Op-Ed: Empowering Future Educators through Haskell’s Partnership with the Kansas State Department of Education

By: Jackie Boyd, Dean, College of Education and Health Sciences at Haskell Indian Nations University

For more than 140 years, Haskell Indian Nations University has been a pillar of native education, welcoming tribal members from across the country as they become the next leaders of their communities in environmental science, public policy and the classroom.

As the dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Haskell, I am proud to highlight our robust partnership with the Kansas State Department of Education. This collaboration is mutually beneficial and pivotal in shaping the future of education within our communities by offering our students degrees that will empower them to become educators, extending our impact to classrooms beyond our campus.

At Haskell, our Associate of Arts in Para-Professional Education and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degrees are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the classroom. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences through student teaching placements, often within their own communities. This allows them to apply their learning in real-world settings, fostering a deep connection to their cultural heritage and community needs. Upon completing the program, our graduates are certified to teach in Kansas and ready to inspire and educate the next generation.

These programs have seen remarkable success; students have achieved a 100 percent licensure rate in the last seven years. Haskell’s School of Education is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, ensuring that our graduates meet the highest standards of educational excellence.

The significance of this program extends beyond individual achievement. It is a vital component of the Bureau of Indian Education’s mission to support native students from elementary school through higher education and back into the classroom as educators. The BIE oversees 183 schools and employs nearly 3,000 teachers, serving over 40,000 K-12 students. By nurturing a pipeline of qualified teachers who are deeply rooted in their cultural identities, we ensure that native students receive an education that is both academically rigorous and culturally affirming. This cyclical process of education and re-education strengthens our communities and preserves our cultural heritage.

On a broader scale, the impact of our teacher certification program is profound for tribal communities across the country. More than 200 students have graduated since the School of Education started in 1997. Haskell attracts students from diverse tribal nations who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to a unique environment immersed in culture. This experience is invaluable, as it empowers them to incorporate culturally relevant teaching methods in their classrooms, whether they return to their communities or work in other educational settings.

The partnership between Haskell Indian Nations University and the Kansas State Department of Education is a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing educational opportunities for native students. By investing in the development of future educators, we are enhancing the quality of education and fostering a sense of pride and cultural continuity within our communities. We are building a brighter future, one teacher at a time.