Teaching Native Americans?

Question

I have a dear friend who has a dream to teach Native Americans. She has been a teacher for many years and now has the time to pursue her dream. She is very respectful of Native American Culture and is a good teacher.

However, she does not have internet access at this time. Where can I look for job opportunities for her?

Any help would be most appreciated. I want my dear friend to have her dream come true.

StoneCold · Accepted Answer

She can go to her local library and use the Internet services there.

Anonymous · Answer

Is she willing to relocate? Most areas with a native population are pretty remote. Most schools located on a reservation give preference to native educators although they will fill a position with a non-native if necessary.  In Monument Valley, the high school is on the Navajo res, and non-native teachers have "teacher" housing since they can't live on the reservation and the nearest towns are over 1 hour away. 

South Dakota obviously has a high native population but you would have to look at the individual school districts.

In Utah most of the Ute tribe are served in the Unitah School District and unfortunately, the USD is still stuck in the "kill the indian, save the man" mentality, or at least that was my experience when I was in that area back in the early 90's.  They would do well to incorporate and embrace the native culture into their schools, it might help their drop out rate.

Those are a few areas to give some thought to. Good luck to your friend.  I hope she does not expect to be welcomed with open arms initially by any native group she may work with.  But when you show unconditional love for the people and embrace the children, they tend to embrace you as well. :) 

There are other natives on YA who live and work on the reservations, they may have more insight for you.

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Teaching Native Americans?

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