Indigenous Language Education Program

The Indigenous Language Education (ILE) Program materials and methods are sensitive to the culture, language, and traditions of Native Americans.

Steps to Becoming a Indigenous Language Teacher

1. Participate in the 3-week Lakota/Dakota Summer Institute in July 2021 at the University of North Dakota (UND) where you will study with current Lakota/Dakota language teachers and adult learners from North and South Dakota.
2. Be admitted into the Teacher Education Program at UND.
3. Take three semesters or more of coursework at UND and complete one semester of student teaching in a tribal or public school to earn your Bachelor’s of Education degree.
4. A 2.75 GPA will be required in order to secure your teacher licensure and be hired as a Lakota/Dakota language teacher at a tribal or public-school serving Lakota/Dakota students, and receive two years of continued mentoring and support from the program.
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. Must pass the Praxis Exam during Fall 2021 semester of the program with a minimum score of: Reading (156), Writing (160), Math (150).
7. Must provide documentation of tribal enrollment for stipend.

Covered Costs

• Competitive stipend (after July 15)
• Dependent care (TBD)
• Free tutoring for Praxis exams and coursework
• Additional scholarship and financial aid may be available (certain conditions may apply)

Job Demand

There are not enough certified Lakota/Dakota language teachers to fill open positions in North and South Dakota. The demand will continue to grow as over 40% of current Lakota/Dakota language teachers are over the age of 65 and near retirement.

Are You Eligible?

ILE is open to Native Americans who have completed at least two years of college (or equivalent credits) at an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.75 or greater. Speaking the language is not required.

Commitment

Students must commit to completing a Bachelor's of Science in Education Degree in Indigenous Language Education. Incompletion of the degree would require participants to repay all monies allocated to them by the program. Indigenous Language Education graduates must also commit to two years of teaching an Indigenous language of their focus in a tribal or public-school. Job placement information assistance will be available.

To Apply

Complete BOTH UND and Indigenous Language Education application forms by January 17, 2021. Students will begin July 2021 at UND in Grand Forks, ND.

Indigenous Language Education Program Staff and Faculty