New grants at WSU will benefit teachers in training-and eventually students.
PULLMAN, Wash.-Washington State University has received two state grants from the state's Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to help indigenous educators become state-certified teachers.
The PESB is responsible to oversee the state's teacher preparation, certification and continuing education through traditional methods as well as alternative routes.
The first award, for $210,000, is a project called Ti'tooq'an Cuukweneewit AlterNATIVE Route. The project focuses on Indigenous educators, many of whom are currently teaching in language and early childhood programs within their Tribal communities. The immediate goal is to prepare 15 new teacher candidates, as well as prepare more Indigenous teachers long-term. The second award is for $140,000, and is giving paraprofessionals an alternative route to becoming certified teachers, especially in high-needs areas where teaching shortages have been prevalent, such as bilingual education, English Language Learner and special education.
Many paraprofessionals and Indigenous educators have taken some college classes, but weren't able to get the full state certification.
These programs will, among other benefits, help them take that final step.
The programs will not only help the educators, but will be of value for the students who will benefit from them by learning the Native perspective.
