SUU Teacher Candidates Gain Invaluable Cultural Insights Through Monument Valley Practicum
Published: April 14, 2025 | Author: Jacob Carr | Read Time: 2 minutes
Cedar City, UT – Southern Utah University (SUU) recently concluded a unique practicum experience for its secondary education majors at Monument Valley High School, located within the Navajo Nation. This immersive week-long program, held in early February, aimed to equip future educators with a deeper understanding of culturally responsive teaching and its impact on student engagement and success.
The practicum, a collaborative effort between SUU and Monument Valley High School, provided students with hands-on experience in a culturally diverse educational setting. By engaging directly with administrators, teachers, and the local community, SUU teacher candidates gained invaluable insights into how cultural and contextual factors shape classroom dynamics. This experience allowed our students to see firsthand how culturally relevant materials, community engagement, and relationship-based teaching methods influence student motivation and overall educational success.
Students utilized the Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Observation Protocol (CRIOP) to analyze teaching and classroom management strategies, contrasting their findings with experiences in the Iron County School District. They also participated in cultural immersion activities, including visits to local landmarks and learning about Navajo traditions. Beyond classroom observations, these experiences provided critical context, fostering a deeper appreciation for the community and its unique educational landscape. A key component of the practicum involved students co-teaching and leading lessons, incorporating culturally relevant content into their instruction. This practical experience provided valuable exposure to the challenges and rewards of teaching in a diverse environment.
The culmination of the practicum was presentations at SUU’s Festival of Excellence, where students shared their observations and reflections. These presentations emphasized the importance of culturally responsive practices in future classrooms.
The Monument Valley practicum underscored the importance of tailoring teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse students and highlighted the impact of community culture and regional resources on learning environments. This experience will undoubtedly shape the way students approach teaching in the future, fostering inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms.
The practicum represents SUU's commitment to providing its teacher candidates with real-world experiences that prepare them to excel in diverse educational settings.
The Department of Teacher Education at Southern Utah University is committed to developing and nurturing educators who value all people in the communities they serve. Such professional educators will act as agents of change, advocate for equity and justice in their schools and communities, and will embolden students to do the same.
Tags: Student Teacher Education College of Education and Human Development Academic
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu