By C. Brandon Chapman, College of Education
PULLMAN, Wash. – Francene Watson recently was named the new director for the Clearinghouse on Native Teaching & Learning at Washington State University. She is working with others to develop new goals and revitalize the mission and services offered.
“We’re pretty thrilled about the potential we have moving forward,” she said.
Part of the College of Education since 2001, the clearinghouse (http://education.wsu.edu/nativeclearinghouse/) was established to improve PreK-12 teaching and learning for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Through collaboration and partnership, it identifies effective curriculum and high-quality professional development materials. It then works to generate effective programs connected to Native education.
Watson said her goals include finding and developing pre-service training opportunities for WSU education students and integrating indigenous and culturally relevant curricula into current programs.
Clearinghouse partners include faculty, staff, students, local educators and other community members. Watson recently brought in an official from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Indian Education Office to consult with clearinghouse staff.
“I’m confident the clearinghouse will reach new levels of success as it continues to serve as an important resource, collaborator and partner to many entities across the region,” said Mike Trevisan, college dean.