Hi, my name is Joe Marley and for the last six years I taught grades 5-10 at the Ella B. Vernetti School in Koyukuk, Alaska. Before I came to Alaska in 1997 I spent four years in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. I developed this course during my 2003-2004 Christmas break because I could not find a good correspondence biology course for Alaskan students. I try to tailor my courses for the individual needs of students. All my courses give students the ability to work at their own pace and challenge students in a variety of ways.

I am originally from Riceville, Iowa, a small town in the north central part of the state. After high school I attended Winona State University in Winona, MN. I fell in love with my wife there and she talked me into joining the Peace Corps after graduation. I made a deal with her that I would go to Africa if she moved to Alaska with me when we returned. We ended up staying in Niger, West Africa for almost four years. We both loved every minute of our work there but it was no place to raise a family. Therefore, in March 1998 we packed everything we owned in a travel trailer and headed for Alaska. We are enjoyed our life in Alaska tremendously. You can contact me at jmarley@yksd.com.

I am now back in the Midwest for a little while. I have not had the opportunity to spend much time with my brothers, sisters, and father in the last ten years. Traveling around the world over the last 10 years has been a great experience. However it is now timebut for my two boys to meet their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. (Killien, a boy from Koyukuk, is pictured visiting Wisconsin for summer 2004 the others from left to right are my son Sam, my wife Sharon, and I am holding my son Charley.)

Although I believe the best education comes in the classroom, I understand that not every situation allows that type of learning for all students. I am a teacher that works hard so that everyone of my students can get a great education. If you have questions don't hesitate to contact me day or night. I love helping students and look forward to helping you acheive great things.