2011-12: Support for Removing Payback Requirements for USDOE Office of Indian Education Teacher Training Grants

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1970 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians; and

WHEREAS, NIEA as the largest national Indian organization of American Indian, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian educators, administrators, parents and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Indian and Native people; and

WHEREAS, through its’ unique relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established programs and resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, there continues to be a tremendous need for well trained Native teachers in Indian communities all across the United states, including urban, rural and reservation communities; and

WHEREAS, 93% of American Indian children attend public schools, many of which are located in urban areas; and

WHEREAS, Native teachers serve as role models for all kids; and

WHEREAS, the current payback requirements in the USDOE Indian teacher training programs is causing many qualified Native students to not select the opportunities available in the Title VII teacher training programs because of the fear of going deep into debt if they cannot find a teaching job in specific locations; and

WHEREAS, the employment circumstances for many teachers today has made it increasingly difficult to find teaching positions everywhere; and

WHEREAS, there is a trust responsibility for tribal people which includes supporting educational attainment and the need to provide educational services; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NIEA supports removing the payback requirements which currently exist within the USDOE Office of Indian Education Teacher Training Grants; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Native students be encouraged and supported in choosing teaching as a career regardless of where they seek employment.