Navajo Nation Program

Navajo Nation Program

Learn how to join

Available to IU Bloomington and Guest Campus students only

Student teaching placements are made in the Navajo Nation in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Most placements are on the Reservation in Bureau of Indian Education schools. Other types of schools serving Navajo youth may also be used, including public schools off the Reservation. Most placement sites are in remote rural areas, although a few may be near towns bordering the Navajo Nation. Student teachers typically live in the boarding facilities on the school campus where many pupils live during the school week. Student teachers are generally placed in pairs and will share a dorm apartment or other accommodation on the school campus.

For more information about the Navajo Nation, please visit www.navajo-nsn.gov.

For more information about the Bureau of Indian Education, please visit www.bie.edu.

Student spotlight image

Student Spotlight

Leah Hodge joined the Overseas Program as a Transition to Teaching graduate student. She taught secondary English at Many Farms High School (near Canyon de Chelly), Arizona in Fall 2018.

More student stories

Costs and Scholarships

The cost of the Navajo Nation Program is minimal for students. As mentioned above, room and board is provided at no cost to the student in exchange for responsibilities in the dorm.

The Global Gateway for Teachers cannot provide exact cost information since costs will vary throughout the year and from one individual to the next. Some costs may include:

  • Gas and car maintenance: Taking a vehicle is recommended; however, students who cannot take one should be prepared to contribute to costs incurred by their placement partner.
  • Weekend excursions (hotels, national park entry cost, etc.).
  • Weekend meals and additional food you want to keep in your living space.

Teaching Responsibilities

Students complete 16 weeks of student teaching in the Navajo Nation. Most subject areas and license additions can be accommodated in the schools, but not all. Check with us first! In addition to teaching, student teachers contribute to after-school clubs and athletics and participate in the local community to extend their learning about Navajo life, culture, history, and traditions.

Other Considerations

In exchange for free room and board, students contribute to the “residential life” programs in the dorms for 2 to 3 hours after school, Monday to Thursday, and sometimes on Sunday evenings when the children return from their weekend at home. Responsibilities may include helping serve meals, tutoring, mentoring, chaperoning field trips, facilitating crafts and games, supporting clubs, and lending a hand in other ways to support the dorm staff.

Contact Us

For general program interest or inquiries, please write to us at ggt@iu.edu.

Dr. Laura Stachowski
Director
stachows@indiana.edu
(812) 856-8507

Eunice Epling
Assistant Director
eepling@iu.edu
(812) 856-8507