Native Educators Mentor Education Students in Immersive Practicum

This fall, Saint Martin's University teacher preparation students gained deep insights into culturally responsive teaching through an immersive practicum in partnership with Shelton School District and the Squaxin Island Tribe. ESD 113's Cultural Innovation and Strategic Initiatives department supported this effort by dedicating funding provided through College Spark's LEADER grant.

Seventeen Saint Martin's University teacher candidates traveled to Shelton School District for practicum experiences in Native education classrooms, supported by travel funding and stipends to the Shelton Native Education Advocates who mentored them.

The comprehensive program integrates coursework with hands-on learning. Students attend classes taught by tribal education leaders, complete practicum hours alongside Native education advocates, and then return to reflect on their experiences in a follow-up course.

“This is what cultural competency looks like when you're doing it versus reading a checklist in a book,” said Danielle Bryant, Director of Cultural Innovation and Strategic Initiatives. "You learned something in class, but now you need to practice it and see what that actually means in real time.”

Many students described the experience as transformational for their development as future educators. “This experience gave me more knowledge in Native education and the curiosity to learn more,” Jaelynn Viall said. “This helped me understand that it is important to teach students as whole.”

“The knowledge I have gained from [Native education advocates] is something I plan to constantly acknowledge and practice,” Johana Sanchez Ortiz said. “I believe that I have become a better person, and hopefully a better teacher, through this opportunity.”

Dulce Gonzalez, who works as a paraeducator while completing her teaching degree, appreciated how the grant made participation possible: “Knowing that there was going to be [financial support] made it easier to go up there because we didn't have to worry or stress about the gas money getting there.”

First-year data shows that students who completed the Shelton practicum demonstrated strong cultural competency assessment results. Saint Martin's will continue collecting data this year to track long-term impacts.

Co-creating Regional Pathways

Through LEADER funding, the Cultural Innovation and Strategic Initiatives department is also working to co-create pathways from South Puget Sound Community College to The Evergreen State College so regional students have opportunities to complete internships with educators and explore teaching careers.

A partnership with Olympia School District will extend these opportunities to high school students, particularly those already engaged in student leadership programs focused on students of color.

“If we're thinking of ways to help support students, one really impactful way is to make sure that our college students are actually going back into our region and our districts to meet our students and learn from our educators of color,” Bryant said. 

A vision of college students returning to their communities as culturally prepared educators is growing these pathways across the region.