Teacher Preparation and Indigenous Students

A Note Regarding Terminology

There are multiple ways to represent “indigenous” cultures. Because this description is meant to represent an international perspective, the term indigenous is used with the understanding that locally accepted conventions and contexts reflect heterogeneity. Therefore, it is imperative to seek advice from local people about local conventions and contexts for terminology.

Challenges in Preparing Teachers to Teach Indigenous Students

Relationships between the institution of education and indigenous communities are quite complex. Many indigenous community members are frustrated by what some would call “neglect” of indigenous education and the lack of success for their students in the school system. For many indigenous cultures, the institution of school has been associated with strong negative feelings. Historically, teachers and schools were often at the front line in attempts to assimilate indigenous students (Brayboy and Maughan 2009). In many countries...