Advising

Advising

B.A. in Elementary Education

If your last name begins with … your advisor is:

A – B N/A
C – G Blackhorse Mitchell
NHC 601C. 928.724.6817
bmitchell@dinecollege.edu
H – N Herman Cody
NHC 601C. 928.724.6703
hcody@dinecollege.edu
O – Z Thomas Benally
NHC 601D. 928.724.6818
tbenally@dinecollege.edu

A.A. in Early Childhood Education

Advisors

If your last name begins with … your advisor is:

A – Z Barsine Benally
928.724.6816
barbenally@dinecollege.edu

Recommended Sequence of ECE Courses

ECE Courses

Course # Course Title Credits
ECE-111 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3
ECE-116 Language and Cognitive Development 3
ECE-220 Creative Arts for Young Children 3
ECE-108 Field Experience 4
ECE-225 Child Growth and Development 3
ECE-235 K’e Adaa’ Akohwiindzin, Social Development and Community 3
ECE-245 Wellness and Special Needs for Young Children 4
ECE-110 Field Experience II 4

DEAN'S OFFICE

Dean
Rex Lee Jim
rljim@dinecollege.edu

Administrative Assistant
Annette Lang
alang@dinecollege.edu
(928) 724-6658

Mail
PO Box C03
Tsaile, AZ 86556

Meet Our Faculty – SDSE

Mr. Rex Lee Jim, Hataałii, Dean of SDSE

Executive Director, Navajo Sovereignty Institute
Ordained Blessing Way Singer, The Diné School of Navajo Ceremonial Science, Navajo Nation
M.A., Middlebury College, Masters of Letters in English
M.A., Middlebury College, English
B.A. Princeton University, English

(928) 724-6658
rljim@dinecollege.edu

Dr. Suzanne Wolf

PhD, Arizona State University, Educational Psychology, Subspecialty: Quantitative Research Methods>br />
MA, Arizona State University, School Psychology
Honors BA, Marquette University, Psychology

Mr. Roger Benally, Hataałii, Professor

M.Ed., Doane College, Educational Leadership
M.Ed., Doane College, Curriculum & Instruction
B.A., Prescott College, Education

(928) 724-6659
rpbenally@dinecollege.edu

Mr. Thomas P. Benally, Instructor

M.Ed., Doane College, Curriculum & Instruction
B.S., Northern Arizona University, Education

(928) 724-6815
tbenally@dinecollege.edu

Dr. Herman Cody, Associate Professor

Ed.D., Arizona State University, Educational Leadership and Supervision M.A., Northern Arizona University, Bilingual/Multicultural Education B.S., Northern Arizona University, Elementary Education
A.A., University of New Mexico, Recreational Leadership

BAEE Faculty
(928) 724-6703
hcody@dinecollege.edu

Avery Denny

Dr. Avery Denny, Hataałii, Professor

President of Diné Hataałii Association, Inc
Ordained Blessing Way Singer,Blessing Way/Hózhóój7, Protection way/ Naayée’eejí, and Night Chant/T[’44j7 Hat11l. The Diné School of Navajo Ceremonial Science, Navajo Nation

(928) 724-6664
adenny@dinecollege.edu

Mrs. Sharon James, Instructor

M.Ed., Northern Arizona University, ESL and Bilingual Education, Multicultural Education
M.Ed., Arizona State University, Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education
B.A., Diné College, Elementary Education
A.A., Diné College, Elementary Education

(928) 724-6657
sharojames@dinecollege.edu

Thomas Littleben

Mr. Thomas Littleben Jr., Instructor

B.S., Northern Arizona University, Human Relations
A.A., Diné College, Diné Studies
A.A., Diné College, Navajo Language

(928) 724-6665
tlittleb@dinecollege.edu

David P. Nez, Instructor

M.A., Navajo Technical University, Navajo Language, Culture, and Leadership
B.A., University of New Mexico, College of Education
A.A., University of New Mexico-Gallup, Health, P.E., and Recreation

davnez@dinecollege.edu
(928)724–6701

Mrs. Barsine Onyenedo, Instructor

A.B.D., Fielding Graduate University, Leadership for Change
M.Ed., Doane College, Educational Leadership
B.A., Arizona Date University, Multilingual/Multicultural Education
A.A., Diné College, Bilingual/Bicultural Elementary Education
A.A., Diné College, Navajo Language

(928) 724-6816
bonyenedo@dinecollege.edu

Michelle Whitstone

B.A. Elementary Education

Changing Navajo Education One Classroom at a Time

MISSION

Bá’ólta’í adoodleełgi bína’niltin bił hazánídóó éí bá’ólta’í áyoolííł, Diné bizaad dóó Diné bi’ó’ool’įįł yee yinootį́į́ł. Bá’ólta’í bohónéedzáanii dadooleeł. Na’nitin yíhooł’ą́’ígíí t’áá ałtso da’ołta’í yee neidínóotįįł. Óhoo’aah bił nahaz’ą́ą́góó ólta’í Sá’ąh Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón bik’ehgo Diné bizaad dóó bi’ó’ool’įįł dóó Bilagáana bizaad dóó bi’ó’ool’įįł yee hadiléé dooleeł.

The School of Diné Studies and Education is preparing future teachers continuously. Teaching includes Diné languages and Cultures. Enabling them to become respectful, effective teachers. The teachers will use Navajo teachings with all students. Their lessons will be based on Sá’ąh Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón. They will develop their students according to Navajo teachings and traditions.

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (B.A.)

Application
Fall/Spring Admission

About Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (BAEE)

The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program prepares prospective teachers to develop the necessary values, knowledge, skills, and confidence to promote children’s academic skills and confident cultural identities in English and Navajo.

To assess student learning, each teacher candidate develops a working portfolio in semester’s I-III that reflects the candidate’s unique experiences, aims, and desires as measured against the goals and competencies of the semester’s courses and apprenticeship activities.

rom the working portfolio, candidates develop a presentation portfolio in semester IV that is presented to the college community.

The program is offered on a full-time basis at the Tsaile campus. Individuals may apply any time of year but are formally considered in spring. The application deadline is June 1. This allows for an admission decision prior to the Navajo Nation Scholarship deadline.
Admission criteria are as follows:

  • Completion of an A.A. in Elementary Education (based on the College’s 2009-2010 or more recent catalog) or Education (based on the 2012-13 catalog) with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better
  • Passing score on the NES Elementary subject knowledge subtests I and II (this requirement is being phased in; recent applicants were required to at, a minimum, take the test)
  • Current Navajo Nation tribal background check;
  • Current Fingerprint Clearance Card from the state of Arizona
  • Application with essay (completed at the Center for Diné Teacher Education) and unofficial transcripts;
  • Personal interview with an BAEE admissions committee

Applications from individuals who hold an A.A. in Elementary Education from another institution or from Diné College prior to fall 2009, or an A.A. in different academic specialization, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. These individuals may need to take additional lower-division coursework.

BAEE Application Process

Step 1: Submit initial application:

  • Completed application
  • Essay (writing at the Learning Center).
  • Unofficial transcripts (or copies) of all college coursework.
  • Copy of score on NES elementary education subject knowledge exams.
  • Copies of Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card and Navajo Nation Tribal Background check.

Step 2: On-campus interviews will be scheduled for eligible candidates

Step 3: Upon acceptance into the program:

  • Submit a completed application and required materials for admission to Diné College (if not currently enrolled). For assistance in completing this item, please contact Admissions at (928) 724-6634.
  • Submit completed applications for Financial Aid (FAFSA, tribal, etc). For assistance, contact Financial Aid at (928) 724-6738.

Submit a completed application for housing (if planning to live on-campus). For assistance in completing this item, contact Residence Life at (928) 724-6782.

Professional Preparation Coursework

*Candidates may petition to graduate with an A.A. in Education upon completion of General Education Core and Lower Level Requirements (61-64).

** Admission to the Professional Preparation courses requires the following:

  • 53 credits that include: EDU 200, 238, 240, 261, and 297; MTH 280 and 281; three lab sciences; NAV 101 or 211; ENG 101 and 102; and 12 other General Education credits
  • CGPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Scores from NES Elementary Subject Knowledge Tests I and II
  • Current Navajo Nation and Arizona background checks
  • Official transcripts
  • Interview with BAEE admissions committee
General Education Core Credits
Communications
ENG 101: Freshman English I
ENG 102: Freshman English II
6
Humanities and Fine Arts
Students must choose two courses from:
Art History (ARH)
English (ENG) 212, 213, 231, 233, 234, 241, 297
Fine Arts (FA)
Humanities (HUM)
Theater (THR) 101, 102
6
Mathematics Student must take appropriate course based on major.
MTH 110: College Algebra
MTH 114: College Mathematics
MTH 106: Survey on College Mathematics
3-4
Social and Behavioral Science
Students must choose one History (HST) 101, 102, 135, 136 course and one other course from:
Anthropology (ANT)
Sociology (SOC)
Social Work (SWO)
Social Science (SSC)
Political Science (POS)
Economics (ECO)
Psychology (PSY)
6
Laboratory Science
Students must choose one Life Science and one
Physical Science course both with labs from:
Life Science: BIO
Physical Science: AGR, AST, CHM, ENV, GLG, PHY, PHS
8
Physical Education and Health Education
PEH 122
PEH 113-148
Health Education (HEE)
HEE 110, 111, 112
2-3
Navajo Studies
One Navajo Language Course Based on Placement Test (NAV 101, 102, 201, 202, or 211)
NIS 111: Foundations of Navajo Culture and
NIS 221: Navajo History to Present 9-10
2-3
Required Core Total Students transferring may need to take additional courses to meet core requirements. 40-43
Semester I Credits
EDU 345 Understanding Human Development in Schools 3
EDU 352 Methods for Teaching Diné Educational Philosophy in B – 12 Schools 3
EDU 353 Diversity in Navajo and American Indian Education 3
EDU 354 Emergent Literacy, Language Learning, and Assessment in Bilingual/ESL Settings 3
EDU 358 Field Experience I 2
Program Credits 14
SEMESTER II Credits
EDU 360 Special Education in Indigenous Classrooms 3
EDU 361 Methods for Language Diverse Students I 3
EDU 362 Integrated Elementary Teaching Methods for Bilingual/ESL Classrooms I 3
EDU 374 Bilingual/ESL Reading Methods, Management, and Assessment 3
EDU 378 Field Experience II 2
Program Credits 14
SEMESTER III Credits
EDU 474 Bilingual/ESL Writing Methods, Management, and Assessment 3
EDU 475 Methods for Language Diverse Students II 3
EDU 476 SEI/ESL for Linguistically Diverse Students II 3
EDU 477 Integrated Elementary Teaching Methods for Bilingual/ESL Classroom II 3
EDU 478 Field Experience III 2
Program Credits 14
SEMESTER IV Credits
EDU 496 School Law 2
EDU 498 Student Teaching 8
EDU 499 Dine Education Seminar 2
Program Credits 12
Content Emphasis Credits
NAV 102 or 212
NAV 201 or 301
NAV 202 or 289
9-12
Degree Earned Credits
General Education 40-43
Lower Division Program Requirements 24
Upper Division Program Requirements 63-66
Total Credits Earned: 127-133
Program Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code Code Title
13.1202 Elementary Education and Teaching

DEAN'S OFFICE

Dean
Rex Lee Jim
rljim@dinecollege.edu

Administrative Assistant
Annette Lang
alang@dinecollege.edu
(928) 724-6658

Mail
PO Box C03
Tsaile, AZ 86556

Programs

Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) in Elementary Education

The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program prepares prospective teachers develop the necessary values, knowledge, skills, and confidence so they can promote children’s academic skills and competent cultural identities in English and Navajo. The program is offered at Tsaile campuson a full-time basis only.

Individuals may apply any time of the year but are formally considered in spring and must enter the program in the fall. more information

Associates of Arts (A.A.) in Education

The Associate of Arts in Education introduces students to teaching, encourages them to reflect upon and pursue teaching as a career, and prepares them for successful participation in B.A.-level programs at Diné College and other colleges and universities. Each student develops a portfolio of student learning projects completed during each course in the program. more information

Associates of Arts (A.A.) in Early Childhood Education

The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program introduces students to working with young children (up to age 8) and prepares them for successful participation in B.A.-level programs at other colleges and universities and for employment in a related field. more information

Chair and Contact

Contact Information

School of Diné Studies and Education
Ned Hatathli Center (NHC)
Tsaile Campus

Mail
PO Box C-15
Tsaile, AZ 86556

Fax
928.724.6839

Dean

School of Diné Studies and Education

Welcome to the School of Diné Studies and Education

We have recently merged former Division of Dine Studies and Division of Center for Dine Teacher Education, into one School. We currently have a School Dean, an Administrative Assistant, and a combined count of 13 faculties that teach courses which fall under the School of Dine Studies and Education. We have 2 Certificate programs, 3 Associate of Arts degree programs, 2 Bachelor of Arts degree programs, 1 Bachelor of Science degree program, and 2 endorsements programs.

The SDSE now offers a variety of courses online via the College’s course management system, Blackboard. Are they right for you? Does online learning suit your style of learning? Will you be satisfied taking courses in an online environment? Consider the following things that are expected of students enrolled in Distance Education courses (the list below is adapted from a similar list created by New Mexico State University):

  • I have a reliable computer and internet access necessary to participate successfully in a distance education course.
  • I am able to devote 4 to 8 hours online, per week per course, to distance learning.
  • My schedule is predictable enough to plan ahead for study and coursework.
  • I have the time management skills to balance the demands of school and a job (in other words, I will not leave my assignments until the last minute).
  • I am organized, motivated, and self-disciplined.
  • I am willing to take responsibility for getting whatever help I need by asking questions of other students and the instructor.
  • I have strong reading and writing skills.
  • I feel comfortable expressing my ideas and questions in writing and have successfully done so using email and discussion boards in the past.
  • I am comfortable downloading and installing software.
  • I look forward to learning new computer technologies or will try even if somewhat apprehensive.

In addition to study habits, it is important to also possess the technical skills necessary to complete an online course. Consider the following computer skills that are expected of teacher candidates taking online courses:

  • I understand basic file management tasks such as creating and renaming files and folders.
  • I know how to save and retrieve files and documents.
  • I know how to upload files.
  • I am able to have several applications open at the same time and move between them.
  • I know how to install software on my computer.
  • I can describe any technical difficulties I may have in order to receive assistance.
  • I am familiar with word processing software and can use it comfortably.
  • I understand how to use email.
  • I know how to keep my software, such as internet browsers, up to date.
  • I understand how to change my browser settings.
  • I know how to search the Web effectively.
  • I understand how to read and follow technical instructions to accomplish new tasks.
  • You take classes close to home. We also have student housing.
  • Tuition is affordable. Financial Aid is also available from Pell Grants and The Navajo Nation.
  • The program is based on Sa’ah Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhoon. It includes Navajo Teaching, Culture, History, and Philosophy, and prepares you to teach children, k-12 setting.
  • Graduates are eligible for licensure. You are qualified for provisional teaching license and an SEI endorsement in Arizona or an initial license in New Mexico, and to teach in K-8 classrooms on The Navajo Nation.
  • As a licensed professional, you will be highly sought out by schools and districts across The Navajo Nation.
  • You can go full-time or part-time. Classes take place in the evenings and on weekends. You can keep your present job.
  • Ninety-five percent of our licensed graduates teach in Navajo Schools. They make good money. Many have continued their education to earn master’s and doctoral degrees.

Testimonials

Description with interviews about the Navajo Immersion program at Tséhootsooi Elementary School in Fort Defiance, Arizona, along with its connections to the School of Diné Studies and Education.

Watch on YouTube

DEAN'S OFFICE

Rex Lee Jim
Dean of Dine Studies and Education
rljim@dinecollege.edu
(928)724-6977

Annette Lang
Administrative Assistant
alang@dinecollege.edu
(928) 724-6658

Mail
PO Box C03
Tsaile, AZ 86556