This is probably one of the most difficult episodes to weave together because back in my own K-12 teaching days, I think it’s fair to say that I could’ve done better to integrate indigenous perspectives and history into my English classroom. It’s something I look back on with regret. I know that in my own undergraduate studies, I learned very little about Act 31. The School of Education here at UW-Platteville has made it our mission to make sure our students truly understand the importance of responsive teaching practices and how to authentically and respectfully integrate education on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state. For me, that means immersing myself in opportunities like supporting our pre-service educators during their practicums in the Bayfield school district, attending book studies and workshops, and having honest, humbling conversations. Last summer I attended the virtual Wisconsin American Indian Summer Institute and this fall I joined in on a virtual book study on Anton Treuer's book “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but were Afraid to Ask.” All great opportunities. I was doing some research, recently, looking for Wisconsin K-12 examples of educators integrating Wisconsin indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues into coursework. Most of my discoveries were from school districts adjacent to tribal land or where the student body was mostly Native American. I really had a hard time finding solid examples the further I looked south, for example. Now that could be simply because someone’s efforts were published online, but what if that true that the further we are from tribal lands or native nations, the less authentic our schools integrate education on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state. In order to prompt some discussion on this, I decided to reach out to Dr. Anton Treuer, professor of Ojibwe Bemidji State University in Minnesota, and Dr. Georgo Delbow, a social studies teacher in the Clinton School District, in Southern Wisconsin. If you’re in a school not near tribal land or native nations, I’m hoping you’ll feel inspired to tackle this work even if it's challenging and uncomfortable. And if you’re already working to appropriately integrate Wisconsin indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues into your coursework, I’m hoping this episode inspires you to share your story as a way to inspire other teachers.
Anton Treuer's Website
George Dalbo's Website
Wisconsin DPIs American Indian Studies -- Be sure to check out the upcoming events!
Wisconsin First Nations -- Spend lots of time here! It's packed with resources.
A Tour of the Riverdale HS Agricultural Program with Kally Koch - PRTP35
Dr. Jill Underly's Thoughts on the Newly Signed Wisconsin State Budget -- PRTP34
Trout in the Classroom: Excellent Tools for Learning -- PRTP 33
Interview with Sky Marietta -- PRTP31
PBS Wisconsin Education: A Wealth of Resources -- PRTP30
The GROW Cooperative: an Exemplary Model for Competitive Teacher Recruitment -- PRTP29
EVERYONE Should be Paying Attention to Public School Funding in Wisconsin -- PRTP28
Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom 2022 Outstanding Teacher -- Jessica Rettler, Tri-County Elementary --PRTP27
An Update from the Rural Schools Collaborative -- PRTP26
Bellevue Big: A Unique Educational Opportunity -- PRTP25
PBL & PBE, a Perfect Pair! -- PRTP24
Dodgeville High School: Full STEAM Ahead -- PRTP23
A Call For Your "Portrait of a Rural Teacher"
Family & Consumer Education -- A Responsive Approach at Wisconsin Dells High School -- PRTP22
Connecting Students to the Outdoors in Goodhue, Minnesota -- PRTP21
Collaborating with Community Partners in Potosi, Wisconsin -- PRTP20
Interdisciplinary Learning at Platteville High School -- PRTP19
A Conversation with State Superintendent Dr. Underly — PRTP18
Kindness From Richland Center -- PRTP17
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Navigating Life After 40
Teaching Learning Leading K-12
Regenerative Skills
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast