The training is organized by the Montezuma-Cortez School District, San Juan BOCES and the Colorado Department of Education.
The event is also aimed at students with “special needs”
The Monteuma-Cortez RE-1 School District, San Juan BOCES and the Colorado Department of Education are partnering to host a professional development day to help school leaders and teachers welcome and better understand Indigenous and special needs students.
The training will be held on August 16th from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at MCHS, 418 Sligo St.
It will help teachers and school leaders develop an approach that helps build a sense of belonging and support for Indigenous students, their families and tribal communities in local schools.
Participants will receive five CDE hours as recertification credit.
The training is free and open to all Montezuma-Cortez School District teachers, staff and principals. Teachers from area charter schools, the BOCES special education team and other area leaders have been invited, but the training is not open to the general public.
According to Jeremy Meyer, CDE communications director, this opportunity will also help participants learn strategies for teaching and engaging Indigenous students in the classroom.
“This learning opportunity will focus on supporting educators in creating welcoming and affirming learning experiences for Indigenous students and their parents and families,” said Meyer The magazine. “Participants will deepen their understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of Colorado’s indigenous communities and learn teaching strategies and resources to keep students engaged.”
The school board also spoke about the training and informed the public of its intention to attend the training together with other members of the school district.
“The purpose of this event is for board members to participate in professional development alongside our staff. It is not about conducting any public business of the local district or taking any formal action. The board believes in transparency and therefore is providing this information at the event,” the board said.
For logistical information, contact Lisa Megel, the district’s Executive Director of Student Services, at [email protected]. For content information, contact Hunter Smith of CDE at [email protected].
