Indigenous Educators and Pathways to Licensure
American Indian Language, History, and Culture License
In an effort to preserve, protect, and promote the use and knowledge of indigenous languages and culture in Minnesota schools, PELSB is responsible for issuing the American Indian Language, History, and Culture (AILHC) license, which authorizes an individual to teach an indigenous language, history, and/or culture to K-12 students. In an effort to preserve, protect, and promote the use and knowledge of indigenous languages and culture in Minnesota schools, PELSB is responsible for issuing the American Indian Language, History, and Culture (AILHC) license, which authorizes an individual to teach an indigenous language, history, and/or culture to K-12 students.
How to obtain AILHC License
To obtain this license, an applicant must submit the following:
- An application
- A resolution or letter of support from a Tribal Government
- Evidence of the applicant's knowledge in an Indigenous language, history, and/or culture; and
- A background check
If an applicant is unable to obtain a resolution or letter, the applicant can submit an affidavit attesting to their knowledge of an Indigenous language, history, and/or culture. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, in consultation with the Tribal Nations Education Committee (TNEC), will evaluate the eligibility for this license.
For questions about this license or a resolution of support, please visit TNEC's webpage for a list of representatives appointed by each tribal nation in Minnesota.
Indigenous Licensure Programs
- Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College's Elementary Education licensure program (baccalaureate)
- The University of Minnesota's Ojibwe Language Program (baccalaureate)
Resources
Financial supports:
Institutional supports:
