Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP)
Established in 2016, the Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP) prepares and certifies culturally responsive Indigenous teachers to meet the unique needs of Native American students in K–12 schools. IKEEP scholars learn within a cohort model committed to innovation and excellence in Indigenous education.
Today, IKEEP has expanded into a wraparound service model, IKEEP Pathways, which mentors and supports Indigenous scholars dedicated to strengthening education outcomes for Indigenous youth.
Indigenous educator framework
Through IKEEP Pathways, the program offers:
- Dual credit courses for high school students
- A first cohort of IKEEP apprentices
- A first cohort of educational leaders pursuing principalship
- A third cohort of teacher education scholars
- New professional development systems for educators statewide
The IKEEP model is built on collaboration with Tribal communities, with a focus on sovereign-affirming education outcomes.
Research shows Native American and Alaska Native students achieve greater success when their cultures, languages and community values are reflected in classroom learning.
Supported by partnerships with University of Idaho’s MOU Tribes, IKEEP recruits, mentors and places Indigenous educators in schools serving high populations of Native American students. Idaho’s MOU Tribes include the:
- Coeur d’Alene Tribe
- Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
- Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
- Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
- Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
- Kalispel Tribe of Indians
- Kootenai Tribe
- Nez Perce Tribe
- Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
- Shoshone-Paiute Tribes
- and Spokane Tribe of Indians.
IKEEP also welcomes scholars from additional Tribal communities.
Consortium Tribal Partnerships
The Nez Perce and Coeur d’Alene Tribes partner with IKEEP to strengthen the recruitment of Tribal scholars across all IKEEP pathways. Together, they offer specialized professional development through regional Indigenous pedagogy summits and provide induction support for newly placed teachers and administrators.
Consortium Tribes also collaborate to offer professional development workshops for faculty and K–12 educators in regional school districts and higher education institutions.
Pathway 2 applications
Participate in IKEEP Apprenticeships.
Pathway 3 applications
Participate in the IKEEP Pre-Service Teacher Cohort
IKEEP Pathways
With support from Idaho workforce development funding, IKEEP has launched IKEEP Pathways — a longtime vision to close gaps in the education system that underserved Indigenous students. Pathways offer a wraparound service model that:
- Introduces high school students to Indigenous education
- Provides apprenticeships for undergraduate students
- Prepares teachers through a cohort-based model
- Develops Indigenous leaders for principal certification
- Offers professional development for K–12 educators
Each pathway is grounded in sovereign-affirming, culturally responsive practices that strengthen Indigenous education and community wellness.
Pathway 1: Indigenous education for high school students
IKEEP for Young People introduces high school students to Indigenous education through dual credit courses, mentorship from Indigenous educators, and hands-on, land-based learning experiences focused on land, place and community.
Courses are offered at:
- Moscow High School, Moscow School District
- Lakeside High School, Plummer-Worley School District
- Lapwai High School, Lapwai School District
- Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School, Shoshone-Bannock School District
- Owyhee Combined School, Elko County School District
Pathway 2: IKEEP apprenticeships - APPLY NOW
Undergraduate students from four Idaho colleges and universities can participate in IKEEP Apprenticeships. Apprentices attend semester summits, engage in regional Indian Education conferences, and receive stipends to support their participation.
Pathway 3: IKEEP Pre-Service Teacher Cohort - APPLY NOW
The IKEEP Pre-Service Teacher Cohort builds strong professional learning communities for Indigenous future teachers. This pathway strengthens sovereign-affirming, culturally grounded education practices for serving Indigenous students and their communities.
Pathway 4: IKEEP Indigenous Education Leadership Cohort
The Indigenous Education Leadership Cohort prepares Indigenous educators for principal certification. These leaders will nurture and sustain school ecosystems that serve Tribal communities across Idaho.
Pathway 5: Professional development for educators
IKEEP offers professional development workshops, both online and in person, for Idaho schools seeking to improve instruction, pedagogy, and culturally responsive practices that support Indigenous students and honor Tribal sovereignty.
Our commitment
IKEEP is dedicated to building and sustaining respectful, reciprocal and responsible relationships with Indigenous scholars and Tribal Nations. Through education, research and professional development, IKEEP advances the nation-building goals of University of Idaho’s MOU Tribes and supports Tribal sovereignty across the region.
Meet our people
EHHS staff
Vanessa Anthony-Stevens
Yolanda Bisbee
Raymond A. Dixon
Angela Jacobson
Juhee Kim
David Smith
Elizabeth Wargo
Advisory Board members
IKEEP maintains a general advisory committee and an educational leadership advisory committee to ensure regional stakeholders and partners are involved in program design and implementation.
General Advisory Board
- David Aiken, Superintendent, Lapwai School District
- Jason Cummins, Assistant Professor, Montana State University, Crow Agency School
- Janine Darragh, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, University of Idaho
- Johanna Jones, Engaged Citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; Indigenous education consultant, American Institutes of Research
- Joyce McFarland, Nez Perce Education Manager, Nez Perce Tribe
- Brant Miller, Associate Professor of Science Education, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, University of Idaho
- Taylor Raney, Director of Teacher Education, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, University of Idaho
- Philip Stevens, Assistant Professor and Director of American Indian Studies, Department of Culture, Society and Justice, University of Idaho
- Zoe Higheagle Strong, Executive Director of Tribal Relations, Office of the Provost & Assistant Professor, College of Education, Washington State University
- Patsy Whitefoot, Chair of Indian Education Committee, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI)
Education Leader Advisory Committee
- Jason Cummins, Assistant Professor, Montana State University
- D’Lisa Penney, Principal, Lapwai Middle-High School
- Alex Red Corn, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Kansas State University