First Cohort Begins Alaska Master's Program to License Indigenous Language Teachers

Classes are underway for the first cohort of the University of Alaska Southeast's Master of Arts in Teaching Indigenous Languages, the university announced Sept. 16 in Juneau. UAS says it is the first program in Alaska to prepare Indigenous language speakers to become fully licensed teachers.

Many Indigenous language educators in Alaska work under a Type M limited teaching certificate, which limits their scope of work and compensation, according to UAS. Full certification lets educators earn a full salary and benefits as they teach critically endangered languages, the university says. A June 4 memo to the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development described the Type M as "not a full professional certificate."

"While educational institutions across Alaska once played a role in the erosion of Indigenous languages, the UAS School of Education is committed to leading efforts toward their revitalization," Angela Lunda, dean of the School of Education, said in the release. "Only through the languages rooted in this Land can our worldviews truly be understood."

Rose Willard, a Tlingit language teacher in Juneau, is in the first cohort. She holds a bachelor's degree in Alaska Native Languages & Studies from UAS and teaches under a Type M certificate because a master's degree had not been available in her specialization, the university says.

"I'm excited to learn techniques and strategies to improve my teaching skills — to adapt lessons to reach students of all language skill levels, to facilitate positive engagement and to have more doors opened with a full teaching license," Willard said in the release.

X̱'unei Lance Twitchell, professor of Alaska Native Languages, said in the release that Indigenous languages across Alaska "are endangered today because of harmful actions taken by governments, churches, and education." He added: "We collectively commit to repairing those harms and restoring the health of Indigenous languages and people by transforming education in positive and helpful ways."

The program combines online education courses with hybrid courses that students can attend online or in person on the Juneau campus, according to UAS. It is open to high-fluency speakers and advanced learners of any Indigenous language. The program page says students can stay in their home communities while completing clinical experiences with local schools and districts.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents approved the degree in May, and the state education board gave provisional approval in June, UAS says. In July, the university's accreditor, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, approved the program and it opened for enrollment.

UAS has offered Indigenous language courses for nearly 40 years, with support from community partners including Sealaska Heritage Institute, the university says. Degree requirements and application details are on the UAS program page.