Indigenous student graduate walking across the stage

Indigenous Language Education

Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

Immerse yourself in teaching and prepare for a rewarding career educating children ages 6-18.

Help revitalize the Dakota and Lakota languages within North Dakota and South Dakota. With a B.S.Ed. in Indigenous Language Education from UND, you will be prepared to teach students in diverse learning environments.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2-4 years
Credit hours:
120 credits

Why earn an Indigenous Language Education degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

Teaching students is one of the most fulfilling careers. With a B.S.Ed. with a major in Indigenous Language Education, you will be eligible to pursue teaching licensure — and make your mark on the future.

As a teacher candidate at UND, you'll study current curriculum, digital technologies, indigenous pedagogies, differentiated instruction and assessment. Multiple field experiences will provide you with additional opportunities for authentic teaching and learning.

Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous Language Education

UND's Indigenous Language Education program is the only one of its kind in North Dakota and South Dakota. It offers teacher licensure to teach the Dakota and Lakota languages in K-12 classrooms throughout North Dakota and South Dakota with reciprocity.

Graduates of UND's Indigenous Language Education program are well prepared to work with diverse students and within diverse school settings. You will have the confidence, knowledge, skills and dispositions to provide innovative teaching and learning strategies. You will fully understand best practices in indigenous curriculum, instruction, digital technology, and assessment.

On-Campus or Online Indigenous Language Education Degree

  • Work directly with students in diverse schools and communities. Gain insight by presenting and reviewing practice lessons with your peers.

  • Develop and teach lessons in authentic learning environments.

  • Help keep the Dakota and Lakota languages thriving within North Dakota and South Dakota.

  • Be part of the NDMTSS Social Emotional Learning Network. You’ll share experiences, celebrate successes, and problem-solve perceived barriers related to social emotional learning.

What can I do with an Indigenous Language Education degree?

40%

Current Lakota/Dakota language teachers who are over the age of 65 and near retirement

UND Department of Teaching, Leadership and Professional Practice

The outlook is promising for jobs in Indigenous Language Education. There is a teacher shortage in North Dakota and South Dakota as there are not enough certified Lakota/Dakota language teachers.

With a B.S.Ed. in Indigenous Language Education from UND, you'll be on your way to a rewarding career in education by helping to ensure these native languages are passed on to the next generations.

Indigenous Language Education & Linguistics Courses

IS 250. Lakota Language I. 3 Credits.

This is the first of two Lakota language classes for beginning speakers. On demand.

IS 344. Education and American Indians. 3 Credits.

Throughout the centuries of American Indian and white contact, American Indian education advocated by the colonial and federal governments as well as by various denominations has reflected the changing attitudes, stereotypes, and ethnocentrisrns of Europeans and Euroamericans toward American Indian peoples. This course will examine the changing policies of the federal government, the attitudes of the various denominations, and some of the contemporary changes in the educational system. S.

T&L 250. Introduction to Education. 3 Credits.

This course is designed for students exploring the profession of teaching in early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary schools. You will study what it means to be a teacher, the role of schools in a diverse society, and the foundations of education. You will participate in field experiences in schools, role-playing, simulations, and peer-teaching to explore teaching in today's schools. F,S.

T&L 319. Integrating Diverse Needs in Educational Settings. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the shared, collaborative responsibility of professionals in education. It emphasizes understanding of different emotional and learning abilities and underscores the requirement that teachers create and modify learning environments and adapt evidence-based teaching strategies and methods. Integrated into this course are concepts of accountability, building collaborative partnerships and facilitating educational programming for inclusive success. F,S,SS.

T&L 432. Learning Environments. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this class is to study psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence classroom behavior and to examine elements that contribute to a positive learning environment. An additional 15 hour field experience is required for the course over a three-week period. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S.

T&L 252. Child Development. 3 Credits.

Study of the growth and developmental process through adolescence. A basis for understanding basic needs of the normal child and means of meeting them in the child's home and community environment. F,S.

Leaders in Education

UND students are prepared to be leaders in their field to motivate future generations.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

Department Contact
Dr. Renuka de Silva
Program Director, Assistant Professor
P 701.777.5868
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