My days are rich with interaction and support for our students. I delve into each student's story, ensuring they're connected to the right resources, from advising and financial aid to health and counseling services. I'm often a listening ear, ensuring every student feels supported in their journey. With a keen eye on data, I tailor academic paths to fit each student's needs. My work is a blend of personal connection and strategic planning, as I ensure students are heard and honored.

Director of American Indian Outreach

My name's Sunny Day Real Bird.
 2
00:00:01.801 --> 00:00:05.105 I am the director of American Indian Outreach.
 3
00:00:05.105 --> 00:00:07.741 I'm a enrolled member of the Crow Tribe.
 4
00:00:07.741 --> 00:00:11.878 I've been in this position for a little over three years now.
 5
00:00:11.911 --> 00:00:14.247 I've taught through the K12.
 6
00:00:14.247 --> 00:00:18.918 I served as a administrator, as the Director of Indian Education
 7
00:00:18.918 --> 00:00:23.656 for over five years, and now I'm here at Montana State University.
 8
00:00:24.090 --> 00:00:29.090 So a lot of it is knowing the students and knowing their story,
 9
00:00:29.963 --> 00:00:33.633 because every student that walks in our door has a different story
 10
00:00:33.633 --> 00:00:38.633 and each student is able to share their own culture in different ways.
 11
00:00:38.838 --> 00:00:43.543 So I feel like when you're working with students because a lot of it
 12
00:00:43.543 --> 00:00:48.543 is making sure those students graduate and they have a successful year,
 13
00:00:49.215 --> 00:00:52.285 making sure that they're connected to the right resources
 14
00:00:52.285 --> 00:00:55.455 and reaching out and also onboarding those students.
 15
00:00:55.455 --> 00:01:00.455 And basically you're like that care team and for me, having that background in data
 16
00:01:02.162 --> 00:01:06.332 and looking at those numbers and looking at GPAs
 17
00:01:06.332 --> 00:01:10.336 and making sure that this class is the right fit for them,
 18
00:01:10.336 --> 00:01:13.706 you always got to think ahead and look at what's coming
 19
00:01:13.706 --> 00:01:18.344 and making sure that, gosh, that they're prepared.
 20
00:01:18.344 --> 00:01:23.344 Like yesterday, we had about eight students that didn't complete FAFSA.
 21
00:01:23.516 --> 00:01:27.420 And then I'm picking up the phone, visiting with those students,
 22
00:01:27.454 --> 00:01:31.424 making sure that they get connected with someone that could help them.
 23
00:01:31.424 --> 00:01:32.892 So it just kind of varies.
 24
00:01:32.892 --> 00:01:36.930 It's making sure students are getting connected to their advisors,
 25
00:01:36.930 --> 00:01:40.834 getting their immunizations in so that they're ready for class
 26
00:01:40.834 --> 00:01:42.969 and that they're accepting their attendance.
 27
00:01:43.203 --> 00:01:46.206 And then also having like that counseling piece
 28
00:01:46.272 --> 00:01:51.272 is so critical in my field because whether you're that auntie
 29
00:01:51.811 --> 00:01:55.748 or you're someone that just needs like a lending ear,
 30
00:01:55.748 --> 00:01:57.617 you got to make sure you're there for them.
 31
00:01:57.617 --> 00:01:59.853 Or if they need help with getting connected
 32
00:01:59.853 --> 00:02:03.123 with like counseling services, who to connect them with.
 33
00:02:03.289 --> 00:02:07.460 And then another big piece is I'm constantly networking
 34
00:02:07.460 --> 00:02:10.964 and I also sit on the graduation and retention committee,
 35
00:02:10.964 --> 00:02:15.935 making sure that we have the right support for our native students to succeed.
 36
00:02:15.935 --> 00:02:19.472 And I'm also a part of, like the Billings Chamber, the DEI,
 37
00:02:19.939 --> 00:02:22.242 and that's help with student internship
 38
00:02:22.442 --> 00:02:27.247 and then also meeting with donors to help donate to our programing
 39
00:02:27.347 --> 00:02:30.683 because we're always needing support in that area.
 40
00:02:31.518 --> 00:02:32.318 You do it all
 41
00:02:36.489 --> 00:02:36.990 Yeah.
 42
00:02:36.990 --> 00:02:39.325 So it always varies.
 

Day In The Life Of A Director Of American Indian Outreach

No matter what any native student has that mentor,
 2
00:00:03.203 --> 00:00:07.574 whether it's the auntie or it's the older sister or the grandpa
 3
00:00:07.607 --> 00:00:12.607 because I feel like those people are so key for our native success.
 4
00:00:12.879 --> 00:00:17.584 And if we get the buy in from that one family member, or if we get buy in from
 5
00:00:17.584 --> 00:00:21.488 that whole family, they'll help us support that native student.
 6
00:00:21.688 --> 00:00:23.490 My name's Sunny Day Real Bird.
 7
00:00:23.490 --> 00:00:26.793 I am the director of American Indian Outreach.
 8
00:00:26.793 --> 00:00:29.429 I'm a enrolled member of the Crow tribe.
 9
00:00:29.429 --> 00:00:33.566 I been in this position for a little over three years now.
 10
00:00:33.600 --> 00:00:35.935 I've taught through the K12.
 11
00:00:35.935 --> 00:00:40.935 I served as administrator, as the director of Indian Education for over five years.
 12
00:00:41.975 --> 00:00:45.311 And now I'm here at Montana State University.
 13
00:00:45.512 --> 00:00:47.380 Could you speak a little bit more about how supportive
 14
00:00:47.380 --> 00:00:50.383 your family was and your journey, your progress, education?
 15
00:00:50.550 --> 00:00:54.587 All the credit is a lot like from my grandparents
 16
00:00:54.587 --> 00:00:58.291 to my parents and my aunties and my uncles.
 17
00:00:58.291 --> 00:01:02.796 And so Crow way your parents get to pick someone
 18
00:01:03.196 --> 00:01:07.200 that they respect and they picked my grandma.
 19
00:01:07.467 --> 00:01:11.104 Her name was Lucy Real Bird, and she was known for her good deeds.
 20
00:01:11.104 --> 00:01:14.607 And so she named me Raises Good Children
 21
00:01:14.707 --> 00:01:19.679 [speaking Crow] And so I always lived by that.
 22
00:01:19.679 --> 00:01:24.384 And going into education and seeing my dad teach and my aunties
 23
00:01:24.384 --> 00:01:27.954 be teachers, I've always wanted to be a teacher
 24
00:01:28.188 --> 00:01:31.124 and go that route and help Native students succeed.
 25
00:01:31.124 --> 00:01:35.528 And it's not only like me raising my own children,
 26
00:01:35.862 --> 00:01:40.800 it's in the classroom because you don't see a lot of educators
 27
00:01:41.267 --> 00:01:45.105 that are native and there is a need for native educators.
 28
00:01:45.105 --> 00:01:49.809 So I really feel like our native students need to see someone of their color.
 29
00:01:49.809 --> 00:01:52.979 And I really feel like that has a lot to do with self-esteem.
 30
00:01:52.979 --> 00:01:56.783 And I'm always wanting to see our native students succeed,
 31
00:01:56.783 --> 00:01:59.853 whether it's policy making or making
 32
00:01:59.853 --> 00:02:02.889 sure that they're in accelerated classes.
 33
00:02:02.889 --> 00:02:07.060 And that's kind of what really drove me to look at their achievement.
 34
00:02:07.360 --> 00:02:10.797 So that was how I got to become an administrator.
 35
00:02:10.797 --> 00:02:14.300 And so I always had those mentors that helped me
 36
00:02:14.300 --> 00:02:17.303 and guided me and gave me ideas.
 37
00:02:17.303 --> 00:02:21.107 And I think that's really helped me in the position that I am now.
 

Culture

Focus

Inspiration

Living Up To My Name And Calling

So you mentioned that as an administrator and as a teacher,
 2
00:00:04.371 --> 00:00:07.841 you took the time and the effort to incorporate the natives
 3
00:00:07.841 --> 00:00:10.844 into like the day to day and into college.
 4
00:00:10.844 --> 00:00:15.281 But how did you make sure you were engaging the families into that work too?
 5
00:00:15.882 --> 00:00:20.653 A lot within our native culture is like it takes a village,
 6
00:00:20.653 --> 00:00:24.024 so any time we're onboarding our native students,
 7
00:00:24.024 --> 00:00:28.294 whether they're transfer students or this is their first time, I always feel
 8
00:00:28.294 --> 00:00:32.499 like there's those that are flourishing, those that are struggling,
 9
00:00:32.632 --> 00:00:36.369 and some of them that don't use our resources.
 10
00:00:36.369 --> 00:00:41.369 And so I really had to think about that in regards to our retention numbers.
 11
00:00:41.641 --> 00:00:46.641 I'm always encouraging when we have any type of an orientation
 12
00:00:46.913 --> 00:00:50.350 to bring those family members because like no matter what,
 13
00:00:50.350 --> 00:00:54.487 any native student has that mentor or whether it's the auntie
 14
00:00:54.487 --> 00:00:59.426 or it's the older sister or the grandpa to come join us and have lunch
 15
00:00:59.426 --> 00:01:04.426 because I feel like those people are so key for our native success.
 16
00:01:04.764 --> 00:01:09.269 And if we get the buy in from that one family member, or if we get buy in
 17
00:01:09.269 --> 00:01:13.440 from that whole family, they'll help us support that native student.
 18
00:01:13.440 --> 00:01:17.811 And so sometimes we'll get a student that doesn't have that family support.
 19
00:01:17.811 --> 00:01:20.980 So we're always the ones that are like, I'm the auntie,
 20
00:01:20.980 --> 00:01:22.215 so I'm going to check on them.
 21
00:01:22.215 --> 00:01:23.249 I'm going to stop by
 22
00:01:23.249 --> 00:01:27.954 while they're eating in the cafeteria and check how their classes are.
 23
00:01:27.954 --> 00:01:32.092 And no matter what, I think within Native culture,
 24
00:01:32.125 --> 00:01:34.794 our hearts are strong when we're with family.
 

Family

Engaging Family Alongside Students

You mentioned how
 2
00:00:01.134 --> 00:00:04.871 the center likes to be the family away from family for these students.
 3
00:00:04.871 --> 00:00:08.708 Any challenges you faced in trying to be the support system
 4
00:00:08.708 --> 00:00:09.943 they might not have at home
 5
00:00:09.943 --> 00:00:13.380 or any issues or butting heads with that family possibly?
 6
00:00:13.480 --> 00:00:18.480 We do have a lot of students that face those obstacles, whether it's
 7
00:00:18.585 --> 00:00:23.585 lack of housing, daycare assistance, even getting connected to the wifi.
 8
00:00:23.857 --> 00:00:27.761 I had one girl that was writing her papers in McDonald's,
 9
00:00:27.827 --> 00:00:31.831 another student that was doing another essay on her phone.
 10
00:00:31.831 --> 00:00:36.136 And so thankfully we were able to partner with the I.T.
 11
00:00:36.202 --> 00:00:39.873 program and we got them hot spots and laptops.
 12
00:00:39.939 --> 00:00:42.609 And then we're also partnered with their education
 13
00:00:42.942 --> 00:00:46.312 department, where some of those students were gifted laptops.
 14
00:00:46.312 --> 00:00:47.347 So that helped.
 15
00:00:47.347 --> 00:00:52.347 We also partner with the local HRDC to help with rental resources.
 16
00:00:53.019 --> 00:00:56.723 And then the biggest thing is we have reservations
 17
00:00:56.723 --> 00:01:01.723 that are just like 20 minutes away and our students do face
 18
00:01:02.028 --> 00:01:06.332 cultural shock when they're coming in to these mainstream universities.
 19
00:01:06.800 --> 00:01:09.869 And so also, like preparing those students,
 20
00:01:09.903 --> 00:01:13.940 whether how to reach out to like a professor and making sure
 21
00:01:13.940 --> 00:01:15.542 that you're getting engaged.
 22
00:01:15.542 --> 00:01:18.645 Because I always feel like that number one
 23
00:01:18.645 --> 00:01:22.282 key to success is making sure that you're
 24
00:01:22.282 --> 00:01:26.419 participating and engaging in those on campus activities.
 25
00:01:26.453 --> 00:01:31.057 We also have kind of like a scholarship
 26
00:01:31.057 --> 00:01:34.461 fund or like an emergency fund to help those students.
 27
00:01:34.494 --> 00:01:38.364 But there's other circumstances where students aren't able
 28
00:01:38.364 --> 00:01:40.500 to complete their full year due
 29
00:01:40.500 --> 00:01:44.938 to like losing a family member and during their COVID year.
 30
00:01:44.971 --> 00:01:48.641 That's what really hit our native community was COVID,
 31
00:01:48.641 --> 00:01:52.512 but it's always making sure that they're getting the support they need
 32
00:01:52.512 --> 00:01:57.217 for those classes, whether they need like a study group or if they need a tutor.
 33
00:01:57.250 --> 00:02:00.153 But just really kind of being that cheerleader for them.
 

Support & Encouragement

Struggle

Being The Support System For Students

No matter what any native student has that mentor,
 2
00:00:03.236 --> 00:00:07.640 whether it's the auntie or it's the older sister or the grandpa,
 3
00:00:07.674 --> 00:00:11.911 those people are so key for our native success.
 4
00:00:11.945 --> 00:00:15.181 And if we get the buy in from that one family member,
 5
00:00:15.215 --> 00:00:17.984 they'll help us support that native student.
 6
00:00:18.151 --> 00:00:19.953 My name's Sunny Day Real Bird.
 7
00:00:19.953 --> 00:00:23.289 I am the director of American Indian Outreach.
 8
00:00:23.289 --> 00:00:25.892 I'm a enrolled member of the Crow Tribe.
 9
00:00:25.892 --> 00:00:30.030 I've been in this position for a little over three years now
 10
00:00:30.330 --> 00:00:34.834 at Montana State University, and there is a need for native educators.
 11
00:00:34.834 --> 00:00:39.572 So I really feel like our native students need to see someone of their color
 12
00:00:39.572 --> 00:00:42.742 and I really feel like that has a lot to do with self-esteem.
 13
00:00:42.742 --> 00:00:45.812 And I'm always wanting to see our native students
 14
00:00:45.812 --> 00:00:49.983 succeed, whether it's policy making or making sure
 15
00:00:49.983 --> 00:00:54.888 that they're in accelerated classes and take in all that's being shared.
 16
00:00:54.888 --> 00:00:58.892 So they gain that knowledge and it carries on with them and
 17
00:00:59.159 --> 00:01:00.393 it's like a seed growing.
 

Sunny Day Real Bird Highlight

How have you been able to, like, manage your passion, which is your work
 2
00:00:05.138 --> 00:00:06.172 and your life?
 3
00:00:06.172 --> 00:00:10.710 I'd have to say find what you love to do.
 4
00:00:10.844 --> 00:00:13.279 So after teaching
 5
00:00:14.481 --> 00:00:15.181 middle school,
 6
00:00:15.181 --> 00:00:19.586 high school, being an administrator right here is where I'm grounded.
 7
00:00:19.619 --> 00:00:21.755 I feel like I don't have to work.
 8
00:00:21.755 --> 00:00:24.958 And whether it's like helping a student
 9
00:00:24.991 --> 00:00:29.991 with financial aid or getting connected to like resources
 10
00:00:30.864 --> 00:00:35.435 to help them pay rent, that's like That fulfills.
 11
00:00:35.435 --> 00:00:36.236 It fulfills.
 12
00:00:36.236 --> 00:00:37.337 Yeah.
 13
00:00:37.337 --> 00:00:40.073 And I feel like I don't have to work every day.
 14
00:00:40.073 --> 00:00:41.708 And that's my passion.
 15
00:00:41.708 --> 00:00:46.212 And also, like, if we're having, like, a engagement night,
 16
00:00:46.413 --> 00:00:49.883 I get to do that and that's what I'd be doing at home.
 17
00:00:49.983 --> 00:00:54.087 And so that a lot of it like is combined
 18
00:00:54.087 --> 00:00:57.390 together, Do what you love and you never work a day in your life.
 19
00:00:57.490 --> 00:01:00.126 And I never used to believe that when I was younger.
 20
00:01:00.126 --> 00:01:03.129 And now that I'm on my third year.
 21
00:01:03.463 --> 00:01:04.531 I love it.
 22
00:01:04.531 --> 00:01:09.531 I, I sit here and I visit with students and they have there's hard times
 23
00:01:09.602 --> 00:01:13.306 and a lot of our students struggle, and it's always making sure
 24
00:01:13.306 --> 00:01:16.076 that they're getting connected to the right resources.
 25
00:01:16.376 --> 00:01:19.045 And so that's fulfillment itself.
 

Fulfillment

Passion

Finding Passion In My Work

Do you have any advice for us
 2
00:00:01.368 --> 00:00:05.238 as we trek on and go for more interviews and learn more within education?
 3
00:00:05.372 --> 00:00:09.109 I just have to say, wherever your feet are,
 4
00:00:09.109 --> 00:00:13.313 just enjoy the moment and take in all that's being shared.
 5
00:00:13.313 --> 00:00:17.984 And I wish you guys all the best years ahead of you and all the people
 6
00:00:17.984 --> 00:00:21.654 that you're going to be teaching and that they gain that knowledge
 7
00:00:21.654 --> 00:00:25.058 and it carries on with them and it's like a seed growing.
 8
00:00:25.458 --> 00:00:27.093 So I wish you guys the best.
 

Enjoy The Moment

I'm curious.
 2
00:00:01.067 --> 00:00:03.136 We've had this conversation amongst ourselves.
 3
00:00:03.136 --> 00:00:06.072 How do you define like student success or achievement?
 4
00:00:06.106 --> 00:00:09.909 Just kind of going back at looking at our scores, especially
 5
00:00:09.909 --> 00:00:13.513 at that beginning of the year, you're looking at that yearly progress score
 6
00:00:13.513 --> 00:00:16.850 and then to the end, if there's any type of whether it's
 7
00:00:17.083 --> 00:00:19.919 one point or 30 points
 8
00:00:20.020 --> 00:00:23.857 of an increase in their test scores, I feel like that's really accountable.
 9
00:00:23.857 --> 00:00:27.394 But I feel like not a lot of it has to do with scores.
 10
00:00:27.394 --> 00:00:32.394 So being in this position, this past spring, I was presenting
 11
00:00:33.233 --> 00:00:38.233 at a Native Youth conference and I honestly talked about college.
 12
00:00:38.938 --> 00:00:43.443 And then when I was walking out, there is this girl that came up to me
 13
00:00:43.443 --> 00:00:46.346 and she goes, So they call you Sunny now?
 14
00:00:46.646 --> 00:00:48.815 And she goes, Do you remember me?
 15
00:00:48.815 --> 00:00:52.852 And so she was one of my students and I always remember her.
 16
00:00:52.852 --> 00:00:57.724 So it was so funny because she was like, I want to go to college now.
 17
00:00:57.724 --> 00:01:00.693 And so I think it doesn't have to be about scores.
 18
00:01:00.693 --> 00:01:02.629 It's also making that connection.
 

Success

Defining Student Success

No matter what any native student has that mentor,
 2
00:00:03.236 --> 00:00:07.607 whether it's the aunty or it's the older sister or the grandpa
 3
00:00:07.640 --> 00:00:12.640 because I feel like those people are so key for our native success.
 4
00:00:12.912 --> 00:00:17.617 And if we get the buy in from that one family member, or if we get buy in from
 5
00:00:17.617 --> 00:00:21.521 that whole family, they'll help us support that native student.
 6
00:00:21.721 --> 00:00:23.523 My name's Sunny Day Real Bird.
 7
00:00:23.523 --> 00:00:26.826 I am the director of American Indian Outreach.
 8
00:00:26.826 --> 00:00:29.462 I'm a enrolled member of the Crow tribe.
 9
00:00:29.462 --> 00:00:33.600 I been in this position for a little over three years now.
 10
00:00:33.633 --> 00:00:35.969 I've taught through the K12.
 11
00:00:35.969 --> 00:00:40.969 I served as administrator, as the director of Indian Education for over five years.
 12
00:00:42.008 --> 00:00:45.345 And now I'm here at Montana State University.
 13
00:00:45.545 --> 00:00:47.414 Could you speak a little bit more about how supportive
 14
00:00:47.414 --> 00:00:50.417 your family was and your journey, your progress, education?
 15
00:00:50.583 --> 00:00:54.621 All the credit is a lot like from my grandparents
 16
00:00:54.621 --> 00:00:58.324 to my parents and my aunties and my uncles.
 17
00:00:58.324 --> 00:01:02.829 And so Crow way your parents get to pick someone
 18
00:01:03.229 --> 00:01:07.233 that they respect and they picked my grandma.
 19
00:01:07.500 --> 00:01:11.137 Her name was Lucy Real Bird, and she was known for her good deeds.
 20
00:01:11.137 --> 00:01:14.641 And so she named me Raises Good Children
 21
00:01:14.741 --> 00:01:19.712 [speaking Crow] And so I always lived by that.
 22
00:01:19.712 --> 00:01:24.417 And going into education and seeing my dad teach and my aunties
 23
00:01:24.417 --> 00:01:27.987 be teachers, I've always wanted to be a teacher
 24
00:01:28.221 --> 00:01:31.157 and go that route and help Native students succeed.
 25
00:01:31.157 --> 00:01:35.562 And it's not only like me raising my own children,
 26
00:01:35.895 --> 00:01:40.834 it's in the classroom because you don't see a lot of educators
 27
00:01:41.301 --> 00:01:45.138 that are native and there is a need for native educators.
 28
00:01:45.138 --> 00:01:49.843 So I really feel like our native students need to see someone of their color.
 29
00:01:49.843 --> 00:01:53.012 And I really feel like that has a lot to do with self-esteem.
 30
00:01:53.012 --> 00:01:56.816 And I'm always wanting to see our native students succeed,
 31
00:01:56.816 --> 00:01:59.886 whether it's policy making or making
 32
00:01:59.886 --> 00:02:02.922 sure that they're in accelerated classes.
 33
00:02:02.922 --> 00:02:07.093 And that's kind of what really drove me to look at their achievement.
 34
00:02:07.393 --> 00:02:10.830 So that was how I got to become an administrator.
 35
00:02:10.830 --> 00:02:14.334 And so I always had those mentors that helped me
 36
00:02:14.334 --> 00:02:17.337 and guided me and gave me ideas.
 37
00:02:17.337 --> 00:02:21.141 And I think that's really helped me in the position that I am now.
 38
00:02:21.374 --> 00:02:22.442 So I'm curious.
 39
00:02:22.442 --> 00:02:24.511 We've had this conversation amongst ourselves.
 40
00:02:24.511 --> 00:02:27.447 How do you define like student success or achievement?
 41
00:02:27.480 --> 00:02:31.284 Just kind of going back at looking at our scores, especially
 42
00:02:31.284 --> 00:02:34.888 at that beginning of the year, you're looking at that yearly progress score
 43
00:02:34.888 --> 00:02:38.224 and then to the end, if there's any type of whether it's
 44
00:02:38.458 --> 00:02:41.294 one point or 30 points
 45
00:02:41.394 --> 00:02:45.231 of an increase in their test scores, I feel like that's really accountable.
 46
00:02:45.231 --> 00:02:48.768 But I feel like not a lot of it has to do with scores.
 47
00:02:48.768 --> 00:02:53.768 So being in this position, this past spring, I was presenting
 48
00:02:54.607 --> 00:02:59.607 at a Native Youth conference and I honestly talked about college.
 49
00:03:00.313 --> 00:03:04.817 And then when I was walking out, there is this girl that came up to me
 50
00:03:04.817 --> 00:03:07.720 and she goes, So they call you Sunny now?
 51
00:03:08.021 --> 00:03:10.190 And she goes, Do you remember me?
 52
00:03:10.190 --> 00:03:14.227 And so she was one of my students and I always remember her.
 53
00:03:14.227 --> 00:03:19.098 So it was so funny because she was like, I want to go to college now.
 54
00:03:19.098 --> 00:03:22.068 And so I think it doesn't have to be about scores.
 55
00:03:22.068 --> 00:03:24.270 It's also making that connection.
 56
00:03:24.270 --> 00:03:27.907 So you mentioned that as an administrator and as a teacher,
 57
00:03:28.541 --> 00:03:32.011 you took the time and the effort to incorporate the natives
 58
00:03:32.011 --> 00:03:35.014 into like the day to day and into college.
 59
00:03:35.014 --> 00:03:39.452 But how did you make sure you were engaging the families into that work too?
 60
00:03:40.053 --> 00:03:44.824 A lot within our native culture is like it takes a village,
 61
00:03:44.824 --> 00:03:48.194 so any time we're onboarding our native students,
 62
00:03:48.194 --> 00:03:52.465 whether they're transfer students or this is their first time, I always feel
 63
00:03:52.465 --> 00:03:56.669 like there's those that are flourishing, those that are struggling,
 64
00:03:56.803 --> 00:04:00.540 and some of them that don't use our resources.
 65
00:04:00.540 --> 00:04:05.540 And so I really had to think about that in regards to our retention numbers.
 66
00:04:05.812 --> 00:04:10.812 I'm always encouraging when we have any type of an orientation
 67
00:04:11.084 --> 00:04:14.520 to bring those family members because like no matter what,
 68
00:04:14.520 --> 00:04:18.658 any native student has that mentor or whether it's the auntie
 69
00:04:18.658 --> 00:04:23.596 or it's the older sister or the grandpa to come join us and have lunch
 70
00:04:23.596 --> 00:04:28.596 because I feel like those people are so key for our native success.
 71
00:04:28.935 --> 00:04:33.439 And if we get the buy in from that one family member, or if we get buy in
 72
00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:37.610 from that whole family, they'll help us support that native student.
 73
00:04:37.610 --> 00:04:41.981 And so sometimes we'll get a student that doesn't have that family support.
 74
00:04:41.981 --> 00:04:45.151 So we're always the ones that are like, I'm the auntie,
 75
00:04:45.151 --> 00:04:46.386 so I'm going to check on them.
 76
00:04:46.386 --> 00:04:47.420 I'm going to stop by
 77
00:04:47.420 --> 00:04:52.125 while they're eating in the cafeteria and check how their classes are.
 78
00:04:52.125 --> 00:04:56.262 And no matter what, I think within Native culture,
 79
00:04:56.296 --> 00:04:58.965 our hearts are strong when we're with family.
 80
00:04:59.065 --> 00:05:00.266 Do you have any advice for us
 81
00:05:00.266 --> 00:05:04.137 as we trek on and go for more interviews and learn more within education?
 82
00:05:04.270 --> 00:05:08.007 I just have to say, wherever your feet are,
 83
00:05:08.007 --> 00:05:12.211 just enjoy the moment and take in all that's being shared.
 84
00:05:12.211 --> 00:05:16.883 And I wish you guys all the best years ahead of you and all the people
 85
00:05:16.883 --> 00:05:20.553 that you're going to be teaching and that they gain that knowledge
 86
00:05:20.553 --> 00:05:23.956 and it carries on with them and it's like a seed growing.
 87
00:05:24.357 --> 00:05:25.992 So I wish you guys the best.
 

Interview

Education's Future: Teachers + Families    

See teachers, parents, and communities collaborate

Photo of black, purple, green, and white background image

Education's Future: Teachers + Families logo

Explore how educators are doing community-based work to engage families in learning, fight against inequities head on, and create a more optimistic vision for a future uniting families, educators, and communities.

Logo for Carnegie Corporation of New York

Poster for Education's Future: Teachers + Families

Photo of the roadtrippers high fiving an interview subject

Photo of the green RV and roadtrippers in a picturesque gorge

Photo of the roadtrippers walking into the Fort Washakie School accompanied by staff

Photo of the roadtrippers by an outdoor modern art installation

Photo of the roadtrippers posing with a statue of Yogi Bear on a bench

Photo of the roadtrippers striking a silly pose for the camera

Photo of the roadtrippers striking a silly pose outside the green RV

Photo of the roadtrippers talking with Parent Teacher Home Visits co-founder Yesenia Ramirez

Photo of the roadtrippers posing by the beach

Photo of the roadtrippers posing with Val Teichert and Elva Pulido from the Family Support Center

Photo of the roadtrippers interviewing Travis Allred of Envision Utah

Photo of roadtripper Brandon posing by a fancy fireplace

Photo of the roadtrippers walking through a natural environment

Wide shot photo of roadtripper Brandon on a skate board

Education's Future: Teachers + Families   

I'm going on a road trip in a big green RV with two other teachers. &gt;&gt; From Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, basically all states on the exact opposite side of the country I've been on my entire life. &gt;&gt; The theme of our road trip is family and community engagement. &gt;&gt; We're gonna be interviewing teachers, parents, people that work in schools or with schools. &gt;&gt; Those that can really give us at least a different perspective on how we can connect families, communities, and the classroom we're trying to have students learn in. &gt;&gt; Lots of different things I can learn on this trip, like how I can get community members more involved. &gt;&gt; What are some recommendations on establishing these fantastic relationships with parents? &gt;&gt; What does the future of education look like for you with the parent family engagement? &gt;&gt; Such a great question. &gt;&gt; Education starts at home. Teachers talk about certain things in the classroom, but parents, sometimes they don't know what to say or how to follow up and reinforce these things at home. So what are schools and teachers doing to kinda fill them in? &gt;&gt; It's not just up to a teacher when they get to kindergarten is when you start learning. It's like no, no, no. It's from the first day, mom, dad, you guys are brain builders, and I need your help. &gt;&gt; Hearing these positive stories and all the inspiration from the leaders, I think it's definitely filling that part of me that wants the feedback and wants to teach and wants to put a smile on these children's face. &gt;&gt; I feel like we're getting back to that community and family. We're just making a better world for our kids and giving them the future they deserve. &gt;&gt; I want to do more, not just in my class one year I have them. I wanna be that for a vast majority of students in my county, in my state, in my area, my community. &gt;&gt; This experience has been transformative for me. I've been able to gear toward finding my identity outside of being a mother. I haven't really been able to take a step back, reflect, ask myself questions about me and my identity, so this trip has definitely given me that opportunity. &gt;&gt; Find some way to reach out to your families and to your students. Get to know them as human beings. See them in their full humanity and let them see you in your full humanity. &gt;&gt; What are you doing in the community? And how is that gonna impact the community? And strong families bring strong communities, so it sounds like you guys are doing great work. &gt;&gt; Families need to be involved, to help raise and build these strong characters that we need in the world. [MUSIC] 

Follow young educators as they explore how to better engage with students, their families and caregivers, and the communities they come from.

Education's Future: Teachers + Families Trailer

Meet the roadtrippers and follow them as they interview superintendents, teachers of the year, and more.

Episode 1: The Classroom Is Changing

Explore how parents, teachers, and community leaders are doing their part to help students flourish in the classroom and out of it.

Sunny Day Real Bird

Director of American Indian Outreach

Videos

Sunny Day Real Bird

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Education

Non-Profit Organizations

Teaching / Mentoring

Day to Day

Interviewed By

Education's Future: Teachers + Families

Sunny Day Real Bird

Director of American Indian Outreach

Videos

Sunny Day Real Bird

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Education

Non-Profit Organizations

Teaching / Mentoring

Day to Day

Interviewed By

Education's Future: Teachers + Families

Related Leaders