Superintendent Arntzen Hosts Seventeenth Annual Indian Education for All Best Practices Conference

• Brian O'Leary
• January 03 2024

Conference focused on Transformational Learning through Indigenous Education

HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen proudly announces the Seventeenth Annual Indian Education for All (IEFA) Best Practices Conference, to be held on March 8 and 9, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Billings in Billings, Montana. With a gathering of over 200 dedicated educators, this conference is a platform for sharing knowledge, skills, and vital classroom materials, aiming to effectively and sustainably implement Indian Education for All.

A highlight of this year's event is the prestigious Teresa Veltkamp Advocacy Award for Excellence in Indian Education, honoring the outstanding IEFA work of teachers, administrators, and IEFA champions. This year, the award recognizes the exceptional dedication of four individuals:

• Dugan Coburn, Director of Indigenous Education at Great Falls Public Schools
• Morgan Norgaard, Principal of Poplar Middle School
• Jacob “Buck” Turcotte, Social Studies Teacher at Poplar Middle School
• Lifetime Achievement Award for Joan Franke, OPI IEFA’s longtime Administrative Assistant

“This conference reflects Montana’s constitutional promise to preserve the cultural heritage of American Indians,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “The focus is expanding teaching and learning opportunities for Indian Education for all of our public school children. Join me in celebrating the four Teresa Veltkamp Advocacy awardees, we are all Montana proud!”

The schedule includes:

• Engaging Workshops: Interactive sessions emphasizing experiential learning methods to empower educators with effective teaching tools for Indian Education for All.
• Inspiring Keynotes: Insights from renowned experts and community leaders dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and inclusion.
• Hands-On Experiences: Immersive cultural activities, art, storytelling, and more, deepening appreciation for Montana's Indigenous heritage.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow educators, tribal leaders, and advocates fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
• Resource Sharing and Development: Work with colleagues, share content area resources, and develop new ones with facilitated support.

Up to 13 professional development renewal units will be available. Registration is currently open. For more information visit the OPI Indian Education for All website.

For other inquiries, please contact Zach Hawkins, OPI Director of Indian Education for All, at Zachariah.Hawkins@mt.gov or (406) 444-0708.