Retention. Sustaining the Circle: Native Teacher Preparation and Retention

• In Event: AERA Teachers of Color Handbook Session 2

Abstract

The American Indian Teacher Program (AITP) uses a community and culture-based approach to disrupt the negative experiences Native students have had in higher education and focuses on mentoring to promote student engagement and retention. Program faculty, staff, and teacher candidates work as a community of learners with Tribal community partners that support the employment of graduating teachers who are then able to assist in the goals of nation-building through culturally sustainable pedagogy. We share our traditional values of respect, relationship, reciprocity, and reflection in each student’s stories and oral history. Teacher candidates embrace these values for classroom application as they recognize the importance of Native spirituality as foundational to their cultural and community identity and their teaching practice.

Authors

• Maria T, Tenorio, Portland State University

• Micki M. Caskey, Portland State University

• Anna Figueira, Portland State University