Indigenous Thinkers

My name is Candace K. Galla, Program Coordinator at the American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI) at the University of Arizona (UA).

I wanted to tell you about a new and very unique program that the UA’s AILDI is working on with the Center for Integrated Access Networks (CIAN). We’d like to partner and create a summer teacher program for STEM educators in Native American communities to create culturally relevant science lessons. The potential program’s schedule includes AILDI courses in language and culture preservation, including a special series by Prof. Cajete on Science Education in Indigenous Cultures: http://diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_11850.shtml

After 2.5 weeks of these courses the science teachers will join the optics labs of CIAN for 3.5 weeks and create their hands-on science lessons. Sounds very new and different, right? Ofelia Zepeda, Meredith Kupinski, and I are so excited to create this customized program and we hope we get the NSF award!

To demonstrate our professional connections with Native American communities (and educators that work in these communities) a letter of support from you would drastically increase our chances of success!
To demonstrate our professional connections with Native American communities (and educators that work in these communities) a letter of support from you would drastically increase our chances of success! I am attaching a letter from TOCC in support for CIAN’s Research Experience for Teachers (RET) from last year as an example.

To get all the program names and acronyms out of the way I suggest an opening sentence such as “In previous years, teachers from the Pascua Yaqui Nation have attended the American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI). It is with great enthusiasm that Hiaki High School support the partnership between AILDI and the Center for Integrated Access Networks Research Experience for Teachers (CIAN RET). ). The program goal of creating science curriculum that is culturally relevant for our Native American students is very appealing to our school. Creative, unique, partnerships such as combining scientific research with Indigenous studies offers an effective solution that will engage our young students in the rewards of studying science.” And then go on to describe your school, the community and students you serve, your support of our program and enthusiasm to help us recruit. Thank you.

Please be in touch if you’d like to discuss this project further. We are working on a very tight deadline; may I please request this letter by Nov 6th (1 week)?

Thank you for considering the request!

Best,
Candace K. Galla
Program Coordinator/ PhD Candidate

American Indian Language Development Institute
University of Arizona
College of Education
Department of Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies
Room 511
PO Box 210069
Tucson, AZ 85721
O: (520) 621.1068 | F: (520) 621.8174

http://www.u.arizona.edu/~aildi