Teaching in Indigenous Communities, Undergraduate Certificate
Department of Teaching and Learning
College of Education
This certificate will prepare students to be teachers in U.S.-based Indigenous communities and schools serving American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students. Courses complement traditional course requirements in teacher-preparation degrees by focusing on the unique histories, cultures, contexts, and relationships of Native Nations in the United States.
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A certificate focuses on practical training and workforce skill development in a particular field.
To receive an undergraduate certificate of 12 or more units at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. Approximately 75 percent of the credits must be earned through coursework at NAU (specific unit requirements may be found in the Details Tab).
Federal financial aid may not be available for certain certificates when they are completed as standalone programs (i.e., not pursued at the same time as a degree). Refer to the 'Details' tab for more information.
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 17 - 18 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
Purpose Statement
This certificate will be for educators who are planning on teaching in Indigenous schools. The three required education courses are part of the certification program for all teacher candidates in the Elementary program. The required AIS course and electives will provide background knowledge on various concepts related to Indigenous knowledge, history, epistemologies, and schooling. There will be three corequisite courses, each for one unit, that are tied to the education courses and will provide learning experiences that bridge theory to practice. This will include field trips, speakers, projects, and various activities depending on the course content.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Understand the history of American Indian education in the U.S.
- Know and be able to apply core concepts of Indigenous Education.
- Recognize the unique assets of Indigenous schools and consider how to center those assets in teaching and learning approaches.
Additional Admission Requirements
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Enrollment in one of the following majors:
Certificate Requirements
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Art Education, Secondary Education - English, and Secondary Education - History and Social Studies majors take the following 17 units:
- AIS 260 (3 units)
- EPS 340, EPS 346 (4 units)
- HIS 293 (3 units)
- Select from the following (4 units):
- Select from the following (3 units)
The following courses have additional prerequisites:
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Early Childhood Education & Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, and Special and Elementary Education majors take the following 18 units:
- Select from the following (3 units):
- Select from the following (4 units):
- EDF 301W, EDF 346 (4 units)
- EPS 340, EPS 346 (4 units)
- Select from the following (3 units):
The following course has additional prerequisites:
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This certificate may only be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program. This certificate is not available as a stand-alone certificate.
Additional Information
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Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.