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EDUCATION 

Joshua Ledford is new NHS principal 

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Joshua Ledford is the new principal for Nucla’s middle and high school, coming all the way from Alaska. He shared with the Forum some of his background and education. 

In 2014, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in athletic training and then worked as a strength and conditioning coach for five years in the eastern part of the U.S., before moving to Barrow, Alaska. There, he began teaching PE at the high school level. He next earned a master’s degree in secondary education and spent two years teaching, coaching and taking on other roles within his school community, including serving as activities director. 

In 2020, his family moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, where he continued to teach PE at the middle school level while coaching. He then took on his district’s athletic director position, while completing another master’s degree in educational leadership and getting his administrative license.

His background in sports helped him to train athletes that went on to participate in Division 1 wrestling, softball, baseball, swimming and football. He said he understands how to motivate young people and build self-discipline within them. 

“I love sports,” he told the Forum. “I love supporting kids as they learn to compete. I don’t have a coaching assignment yet, but I’m looking forward to working with our coaches and athletes.”

In his free time in Alaska, he hiked, fished and explored the land with family. There, he chased Sitka Blacktail Deer. Already, his new students are sharing with him photos of deer and elk, and he’s ready for his first Colorado hunting season.

Throughout winter, Ledford also works in the weight room and plays indoor sports, like basketball and volleyball. 

“Kids can usually convince me to compete in just about anything these days,” he said. “ I’ve even spent some time on a wrestling mat recently, even though I never wrestled in high school.”

Another important aspect of his life is his faith, which he said has prepared him for this next chapter.

“I’m guided by my Christian faith and constantly look to the Bible to guide my leadership philosophy,” he said. “Working with kids requires love and patience, two virtues that are expressed often in scripture. I reflect on verses such as Psalm 103:8 …  and Galatians 5:22 … These reminders are great when working with kids from all different walks of life, as they learn the social skills such as kindness and self-control, skills that will benefit them in life regardless of their career paths."

Ledford told the Forum that because of his life experience, he understands remote and rural living. 

“In Barrow, I would utilize trips to Anchorage for shopping and learned to plan far in advance to be prepared in a remote Alaskan village,” he said. “Barrow is about 750 miles from Anchorage, accessible by plane only.”

He added Ketchikan was very similar, though it had “big-city” places, like Walmart and McDonald’s. 

“Being on an island, we ordered many things or planned ahead and shopped in Juneau at Costco whenever possible,” he said. 

Ledford has come to town with his wife Lucie and his children, first-grader Colt and preschooler Jade. They’ve brought two dogs. 

He’s excited to be at work in his new role at the new Nucla school.

“Finding a place like Nucla is such a blessing,” he said. “I can’t think of a better place to begin my administrative career. The staff and students have been so welcoming, and I’ve already enjoyed many great conversations with students, staff and families.”