BE THE TEACHER YOU ALWAYS WANTED

Indigenizing Education for Alaska

Alaska Native students and teachers are underrepresented in the education system. We’re fixing that, and we need your help. Be the teacher you always wanted.


Sealaska Heritage Institute initiated Indigenizing Education for Alaska (IEA) to grow the number of Alaska Native teachers and administrators and improve educational opportunities for Alaska Native students. By supporting the recruitment, preparation, and retention of Alaska Native educators and school leadership, we will create a teaching force more representative of Alaska’s Native population who will shape a system that better serves Alaska Native students.
Alaska Native students and teachers are underrepresented in the education system. We’re fixing that, and we need your help. Be the teacher you always wanted.


Sealaska Heritage Institute initiated Indigenizing Education for Alaska (IEA) to grow the number of Alaska Native teachers and administrators and improve educational opportunities for Alaska Native students. By supporting the recruitment, preparation, and retention of Alaska Native educators and school leadership, we will create a teaching force more representative of Alaska’s Native population who will shape a system that better serves Alaska Native students.

Our Objectives & Initiatives

1

Recruit future Alaska Native educators

The Indigenous Future Educator (IFE) program will provide high school students and students enrolled in lower division college courses experiences designed to motivate the desire to become a teacher. These activities include working with youth and Alaska Native educators to develop personal connections.

2

Prepare Alaska Native educators

Through a partnership with Alaska Pacific University, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast, SHI provides scholarships and dedicated staff for direct student support. IEA also works with university faculty with professional training in developing Indigenous and culturally based curriculum.

3

Retain & uplift current Alaska Native educators

IEA supports Native educators through its professional development network and interaction with a community of educators. The creation of Indigenous Educator Awards series and media campaign will elevate and bring recognition to the education profession.
Two IFE students smile in their regalia.

Our Programming Was Made For You

SHI IEA is proud to offer a wide variety of programs to serve future and current educators of all kinds. Click the quick links below to jump to program details!

You care about your community and want to explore education as a way to make an impact.

Programs for you:

Indigenous Future Educators (IFE)

You’ve started exploring the education pathway, and continuing cultural education is a vital part.

Programs for you:

AK Native Studies for Education Student ScholarshipIndigenous Future Educators (IFE)

You have committed to earning education qualifications and are seeking housing and tuition assistance.

Programs for you:

Aspiring Educators/Education Professionals Scholarships

You are pursuing advanced education credentials and are seeking housing and tuition assistance.

Programs for you:

Aspiring Educators/Education Professionals Scholarships

You are employed at an Alaskan public school and wish to improve your understanding of culturally responsive and revitalizing teaching practices.

Programs for you:

Community of Practice (CoP) Alumni ScholarshipCommunity of Practice (CoP)

Programs

Dates & Deadlines

February 12 to May 10, 2025 – Apply for Summer 2025 Scholarship
May 13 to August 23, 2025 – Apply for Fall 2025 Scholarship
Apply now

AK Native Studies for Education Student Scholarship

This initiative assists with tuition, fees, and books for up to two courses in Alaska Native studies, language, or history—one per semester—for Alaska Native students who are attending a partner university and majoring in education.

Eligibility Requirements
• Enrolled Alaska Native tribal member
• Freshmen or sophomore undergraduate student
• Currently enrolled in an Alaska Native studies, language, or history course
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Pursuing an Alaska teaching certificate

Aspiring Educators/Education Professionals Scholarships

This initiative offers tuition and housing assistance for Alaska Native students enrolled with one of our partner universities in a program leading to a teaching/administrator certificate and/or seeking a terminal degree in education (aka Ph.D. or Ed.D.).

Eligibility Requirements
• Enrolled Alaska Native tribal member
• Currently enrolled in an education certificate/degree program with one of our partner universities
• Junior/senior undergraduate or graduate student
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (undergraduates) or 3.0 (graduates)

Community of Practice (CoP) Alumni

This initiative offers financial assistance to Alaska Native CoP alumni for up to two courses to meet professional development requirements to maintain one’s teaching/administrator certificate.


Eligibility Requirements
• Enrolled Alaska Native tribal member
• Currently employed with an Alaskan public school
• Committed to remaining in current district/school serving Alaska Native students
Two indigenous students gaze intently at something off camera

Indigenous educators create lasting positive change in our communities, but Alaska Native students and teachers are underrepresented in the education system. We need your help fixing that. The Indigenous Future Educator (IFE)  internship program provides high school students and students enrolled in lower division college courses experiences that inspire professions in teaching, including developing personal connections with youth and Native educators.

Participants Get:

  • College credits

  • Connected to a mentor teacher for a paid internship

  • Explore different education career pathways (K-8 with the support of local mentor teacher

  • Connected to a mentor teacher for a paid fall internship

Requirements:

  • Current 11th or 12th grade high school student OR students enrolled in lower division education college courses 

A group of COP educators stands and smiles together. In the background is downtown Juneau, Alaska.

IEA COP participating members will work together to critically examine their practice as educators; to improve understanding of culturally responsive and revitalizing teaching practices; to support one another in challenging Western pedagogies that may be detrimental to the self-actualization of Alaska Native students; to improve their commitment to stay in the educational system; to strive toward Indigenization of the policies, practices, and curriculum within the Alaska public education system; and to improve educational outcomes for Alaska Native and rural students. 

Participants Get:

  • Opportunity to participate and attend Annual Culturally Responsive Educators Conference 

  • Opportunity to work next to IEA cohort 

  • Opportunity to receive college credits
  • Offers financial assistance to CoP alumni, up to two courses, to meet professional development requirements to maintain one’s teaching/administrator certificate

Requirements:

  • Alaska Native tribal membership.

  • Currently employed with an Alaskan public school.

  • Committed to remaining in their current district or school serving Alaska Native students.

  • Paid stipend upon completion of all requirements.

  • University credits will be available upon completion.

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Contact the IEA Team

iea@sealaska.com

907-586-9264