Wounspekiya Unspewicakiyapi
Nunpa
Native Teacher Education Program
2024-2027
About The Program
The Wounspekiya Unspewicakiyapi Nunpa Native Teacher Education Program supports engagement with tribal college and university (TCU) partners to build the capacity of their Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education degree programs, facilitate the transition of students from the pre-Education work to becoming teacher candidates, as majors during the junior and senior years, and improve outcomes on licensing of teacher candidates.
The term Wounspekiya Unspewicakiyapi can be translated from Dakota to “teaching teachers.” Its meaning conveys that those involved in the programming are preparing themselves and their Native teacher candidates for excellence in their studies and in working with future students. Current TCU Teacher Education Faculty are preparing a foundation for the advancement and future of Native Teacher Education by preparing Native teacher candidates who honor culturally responsive, place-based teaching and successfully complete their degrees, teacher licensure, and move to employment as teachers.
Through generous funding from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, this three-year $2.25M program, built upon the success of its two-year pilot program, provides the opportunity for TCUs to enhance and strengthen culturally responsive teacher education pathway programming.
Grantees
College of Menominee Nation
Diné College
Oglala Lakota College
Sinte Gleska University
Sitting Bull College
Turtle Mountain College
United Tribes Technical College
CoP Grantees
Salish Kootenai College
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
Related Blogs
United Tribes Technical College Publishes Video Series on Teacher Education Program
The United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) Teacher Education Program released a series of videos to support program recruitment covering a wide range of topics and perspectives from current and past students, tribal elders, and education administrators. The program is funded by the American Indian College Fund (College Fund), through the Wounspekiya Unspewicakiyapi Native Teacher Education pilot program.
American Indian College Fund Launches Virtual Learning Series to Tribal College Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Students
Two of the American Indian College Fund’s (College Fund) programs are collaborating to launch a new virtual learning series for early childhood educators as well as elementary and secondary educators in Indigenous communities.
American Indian College Fund Program Supports Native Teacher Education and Employment
The American Indian College Fund launched its $2.25 million Wounspekiya Unspewicakiyapi Native Teacher Education Program to support Native teacher recruitment, development, and retention with the goal of increasing the number of Native students pursuing a teaching career.
