Flathead Valley IEFA Institute

375 Wolfpack Way,Kalispell MT 59901

16 March, 2022

Description

This Institute will provide foundational information concerning the seven “Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians" for teachers. Join us for a day of IEFA learning with award-winning Montana educators, Jordann Lankford-Forster (Bright Trail Woman) and Miranda Murray. The Flathead Valley IEFA Institute, hosted by School Services of Montana and Kalispell Public Schools, will provide foundational information concerning the seven “Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians” and tools to implement Indigenous content into your curriculum. Participants may not feel comfortable or know where to begin, and that is okay! The facilitators will provide you with the support and sustainable resources to advance cultural content and Native resources in your classrooms, no matter where you are in your IEFA implementation. Participants will gain instruction and crucial essential understandings as diverse perspectives are important for all students’ success. Key Learning Objectives: Participants will learn the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians.Participants will gain ideas concerning the implementation of Indian Education For All, and cultural content in curriculum.Participants will broaden their perspective on vetting Native resources and Indigenous materials. AGENDA Professional Learning Facilitator Bios: Miranda Murray, IEFA Instructional Coach at Great Falls Public Schools Miranda Murray is from Great Falls, Montana and a descendant of the Yankton Sioux. Miranda received her teaching degree in Art Education (K-12) from the University of Montana. Currently, Miranda serves as an IEFA instructional coach for the Great Falls’ Public Schools District as well as the co-facilitator of Bright Trail Education (an educational consulting company). Miranda has recently been awarded the Teresa Veltkamp Advocacy Award in IEFA, and the 2019 Salute to Women awards for her work in local and state communities. Jordann Lankford-Forster (Bright Trail Woman), IEFA Instructional Coach & Dropout Prevention Educator at Great Falls Public Schools Jordann Lankford-Forster is from Great Falls, Montana and is A’aniiih and Anishinaabe. Her A’aniiih name is Bright Trail Woman. Jordann received a major in Native American Studies and teaching degree in Broad Field Social Studies from the University of Montana. Currently, Jordann serves as an educator and an IEFA instructional coach for Great Falls Public Schools. She is a co-facilitator for Bright Trail Education which is an educational consulting company. Jordann has been recognized as a Montana Indian Teacher of the Year, the BSNF 2021 Teacher of the Year, and the Teresa Veltkamp Advocacy Award in IEFA.