The Monteuma-Cortez RE-1 school district, San Juan BOCES and the Colorado Department of Education are partnering to host a day of professional learning geared toward helping school leaders and faculty learn to welcome and better understand Indigenous students and students with “exceptionalities.”
The training will take place Aug. 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at MCHS, 418 Sligo St.
It will help teachers and school leaders create an approach that helps establish a sense of belonging and support for Indigenous students, their families and tribal communities in local schools.
Participants will receive five CDE clock hours for recertification credit.
The training is free and open to all Montezuma-Cortez school district faculty, staff and school leaders. Faculty from area charter schools, the special education team at BOCES and other area leaders have been invited, but the training is not open to the general public.
According to CDE Director of Communications Jeremy Meyer, this opportunity will also help attendees learn strategies for teaching and keeping Indigenous students engaged in the classroom.
“This learning opportunity will focus on supporting educators to create welcoming and affirming learning experiences for Indigenous students and their parents and families,” Meyer told The Journal. “Attendees will build their understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of Colorado’s Indigenous communities and learn about instructional strategies and resources to help keep students engaged in their learning.”
The school board also addressed the training, informing the public of the board’s intention to attend the training with other members of the district.
“The purpose of this event is for board members to engage in professional learning alongside our staff; it is not to conduct public business of the local district or engage in formal action. The board believes in transparency and therefore is providing this information regarding the event,” the board said.
For logistical information, contact district Executive Director of Student Services Lisa Megel at lmegel@cortez.k12.co.us. For content information, contact Hunter Smith from CDE at smith_h@cde.state.co.us.
