Abstract
The Big Horn Teachers
Project: Indian Professional Development also called TEAM (Teacher
Education for All in Montana) program will train 15
American Indian students for teaching positions in the
schools serving the Crow and Northern Cheyenne
Reservations. Nationally
and locally there is a significant shortage of
teachers and especially American Indian teachers.
The
students will receive innovative services that will
enhance their junior and senior years in the Teacher
Education Program at Montana State
University Billings.
- Financial
assistance provided in a base stipend of
$1,250 and an additional $100 for each minor aged
child living with the participant when enrolled full
time
- Teacher
Education Program culturally enriched with American
Indian concepts relevant to the coursework to implement the goals of
Montana law MCA 20-1-501
- Teaching
materials and resources pertinent to cultural
integration of American Indian
culture/language/history into the school District’s
curriculum
- Employment
assistance for placement in the schools serving the
Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservations with
significant number of American Indian enrollment
- Holistic
and individualized student support services provided
by American Indian advisors and supported by
technology
- Tutoring
- Attendance
at the Montana Indian Education Association
Conference
- Master
Teacher mentor program
- Native
elder/cultural expert mentor
The Goals of the
Project
The Big Horn Teachers
Project: Indian Professional Development also called TEAM (Teacher
Education for All in Montana) program will
increase the number of American Indian teachers
employed in schools on or near the Crow and Northern
Cheyenne Reservations by 25%.
Like a pebble tossed in a pond, the influx of
these teachers will impact many rings of the
community’s needs.
American Indian teachers inspire American
Indian students through sharing a common cultural bond
and role modeling the potential for academic success
while reducing cultural dissonance in the school
environment. These
qualities are significant contributors to reducing
high drop out rates, high unemployment rates, and high
rates of suicide, teen pregnancy and death by
accident.
American Indian teachers
make Montana’s schools culturally relevant for
American Indian students who need support from
educators who share their cultural backgrounds.
From this vantage point, American Indian
teachers help to build American Indian students belief
in themselves and the value of their traditions in the
modern world.
Thank
you for your interest in this project.
Please feel free to contact the Big Horn Teacher
Project with any questions --
Main Office: 406-657-2185
Respectfully,
Karen Snell
Project Coordinator
Big Horn Teacher Projects
Office: 406-896-5952
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