2025 fall Future Native Teachers Initiative Conference

DATES: october 28-30, 2025
HOST LOCATIONS: PIERCE COLLEGE PUYALLUP, UW Tacoma
REGISTRATION opening: September 10th (Link Below)
Registration deadline: Friday, October 17 at 5:00pm, or until capacity is reached

Future Native Teachers Initiative (FNTI)
October 28–30, 2025 | Pierce College Puyallup & UW Tacoma

The Future Native Teachers Initiative (FNTI) is a 2.5-day immersive program designed to inspire Native American and Alaska Native high school students on their path to a career in education. Students will connect with Native educators, participate in workshops, visit a local elementary school classroom, and build community while learning more about college pathways and opportunities.

Event Overview

• Dates: October 28–30, 2025 (2.5 days)

• Locations: Pierce College Puyallup, Farm 12 Puyallup, and University of Washington Tacoma (all sites within ~20 minutes)

• Capacity: You may register 4 students, though additional names may be added to a waitlist to ensure broad participation.

Meals & Lodging
Thanks to the generosity of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, all meals for students and chaperones are covered. Groups may either commute daily or secure lodging at hotels in Puyallup. A dedicated room block will be reserved for FNTI participants and chaperones at a local hotel; however, participants are welcome to make independent arrangements if preferred. The room block link and detailed information on lodging options in Puyallup will be provided shortly. Limited financial assistance may be available to help cover hotel costs for schools that need support (note this in your registration).

Local hotel options:
Best Western Plus Puyallup - 620 S Hill Park Dr, Puyallup, WA 98373
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tacoma Puyallup - 202 15th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Puyallup - 812 S Hill Park Dr, Puyallup, WA 98373

Transportation
Schools and chaperones are responsible for transporting their student groups between hotels and event sites.

Dress & Activities
Students will be active throughout the event, including outdoor transitions and classroom visits. Dress casually, comfortably, and appropriately for school and college settings.

Schedule Snapshot

• Day 1 (Tue, Oct 28): 4:00pm welcome & sessions at Pierce College Puyallup (evening concludes by 7pm).

• Day 2 (Wed, Oct 29): Pierce College Puyallup- Morning sessions + local elementary school visit in Puyallup School District. Afternoon reflection and pathways activities. Celebratory group dinner at Farm 12 in Puyallup.

• Day 3 (Thu, Oct 30): UW Tacoma - campus welcome, workshops, lunch, and early-afternoon closing by 1pm.

Questions
Email careersined@greenriver.edu (Education Center of Excellence at Green River College, FNTI planning team).

2025 october AGENDA (DRAFT)

DAY 1 - PUYALLUP LOCATION (TBD)

3:30 p.m. Check in

4:00 p.m. Welcome

• Introductions, community building, activities

• Representation Matters - Session

5:30 p.m. Dinner, speaker

6:45 p.m. Closing activity

7:00 p.m. Adjourn Day #1 - Commuters return to schools/homes, overnight guests travel to Puyallup hotels

DAY 2 - PIERCE COLLEGE PUYALLUP

Breakfast at home or at hotel (Breakfast not provided)

8:15 a.m. - Arrive at Pierce College Puyallup

8:30 a.m. - Welcome - Opening Prayer

8:45 a.m - 11:30am - Sessions and school visit preparation

11:30 a.m. - Lunch

12:15 p.m. - Depart for school visits

2:30 p.m. - 3:00p.m. - Return to Farm 12 in Puyallup for group reflection, sharing, final session, and group dinner.

3:15 p.m. - Group debrief and discussion

4:00 p.m. - Closing session

5:00 p.m. - Group dinner

6:30 p.m. - Adjourn Day #2 - Commuters return to schools/homes, overnight guests travel to hotels

DAY 3 - UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, TACOMA

Breakfast at home or at hotel (Breakfast not provided)

8:45 a.m. - Arrive at UW Tacoma

9:15 a.m. - Welcome - Opening Prayer

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Sessions

11:30 a.m. - Lunch

12:15 p.m. - Final session, closing ceremony

1:00 p.m. - Depart

Questions? Email Angie Benjamin at Green River College: careersined@greenriver.edu