June 11, 2019
The College of Education at Northern Arizona University is hosting the 10th Annual American Indian/Indigenous Teacher Education Conference (AIITEC) June 21-22. The conference invites community members and educators of all levels to participate in activities designed to better the lives and education of Indigenous children by creating a deeper understanding of how teachers can connect with students and their families and cultures.
A reception for the AIITEC Conference will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on June 20 at the Native American Cultural Center. An opening prayer and blessing song will mark the beginning of each full conference day, followed by presentations and workshops given by speakers from around the country.
Speakers include:
- Valerie Shirley (Diné) and Jeremy Garcia (Hopi/Tewa) from the University of Arizona’s Indigenous Teacher Education Project, who will deliver Critical Pathways in Indigenous Education: Reimaging Teacher Education for Indigenous Communities
- Melody McCoy from the Native American Rights Fund presenting Tribal Governance in Education: Who, What and How?
- Angeline Boulley from the U.S. Department of Education lecturing on current and future funding opportunities from the Office of Indian Education
- Glenabah Martinez and Stephanie Owens from the University of New Mexico presenting a developing Native-centered K-12 social studies curriculum
- Rebecca Gold with Native Teaching Aids presenting a game development workshop for students of all ages.
“We hope this year’s conference will serve to enhance teachers’ learning experience beyond the traditional elements to which they have become accustomed,” clinical professor Louise Lockard said. “Teachers will hear from leaders and practitioners in the field of Indigenous education. Our expectation is that by attending this conference teachers will explore proven solutions, game-changing ideas and the tools they need to transform student learning.”
AIITEC conference registration is available online and costs $100. For more information including a full schedule of events, email the AIITEC conference coordinator at AIIITEC@nau.edu, visit the event website or call (928) 523-5193.