The UNM College of Education has received nearly $900,000 from the New Mexico State Department of Education to increase the number of American Indian teachers and principals. Joseph Suina, College of Education associate professor and director of the Institute for American Indian Education, believes UNM is well prepared to train Native American educators.
Including Suina, a native of Cochiti Pueblo, eight College of Education faculty members are Native Americans.
“Native American teachers from the community tend to stay in the community,” said Suina. “If Indian teachers provide a role model by participating in the traditional community, and at the same time are a professional role model, they show students it’s possible to be of two worlds and do well.”
The three-year grant from the State Department of Education Indian Education Division will provide scholarships and support for American Indian students at UNM.
The Institute for American Indian Education was created late in 2003 in response to New Mexico’s critical need to improve academic achievement and reduce dropout rates of Native American students. UNM will work to better train all teachers who work with American Indian students. The institute will provide a forum for educators, scholars and tribal leaders to examine the critical education issues facing American Indian communities.
Through the grant, scholarships are being made available to Native Americans. Program participants must be under-graduate, post-bachelor or graduate degree students interested in teaching or administration at the elementary or secondary level.
Students receive tuition and fees, a textbook allowance, travel expenses and a $750 stipend each semester and are expected to complete the program in two consecutive years.
Students must be Native Americans intending to teach in New Mexico. Those pursuing a career in teaching must be within two years of graduation or possess a bachelor’s degree in another field. Those interested in obtaining an administrative license must be eligible to enter into the licensure program or the graduate program in administration.
Applications for the fall semester are being accepted through June 15. Students who are not able to apply before the deadline may request scholarship applications for fall semester, 2005. For additional information, contact Dr. Joseph Suina at 277-7781.
The UNM College of Education is celebrating its 75th anniversary of educating New Mexico.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816
Posted by at May 25, 2004 03:00 PM