING PRACTICES
COMMISSION
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): PROFESSIONAL TEACHING PRACTICES
COMMISSION
3:37:59 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of the governor's
appointees Angela Alston, Kathryn Baird, and Patrick Frymark to
the Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
3:39:04 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated the committee would first hear from Ms.
Alston.
3:39:24 PM
ANGELA ALSTON, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified as the governor's
appointee to the professional Teaching Practices Commission. She
provided a brief personal and work history detailing her
experience as an educator. She stated that as a teacher, she
supported new educators in adapting to school and community
norms while helping them build relationships with students and
families. She explained that as a professor in the University of
Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) education program, she trains future
secondary teachers from across the state and supervises student
teachers in various Alaskan communities. She emphasized the
importance of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission
(PTPC) in maintaining ethical and safe teaching standards and
reinforcing public trust in the profession. She expressed her
commitment to serving Alaska and the teaching profession,
drawing on her experience as a rural teacher, teacher educator,
and parent.
3:41:43 PM
CHAIR TOBIN asked the committee members if they had questions.
3:41:49 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked whether the standards applied by the PTPC
have any weaknesses or if improvements are needed. He inquired
whether, in Ms. Alston's opinion, the standards themselves or
their application could be strengthened in the future.
MS. ALSTON stated that the existing code of ethics is
comprehensive, covering responsibilities such as protecting
student health, preventing discrimination and harassment,
cooperating with statewide assessments, and honoring teaching
contracts. She emphasized that these standards reflect important
commitments educators should uphold. She noted that the detailed
guidelines do a strong job of outlining how to support students
through ethical, honest, and safe teaching practices.
3:43:29 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked for clarification on whether Ms. Alston
believes any changes to the code of ethics are justified or
necessary.
MS. ALSTON stated that she does not currently recommend any
changes to the Code of Ethics. She noted that her first meeting
with the Professional Teaching Practices Commission is scheduled
for Thursday and Friday, which will give her the opportunity to
observe its operations. She added that her perspective might
evolve with more experience.
3:44:01 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked for Ms. Alston's opinion on one or two
scenarios where the PTPC might reach a different conclusion
regarding probation or revocation of a teaching license than a
school district or school board.
MS. ALSTON stated that one situation where the PTPC might reach
a different conclusion than a school district involves a breach
of contract. She explained that while some districts may not
consider a mid-year resignation a serious issue, such actions
can significantly disrupt students' learning and emotional well-
being. She shared an experience where a teacher left shortly
after winter break, leaving students confused and hurt, and the
school struggling to find a replacement. Based on that
experience, she stated her belief that a breach of contract can
have deeper impacts than may be apparent to others with
different perspectives.
3:46:09 PM
CHAIR TOBIN found no further questions for Ms. Alston and
invited Ms. Baird to give her testimony.
3:46:39 PM
KATHRYN BAIRD, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified as the governor's
appointee to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission
(PTPC). She gave a brief work history including having served as
a law clerk. She stated that her experience as a law clerk
required her to approach each case with impartiality, a
principle directly applicable to service on the PTPC. She
explained that as an assistant district attorney, she analyzed
cases and evidence, applied legal standards, and worked
collaboratively to determine appropriate outcomesskills that
align with the PTPC's responsibilities. She shared that she
became a teacher in 2019 to have a more direct impact on her
community and now teaches third grade at a Title I school,
serving on the school leadership team. She emphasized that her
background in law and education has prepared her to uphold high
standards for Alaska educators and ensure a safe, quality
education for all students.
3:49:17 PM
SENATOR STEVENS asked why she transitioned from working as an
assistant district attorney to becoming a teacher. He requested
insight into how that change occurred and what factors
influenced her decision.
MS. BAIRD stated that she chose to leave her role as an
assistant district attorney because she believed she could make
a greater impact by helping children grow into responsible
adults. She explained that working with youth offers a proactive
way to influence future outcomes, compared to trying to redirect
adults who have already made bad decisions. She noted that
research links academic success to reduced future problems, and
she felt that teaching allowed her to help more people more
effectively.
3:50:49 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated he wished more people would transition
into education.
3:51:02 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked whether Ms. Baird sees any weaknesses or
areas for improvement in the standards applied by the PTPC in
Alaska. He inquired if there are specific changes she hopes to
make.
MS. BAIRD stated her belief that the Code of Ethics is robust
and covers many important areas. She explained that if selected
to serve on the commission, reviewing specific cases may reveal
areas that could be strengthened. However, she said at this time
she does not have any specific changes to recommend.
3:52:29 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked Ms. Baird to identify one or two
situations where, as a commissioner, she would be willing to
impose probation or revoke a teaching license even if a local
school board chose not to take such action.
MS. BAIRD stated that decisions by the PTPC are made
collectively, so her individual opinion would be part of a group
consensus. She noted that responses to incidents can vary by
district size, as what is seen as significant in a small
district might not be viewed the same way in a larger one. She
emphasized that the appropriate action would depend on the
specific details and context of each complaint.
3:54:22 PM
CHAIR TOBIN asked whether Ms. Baird is currently employed as a
teacher since she is seeking the teacher representative position
on the commission.
MS. BAIRD replied she is currently employed as a third-grade
teacher in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.
CHAIR TOBIN invited Patrick Frymark to provide his testimony.
3:55:03 PM
PATRICK FRYMARK, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified as the governor's
appointee to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission
(PTPC). He provided a brief personal and work history stated
that in 2012 he was transferred to North Pole Middle School,
where he served as a building representative and helped foster
trust between staff and administration through open
communication and policy development. He explained that his work
with the Fairbanks Education Association's teacher rights team
involved supporting colleagues facing professional and ethical
challenges, often in cases involving potential harm to students.
He emphasized the importance of due process and peer
accountability, noting that feedback from fellow educators
carries a unique credibility. He shared that his experience
mentoring student teachers and completing coursework for his
Type B administrative certificate deepened his understanding of
professional standards and the role of administrators in
addressing unethical conduct. He concluded that accountability
strengthens trust in schools and helps ensure students are
served by qualified, ethical educators.
3:59:21 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked Mr. Frymark whether he sees a need to
explore or pursue any changes in the standards applied by the
PTPC. He inquired if there are any weak points or areas he would
seek to improve.
MR. FRYMARK stated that the Code of Ethics is comprehensive,
covering areas from student safety and ethical behavior to
testing standards and contract obligations. He identified the
main weakness not in the content of the code, but in its
perceived distance from everyday classroom practice. He noted
that while educators are contractually and professionally bound
to follow the code, many may not be familiar with its full
content beyond the basic expectations. He emphasized the need to
help educators see the code as a living, practical guide that
outlines how to create safe learning environments.
4:01:05 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked Mr. Frymark to explain his future
professional goals, given that he is pursuing a provisional
principal certificate, while being appointed to a teacher
representative seat on the Professional Teaching Practices
Commission. She asked him to confirm that he is still currently
employed as a teacher and to explain his career aspirations in
relation to the reserved teacher seat he would fill.
4:01:34 PM
MR. FRYMARK stated that he is pursuing the teacher
representative seat and understands it requires him to remain a
classroom teacher. He confirmed he has no short-term plans to
enter administration. He explained that his career has involved
exploring various aspects of the profession, including teacher
rights, curriculum development, professional development, and
mentoring new teachers. He added that obtaining an
administrative certificate is part of his broader professional
growth, intended to keep options open, but it does not signal an
intention to leave the classroom in the near future.
CHAIR TOBIN asked if he plans to renew his teaching certificate
that expires on July 20, 2025.
4:02:44 PM
MR. FRYMARK replied he has already filed for renewal.
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked Mr. Frymark to provide an example of a
situation where, as a member of the Professional Teaching
Practices Commission (PTPC), he would be willing to take further
action, such as probation or revoking a teaching certificate,
even if a local school board had decided not to pursue
disciplinary measures.
4:03:28 PM
MR. FRYMARK stated that the commission's role is to examine all
facts, including both mitigating and aggravating circumstances,
recognizing that complex cases involve varying perspectives and
levels of information. He emphasized that decisions should
prioritize student safety, the integrity of the profession, and,
at times, the well-being of the individual educator. He
acknowledged that local school boards may choose not to pursue
credential action due to unique district circumstances but said
the commission must assess whether the infraction caused or
could continue to cause harm. He stated he would support going
beyond a local board's decision if removing the educator serves
the best interest of students or the profession.
4:04:50 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced that at 3:58 p.m. Senator Cronk joined the
meeting.
4:05:10 PM
CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on the appointments of Ms.
Alston, Ms. Baird, and Mr. Frymark to the Professional Teaching
Practices Commission; finding none, she closed public testimony.
4:05:42 PM
CHAIR TOBIN solicited a motion.
4:05:44 PM
SENATOR STEVENS moved Angie Alston, Kathryn Baird, and Patrick
Frymark, appointees to the Teaching Practices Commission, be
advanced to a joint session of the legislature for
consideration.
Signing the report(s) regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
advanced to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
4:06:09 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated [that in accordance with AS 39.05.080,] the
Senate Education Standing Committee reviewed the following and
recommends the appointments be advanced to a joint session for
consideration:
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Angie Alston - Fairbanks
Kathryn Baird - Fairbanks
Patrick Frymark - Fairbanks
4:06:55 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Tobin adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting at 4:06 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| PTPC Confirmation - Angie Alston Resume 04.07.2025.pdf |
SEDC 4/7/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| PTPC Confirmation - Kathryn Baird Resume 04.07.2025.pdf |
SEDC 4/7/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| PTPC Confirmation - Kathryn Baird Letter 04.07.2025.pdf |
SEDC 4/7/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| PTPC Confirmation - Patrick Frymark Resume 04.07.2025.pdf |
SEDC 4/7/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| PTPC Confirmation - Angie Alston Testimony Received as of 04.04.2025.pdf |
SEDC 4/7/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| PTPC Confirmation - Patrick Frymark Testimony Received as of 04.05.2025.pdf |
SEDC 4/7/2025 3:30:00 PM |