Our Crowdfunding Groups
What is ITEP?
The Indigenous Teacher Education Program is dedicated to developing Indigenous educators who embody a critical and culturally sustaining lens in education. Teacher candidates engage in the process of reconceptualizing teaching and learning in relation to the unique cultural, linguistic, and political contexts of Indigenous communities.
ITEP Goals
There are 22 federally recognized Tribal nations in the state of Arizona. Despite the presence of the many Tribal nations, there are few Indigenous educators who serve Indigenous students in tribally controlled and public schools. According to Arizona Department of Education 2021 statistics, there were 45,667 Native students in public schools and only 1,157 Native teachers. While this data does not include the number of Native students and teachers in tribally controlled schools, the demand for more Native teachers persists.
ITEP is committed to addressing this pressing need to increase the number of Native teachers serving Indigenous youth, families, and communities. Uniquely, ITEP is designed to infuse and privilege Indigenous cultures, languages, histories, and knowledge systems. Thus, ITEP candidates are prepared to see themselves as Native nation-builders as they enact self-determination and tribal sovereignty through teaching and learning. The funds raised will allow ITEP to host cultural specialists, consultants, and knowledge holders of various Tribal communities who are critical in contributing to the process of preparing ITEP teacher candidates as Native nation-builders.
How you can help:
By helping us reach (or exceed) the goal of raising $5,000 dollars, you will join us in the movement to sustain the program and support the future Indigenous educators in their pursuit of their Bachelor's degree and teaching certificate in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
Will you be a part of the future of Indigenous Teacher Education? Donate today!
A gift of $48 celebrates the number of ITEP candidates teaching in schools and communities serving a high population of Indigenous students. Help us plant the seeds of Indigenous Educators so they may grow and strengthen our Indigenous communities.
A gift of $75 will add five Indigenous-authored books to the ITEP library.
The pandemic exposed digital inequities in teaching and learning. A gift of $100 will support ongoing opportunities for ITEP candidates to learn new technologies as they infuse digital literacies in classrooms.
A gift of $300 compensates Indigenous Elders and community members to share traditional knowledge, values, and language with ITEP candidates.
A gift of $574 recognizes the number of federally recognized Native nations in need of Indigenous educators for their youth.
