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AKLAVIK - Even after 33 years of teaching, Danny Rodgers is still learning.

The Aklavik program support teacher works with students who struggle with learning and said it's something he finds truly rewarding.

Danny Rodgers, right, strikes a pose with George Koe Jr., one of his students at Moose Kerr School. Rodgers has been teaching in Aklavik since 2007 and has enjoyed the experience of living and teaching in the North. - photo courtesy of Danny Rodgers

"I worked with people who were struggling readers at home and when I applied for a job here I hoped to work with the same students," the former Nova Scotian teacher said. "I have been able to have success with them and that's what I strive for. I hope I'm able to help here."

Rodgers decided after retiring from teaching in Nova Scotia that he wasn't quite done. Realizing he had a desire to travel and see all corners of Canada, he applied for a job in the North.

"I had 33 years teaching and had traveled a lot of Canada but had never been to the North," he said. "My wife Mary Theresa and I thought about how important it was to see parts of the country we'd never seen.

"When I retired, I wasn't really ready. This was a chance to do what I'd always wanted to do."

Leaving their families behind - some 20 siblings and their children - Rodgers trekked from Guysborough, N.S. to Aklavik to work at Moose Kerr School.

They brought along a life-long love for music.

"Music is a good connection tool with the students," he said, later adding they used have jam sessions after school with some of the students. "It's a good connection for us to become involved in the community. When people found out we were involved in music in Nova Scotia, people opened up to us and invited us to things. It made it a lot easier to become a part of the community."

A multi-instrumentalist, Rodgers mainly focuses on the keyboard when he performs with the community sing-along group, sometimes adding in his fiddling talent or even some vocals.

"I'm not saying they put a mic in front of me," he laughed, adding "I consider it quite an honour to get invited to play."

As a program support teacher, Rodgers develops programming for students who many be struggling with learning. Whether it be reading or math, Rodgers is required to offer the best education and support he can to youth in Grade 7 to 12.

"I help in planning a lot of programs, anything that comes up around learning disabilities," he said. "If we have a student that comes in with problems I work on getting them the best educational experience as possible."

Rodgers said he sometimes gets accused of looking through rose-colored glasses, but truly believes he's landed in a great community.

"The people are accepting of us, they are very welcoming," he said. "When I accepted the job in Aklavik, I got a call from Yellowknife about 20 minutes later offering me a job. I said at the time, 'Maybe I should've done that.' But once I got here, and now, I don't think I'd ever have done it differently."

He pointed to the strong bond within the community and the dedication of those who hold the hamlet together - people like Dean McLeod, the recreation co-ordinator.

"The work they put in on recreation, the amount they do for the community is incredible," he said. "They're a dedicated lot.

"They all have a stake in the community and if a person can help out while they're there. It's a great purpose."