2007-08 United Tribes Technical College Principal Leadership for American Indians in Native Schools Arrive!

Six new United Tribes Technical College Principal Leadership for American Indians in Native Schools (UT-PLAINS) graduate students arrived on campus, August 20, to begin their Educational Leadership Masters and Specialist program. Known as Cohort III, the students are:

1. Ann Braun, Language Arts Teacher at Dunseith, North Dakota. A member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
2. Dawn Davis, Elementary Instructor at Dunseith, North Dakota. A member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
3. Shannon Gillis-LaVallie, Resource Room Teacher at Circle of Nations, Wahpeton, North Dakota. A member of the Three Affiliated Tribes
4. Kari Mossett, Special Education Teacher at Circle of Nations, Wahpeton, North Dakota. A member of the Three Affiliated Tribes
5. Anthony Scheler Reading Coach and Elementary Teacher at Nay Ah Shing School, Millai, Minnesota. A member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, White Earth Reservation, Pillager Band
6. Beth Tepper, Special Education Coordinator at Circle of Nations, Wahpeton, North Dakota. A member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

This past week had the new students immersed in an orientation session, and the North Dakota LEAD Center's Developmental Assessment Center for aspiring administrators. The students also began classes as well.

This year, we also welcome our Graduate School Assistant, Mark Little Owl. Mark is completing his masters in Social Work and will help support, Dr. Sherry Houdek, Grant Coordinator.

The United Tribes Technical College and the College of Education and Human Development were awarded more than $1 million for a grant to increase the number of American Indian principals in the state. The United Tribes Technical College Principal Leadership for American Indians in Native Schools ( UT-PLAINS) grant runs from 2005 to 2009. The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through its Office of Indian Education.

The project is designed to prepare American Indian elementary, middle school, and secondary principals. The program consists of a two-year commitment for participants, the first year as a full-time student (fall, spring, and summer terms) and the second year, an induction program while working full-time in an administrative position in a school district, with a large population of Native Americans. Cohort I (2005-06) has completed their first year on campus, and their induction year (2006-07), with Cohort II (2006-07) just completing their first year and now are beginning their induction year (2007-08).

The past year has been exciting times, for the students and with graduation in August; all students are currently working in an administrative position. The grant enables students to qualify for his/her North Dakota administrator's credential. The grant' success depends on the courage and strength of the participants - congratulations to all of them.Cheryl Parker, Charlie (Chip) Anderson, Sandy Johnson, Charles Morin - Cohort I and Farrell Gourneau, Brenda Greenwood, Avis Prentice, Les Lafountain, and Tracy Ketterling - Cohort II. We will keep you posted on how Cohort III students are doing throughout the year; as well as bring you an update on where Cohort II students and I are leading!