Training Native American Students to Become Teachers

Claremont Graduate University (CGU) has announced the Claremont Native American (CNA) Fellowship, a $1 million grant made possible by a partnership between the university and the US Department of Education’s Office of Indian Education. The fellowship will pay full tuition expenses and a living stipend for Native American students who dream of becoming teachers and serving the children in their communities.

Recognizing the need for more educator training in Native American communities across the country, the fellowship helps students to earn a California preliminary K-12 teaching credential and a master’s degree in education in as little as 15 months.

“We know our public school systems have historically not served all populations equally well; inequities exist,” said DeLacy Ganley, director of the university’s Department of Teacher Education. “This fellowship allows us to prepare Native American teachers who have the skills needed to promote educational excellence in their communities—and make sure that these new teachers are not saddled with debt along the way.”

In exchange for tuition and living support, Ganley said, CNA Fellows must be employed for at least 15 months in a school serving Native American students. The school does not need to be located in California. If the CNA Fellow doesn’t meet this service agreement, the total amount of funds given becomes a loan that must be repaid to the Department of Education. As such, it is imperative that CNA Fellows are committed to the teaching profession.

Candidates are now being sought for this program. The first cohort of CNA Fellows will begin May 1. Candidates must complete the application process by March 1.

Information about eligibility and the application process can be found on the CNA Fellows webpage.