University of Idaho Supports Aspiring Indigenous Educators

Published January 23, 2019

Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program Funded by Federal Grant

MOSCOW, Idaho — The 2018 Indian Professional Development Program grant, submitted in July 2018, was funded by the Office of Indian Education (OIE). The University of Idaho’s College of Education, Health and Human Sciences will utilize this five-year grant to support a new cohort of eight American Indian/Alaskan Native students seeking teacher certification through the Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP). IKEEP strives to continue expanding capacity and awareness of Indigenous pedagogies and Indigenous ways of knowing throughout teacher education, regionally and globally. IKEEP is excited to build upon its current work with American Indian/Alaskan Native education to provide comprehensive support and training, beginning in summer 2019.

In partnership with the 11 MOU Tribes* and tribally serving schools, IKEEP is recruiting qualifying students with a minimum of two years of college coursework and eligibility to enroll full-time in teacher education at the University of Idaho by summer 2019. IKEEP will prioritize recruiting non-traditional students and applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM related field interested in pursuing a secondary teaching certificate. Applications will be accepted until March 1.

IKEEP’s primary location for coursework will be the University of Idaho campus, with workshops and retreats held in partnership at Tribal communities and University of Idaho extension centers. Scholars will have the opportunity to attend the American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI) at the University of Arizona for summer coursework to strengthen their understanding of Indigenous culture-based education alongside other Indigenous teachers and leaders. Additional benefits of IKEEP include tuition assistance, specialized academic advising, specialized courses, mentorship from certified Indigenous teachers, networking with other Indigenous teachers around the U.S., and much more. IKEEP scholars will be expected to graduate and enter the teaching profession by fall 2021.