Digital Storytelling as a Culturally Responsive Teaching Tool

See Stories is offering a free 6-credit class for Alaskan teachers who work with 6th – 12th graders. We encourage teachers of Alaska Native or English Language Learner students to apply. We will have time together online, and also in person for one week in Homer, Alaska.
A550K: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Alaska Studies:
An Induction into Teaching in Alaskan Communities
Course description:
Provides a community of practice and collaboration for educators, using the
individual’s local community as the context for learning. Integrates Alaska and
local history from multiple perspectives, culturally responsive teaching, and
collaborative support to develop a more comprehensive understanding of
education within the local context. Involves participation in community events,
connection with families and elders, exploration of language, and involvement in
seasonal activities. Uses an inquiry model to consider how to teach through
culture rather than about culture.
Provides professional development for Alaskan educators and professionals who
work with youth in how to engage students in exploring place-based history
using primary source material. Course will focus on culturally responsive and
trauma informed approaches to teaching. Educators will create their own
documentary films and also support their students to create documentary films
to share community stories, histories and cultures. The course will include
exploration of cultural bias in primary sources and strategies about how to
Indigenize primary source research in the classroom by engaging elders and
community members.

All sessions are required.  Here’s the schedule:

When:

– Online Sessions:

  •   Saturday, April 27th, 9 am – 1 pm
  •   Saturday, May 11th, 9 am – 1 pm
  •   Saturday, May 25th, 9 am – 1 pm
  •   Saturday, June 22nd, 9 am – 1 pm
  •   Saturday, September 7th, 9 am – 1 pm
  •   Saturday, October 12th, 9 am – 1 pm
  •   Saturday, November 9th, 9 am – 1 pm

– In-person Session:

  •   Homer, Alaska from June 3rd to June 7th (with travel days on June 2nd and 8th)

Costs: Free

Apply By: Wednesday, February 28th – APPLICATION CLOSED

Thank you to all those who applied! We are looking forward to meeting all our participants in person in Homer this June!

This Teacher Professional Development workshop is generously funded by the US Department of Education American History and Civics – National Activities Grants.

Workshop Details

  • April 27, 2024 - November 9, 2024
  • Apply by February 28, 2024
  • Online-with Teacher Intensive Retreat in Homer, AK
Apply

Instructors

Rafael Bitanga

Rafael is a See Stories alum. He started Bitanga Productions, his own film and photography business. Rafael graduated from Cornell University.

Seth Bader

Seth lives on Lingít Aaní (Tlingit) Land. He taught science for 10 years. Now he manages See Stories’ youth programs. He also founded Fathoms Alaska, a wilderness program for teens.

Roben Itchoak

Roben is an Iñupiaq educator in Shishmaref. She has participated in See Stories professional development workshops. Now she helps teach our programs.

Dr. Sven Haakanson

Sven is an Alutiiq anthropologist from the village of Old Harbor. He will share his story researching his Sugpiaq history. Sven will also help teachers learn about primary sources.

Anjuli Grantham

Anjuli is a writer and historian who grew up on on Kodiak. Anjuli will lead a session about how to do primary source research.

Megan McBride

Megan (she/her) lives on Dena’ina lands in Anchorage. She has 15 years of experience working in education both as a high school social studies teacher and with the nonprofit program Alaska Youth for Environmental Action. As Educator Programs Manager, Megan manages our professional development courses for educators.

Land Acknowledgement

This workshop is being offered on Dena'ina Land. Learn more about land acknowledgements at native-land.ca.