Alaska educator and community activist Bea Rose
Throughout our country’s history, there are many dedicated teachers who have earned recognition for their community service. One of these is Beatrice “Bea” Rose, an Alaska educator, long-time Jewish leader, and community activist who worked tirelessly for social justice issues. Advocating for the rights of the disenfranchised, Bea was a role model for many as she carried out the Jewish practice of “Tikkun Olam,” the responsibility to repair the world.
Bea moved to Alaska in 1957 after Bob Bartlett, an Alaska Territorial Congressional Delegate, encouraged her and her husband, Nissel (Mike) Rose, to help work on achieving statehood for the territory. The young couple quickly threw themselves into causes they felt would strengthen a new, young state.
Bea helped create and sustain the first Jewish synagogue in Anchorage, Congregation Beth Sholom. As a founding member, Bea worked with others to create a vibrant Jewish educational and religious center in a state where Jews constituted an almost invisible minority.
In addition, Bea was a long-time leader in the education community. She was particularly interested in issues related to special education. Working as a speech therapist with the Anchorage School District for 25 years, Bea assisted students with disabilities, serving on the first committee to initiate special education in Alaska. She also became the chairperson for the National Education Association in Alaska.
After their son was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1977, Bea and her husband became indefatigable advocates for improving mental health resources available in the state. She joined the board of the Alaska Mental Health Association and participated in national mental health conferences. Bea worked to destigmatize mental illness and was instrumental in lobbying for the passage of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Settlement.
In addition, the civic-minded Bea focused on advancing the rights of women and promoting progressive causes through the Alaska Democratic Party. She is remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, a committed friend, and a role model for many who appreciated her warmth, welcoming spirit, and kindness.
For her work as an educator and a community activist, this amazing chalkboard champion was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018.
