Abstract

The American Indian Big Sky 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 American Indian Big Sky 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 American Indian Big Sky Project with any questions -- Main Office:  406-657-2185s

Respectfully,

Karen Snell
Project Coordinator
Office:  406-896-5952