New Teaching Talent - Justin Hostetter

Considering one of Justin Hostetter’s main interests, it’s a good thing he’s in Alaska.

“The snow, the mountains, the snow, the not-so-blazing-hot summers, the snow,” he said.

Hostetter has lived in Alaska for 22 years. He grew up and graduated from school in Glennallen, holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and taught fourth and fifth grade for the last five years in Quinhagak. He and his family — wife, Lynsey; 2-year-old daughter, Evangeline; and new baby, Norah, born in January — moved to Kenai because his wife’s family lives there.

He enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, playing games, playing sports and, of course, playing in the snow. He was also named Region I Wrestling Coach of the Year last year, as voted on by principals and athletic directors.

He got a position this year teaching Title 1, mostly working with kindergarten through second-grade students at Redoubt Elementary School.

“I love the environment here at Redoubt. I enjoy the kids. A lot of people would just say I am a big kid, myself, so it’s where I feel at home. It’s where my passion is,” Hostetter said.