Native talents and challenges

TL;DR

Jared Kepp, the Washington State Teacher of the Year, discusses the significance of native education and cultural support in schools and the need to challenge historical oppression and erasure of Native American history.

Transcript

my name is jared kepp and i'm the native student program specialist for north thurston public schools my students are in grades k through 12. they represent people from over 50 tribes nations bands and villages well congratulations i mean teacher of the year well thank you so much uh not only am i the washington state teacher of the year but i'm al... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎓 Native education provides both academic and cultural support, creating a sense of belonging and community for students from over 50 tribes, nations, bands, and villages.
• 📚 Many schools across 27 states do not mention Native people in their K-12 curriculum, perpetuating a history of oppression and erasure.
• 🌍 In order to challenge harmful narratives and promote inclusivity, it is vital to recognize and celebrate the voices and experiences of Native students.
• 🥁 Cultural learning activities, like drum tying classes, provide opportunities for students to engage with their cultural heritage and foster a sense of pride and recognition.
• 📖 By acknowledging each other's humanity, we are more likely to challenge ourselves to create a better educational system that respects and values all students' backgrounds.
• 🏛️ Education, historically, has been done to Native communities rather than for them, but this mindset is beginning to shift with the recognition of Native teachers and their contributions.
• 💪 Native students are not just the future leaders, but they are also the future elders who will play crucial roles in sustaining and revitalizing their cultures.
• 🔍 In order to dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society, it is essential to educate ourselves about Native history, heritage, and contributions in both school and community settings.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does Jared Kepp highlight as the main aspects of his role as a Native Student Program Specialist?

As a Native Student Program Specialist, Jared Kepp focuses on providing academic support, cultural support, and creating a sense of belonging and community for Native American students.

Q: How has Native American history been misrepresented and erased in the education system?

According to Jared Kepp, the education system in 27 states makes no mention of Native people in their K-12 curriculum, and 87% of curriculum doesn't mention them after 1900. This perpetuates the erasure and oppression of Native American history.

Q: Why is it important to bring Native students together and celebrate their culture?

Bringing Native students together creates a sense of pride, recognition, and a safe space for them to be themselves. It also allows their voices to be acknowledged and heard, fostering a stronger connection to their culture.

Q: How does Jared Kepp believe education can help challenge historical oppression and improve society?

Jared Kepp believes that when we recognize each other's humanity in the context of history, we are naturally inclined to challenge ourselves to do better. By learning from the past, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jared Kepp, the Washington State Teacher of the Year, emphasizes the need for native education and cultural support in schools.

• Native American history and culture have been systematically oppressed and erased, and education is an opportunity to challenge and change this narrative.

• By providing academic and cultural support, schools can create an inclusive and empowering environment for Native American students.