Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Native-serving Educators (nau.edu/ine) and College of Education (nau.edu/coe) are pleased to announce our inaugural professional development fellowship for teachers of 3-4 year olds in Head Start schools on and bordering the Navajo Nation. We invite preschool teachers who meet the eligibility criteria and who can commit to the program expectations to apply for this opportunity. The Indigenous Early Childhood Educators Professional Development Fellowship offers a long-term, cohort-model professional development opportunity for preschool teachers serving Native students. Teachers will increase their knowledge of early childhood best practices, curriculum development skills, and capacity to deliver culturally responsive lessons.
Eligibility criteria:
- Full-time teacher of 3-4 year olds, who is committed to culturally responsive practices
- Employed by a Head Start preschool on or bordering the Navajo Nation
- Reside within driving distance of Flagstaff, Arizona
- Can obtain written approval by supervisor to teach the curriculum unit that you develop in the program
Expectations of accepted applicants:
- Attend all virtual and in person meetings, including the final Showcase and Open House on December 4, 2021, in Flagstaff
- Submit all writing assignments on time, including the final complete curriculum unit that meets program specifications
- Maintain regular communication via email and/or phone with the program staff
Fellowship schedule:
- Applications are due: March 1, 2021, and are online: https://forms.gle/SZsZnNMHseqWNKMy5
- Selected teachers will be notified: March 10, 2021
- Virtual meeting dates: April 30, May 21, June 11, July 30, August 20, Sept 10, Oct 1, Oct 22 – all meetings held from 2:30-5pm Navajo Nation time
- Residency at NAU in Flagstaff: July 8-10, 2021
- Showcase and Open House: December 4, 2021 at NAU in Flagstaff
Benefits of program participation:
- Increased knowledge of best practices in culturally responsive early childhood curriculum development
- Completion of a published, self-authored curriculum unit for use in your classroom
- Access to colleague’s self-authored curriculum units for use in your classroom
- Networking and learning from other early childhood educators in Native-serving preschools
- A $1,000 stipend provided upon program completion
Attend our info session on February 16, 2021, from 5-6pm to learn more!
Pre-register for the info session here: https://forms.gle/e2VCXQWT78o2yPgGA