HAYWARD, Wis.— In an effort to train more Native American teachers in northwestern Wisconsin, the Northland College Educator Preparation Program has partnered with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College (LCOOCC) to offer a four-year degree completion program.
“The need for Native American teachers in the classroom is talked about in every tribal community,” said Katrina Werchouski, director of the Northland College Indigenous Cultures Center. “The fact that we are able to assist is an honor and it furthers our commitment to Native communities—for youth and adults.”
This program called Training Exceptional Educators (TREE), started in January and will continue through December, at the LCOOCC campus in Hayward. Upon completion, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary/middle education as well as Wisconsin state licensure for initial educators.
“We are excited to pilot this program at LCOOCC,” said Dr. Annette Nelson, director of the Educator Preparation Program. “Delivering the curriculum on their campus will allow us make use of the many unique local community resources—including amazing support from the Hayward and Lac Courte Oreilles School Districts.”
The Northland College Educator Preparation Program was the recipient of the 2015 Model of Excellence Award from the Association of Independent Liberal Arts College for Teacher Education for its innovative clinical residency program, elements of which will be replicated for the TREE program.
Ashland Ford Chrysler is sponsoring transportation for the program.