The Future Native Teachers Initiative (FNTI) is a statewide conference designed to inspire Native students who are on a path to a career in education.
The Future Native Teacher Initiative (FNTI) is a collaboration the Washington Education Association, OSPI Office of Native Education, the Center of Excellence for Careers in Education, Green River College Foundation, and the Tribal Leaders Congress on Education. FNTI brings Native students together from around the Northwest region for the purpose of exploring a career in education. This includes a variety of facilitated sessions, community building, visits to college campuses and a local elementary school, and more.
Washington Education Association
Center of Excellence for Careers in Education
Green River College Foundation
University of Washington Tacoma
OSPI Office of Native Education
Tribal Leaders on Congress
2014 – Muckleshoot Tribal School
2015 – The Evergreen State College, North Thurston School District
2016 – University of Washington, Seattle Public Schools
2017 – Washington State University
2018 – Western Washington University
2025 – Green River College, University of Washington Tacoma
2025 – Pierce College Puyallup, University of Washington Tacoma
This session gives a framework on how to work effectively with students and adults across diversity. It will provide an opportunity to raise their awareness, knowledge, skills and advocacy through group activities.
Newer educators will share and collaborate with students around the characteristics of effective teachers and how to increase those hidden traits that help teachers have a greater impact on their students.
Native students will have the opportunity to share the successes and challenges that they have faced during their educational paths. The information will help change the training and instruction of future teacher programs.
Students will have the opportunity to visit and interact with students and teachers. They will have an opportunity to debrief their experiences regarding the classroom culture and expectations that they observed.
Student will be exposed to the steps of becoming a Washington State teacher and the different paths they can take. This includes student loans, scholarships and teacher certification paths both traditional and alternative routes.
Students will have the opportunity to be inspired and encouraged by Native teachers who have effectively transitioned into a teaching career.
“If more Indian people are in the school serving in teaching and leadership roles, it will help build trust in our schools.”
—Krista Goudy-Sutterlict, Wapato School District
