Native American Language Teacher Certification Adopted in Arizona

From http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/2012/08/28/native-american-language-teacher-certification

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal announced today that a new Native American Language Certification Policy R7-2-614J, developed jointly by the Arizona Department of Education and the Native American Tribes, was unanimously adopted by the State Board of Education.

The new policy allows for individuals with Native American language proficiency, whose proficiency is verified by their own tribal assessments, to apply for a Native Language Teacher Certificate at the Arizona Department of Education. Other requirements would include a finger print clearance card, an application fee and be subject to renewal requirements consistent with other teacher certificates under section R7-2-614. The policy goes into immediate effect and is anticipated as a new avenue for elders and other non-degreed language experts to teach only native language(s) to students in Arizona schools. Many of these languages are critically endangered and at risk for extinction if not taught to Native American Youth.

Read the full Arizona Department of Education’s press release at http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/2012/08/28/native-american-language-teacher-certification

Read a related article at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/08/31/arizona-adopts-native-american-language-teacher-certification-policy-132383