Resources for Teachers
The MPTN Education Department is committed to providing materials and professional development opportunities for teachers to help them better teach Indigenous Studies. This page includes updates on Indigenous content-related teacher opportunities as well as teacher- and student-facing lesson materials. Thank you, teachers, for all that you do!
Curriculum
We invite you to use this page as a resource in building your curriculum library so that all of your students can better understand the important role of Indigenous peoples in our modern society and in history.
Professional Learning
The MPTN Education Department wants to support your development by providing virtual and school-based supports. We partner with several organizations at the state and national levels to provide high-quality learning opportunities for teachers.
Indigenous Studies in the U.S.
Now is the time to enhance American students’ understanding of Indigenous cultures.
Why Teach Indigenous Studies?
Why is it important to teach Indigenous Studies?
Indigenous studies is part of all of the other content American students already learn. From history to science, Indigenous peoples in what is now the United States have shaped the society we live in and continue to influence it to this day. Unfortunately, those in power often dictate what is taught, which has resulted in the near erasure of the rich cultures of Indigenous peoples in curriculum. It is up to American teachers to incorporate Indigenous Studies into their classrooms to ensure this important aspect of Turtle Island (North America) becomes part of our nation’s larger story.
Where can I find the time to teach it?
Many states are working to implement new standards that include Indigenous Studies. In the state of Connecticut, representatives from the five recognized Tribes are involved in the creation of these standards, and they have provided curriculum to the State Department of Education. These lessons can be plugged into instruction across multiple grade spans and content areas. It is important to note that the stories of Indigenous peoples—and all historically marginalized communities—should not be relegated to a single month, but instead, their heritage, contributions and resilience should be studied and discussed regularly throughout the school year.
How do I avoid saying the wrong thing?
It makes sense that teachers avoid content because they do not want to offend anyone: the people they are teaching out, their students and their families, and their colleagues. This is why it is so important to attend professional development and set aside time for studying when developing lesson plans and preparing to teach. The resources on the “Curriculum” page will help quell this fear. Please know that our Department is also a resource for teachers, so do not hesitate to contact us using the button at the bottom of this page with any questions or concerns.
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