American Indian Education
The Office of American Indian Education provides guidance and leadership to local educational agencies seeking partnership with any of the 39 Sovereign Tribal Nations. Services include technical assistance and quality professional development to bridge connections between the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Local Education Agencies, and Tribal Education Agencies.
Our Service to Public Schools
Services include technical assistance and quality professional development to bridge connections between the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), and Tribal Educational Agencies (TEAs). Our mission is to facilitate culturally appropriate partnerships that sustain lifelong educational benefits for tribal citizens to feel represented in the Oklahoma K-12 public education system.
List of Technical Services
- Develop culturally appropriate and multi-disciplinary educational resources and information representing the diversity of tribal affiliations in Oklahoma.
- Facilitate cross-agency tribal collaboration and consultation frameworks to strengthen local dialogue and restore broken systematic relationships.
- Organize federal, tribal, state, and local educational partners to ensure inclusion and positive learning environments for 130,000+ American Indian students.
Services include technical assistance information and appropriate professional development, as well as, collaborative efforts to bridge the gap between the state, tribal nations, and schools. The office will provide educators with continued access to culturally appropriate resources/information and in-service that reflects teaching strategies and learning styles which ensure full inclusion of the Native American child in a positive learning environment and furthers the educational opportunities of the Native American students enrolled in Oklahoma’s public schools.
Helpful Links
- Bureau of Indian Education
- National Congress of American Indians
- National Indian Education Association
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Oklahoma Council for Indian Education
- U.S. Office of Indian Education
- Oklahoma Department of Libraries
- Federally Recognized Tribes in OK
- Tribal Jurisdiction Map
- Tribal Education Departments National Assembly
- List of Federally Recognized Tribes in Oklahoma
Scholarships
Forms
Facts and Figures
- There are over 150,000 Native American students attending Oklahoma public schools.
- For FY 2024-25, Oklahoma has over 400 Title VI Indian Education programs in Oklahoma public schools.
- As of 2024, Native American students make up about 15% of the total student population in Oklahoma, which is one of the highest proportions in the United States.
Contact Us
OSDE Office of American Indian Education
2500 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 114
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Jackie White
American Indian Education Program Director
(405) 522-5311
Randal Zotigh
American Indian Education Liaison
(405) 522-0241
Kida Upshaw
American Indian Education Specialist
(405) 522-8742
Jonny Aultman
American Indian Education Coordinator
(405) 522-8646