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Education

Department Welcome and Overview

  • AS Elementary Education 
  • AS Early Childhood Education 
  • Certificate in Early Childhood Development 
  • 2+2 BS Elementary & Early Childhood Education University of Montana-Western

Our Story

The Education Division at Blackfeet Community College is dedicated to cultivating high-quality future educators who embody the Piikani Way of Knowing, or “niitsiittupyo’maitukssin,” and facilitate diverse and impactful learning experiences in their educational careers. Our innovative program deviates from traditional educator preparation models by integrating teacher candidates directly into classroom settings, complementing necessary support structures. This approach ensures that candidates gain theoretical and practical knowledge and a deep understanding of the local public school environment before completing their program.

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Our Vision

The program is crafted to integrate the distinctive cultural values of the Blackfeet Nation, equipping educators to incorporate these values into their teaching practices. The Education Department has established strategic partnerships with local schools to address the teacher shortage challenges prevalent across Montana. As a result, our teacher candidates consistently secure permanent positions within these partnering districts upon completing their degrees.

Our Mission

The program is designed to integrate the distinctive cultural values of the Blackfeet Nation, preparing educators to effectively incorporate these values into their pedagogical practices. The Education Division offers a range of programs that align with Montana's mission to serve the Blackfeet Nation and surrounding communities. Our division seamlessly incorporates Pikuni language, history, and culture into our academic offerings. We prepare students for elementary and early childhood education careers while supporting traditional and non-traditional learners. Collaborating with education leaders, we develop initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and enhance educational outcomes for children and adults.

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Department Programs/Services

  • 2+2 BS Elementary & Early Childhood Education
  • Night classes to provide educators the opportunity to receive their higher education while also teaching in our school district
  • Adjunct Instructors who are also teachers in the school district (teachers teaching teachers)

Division Community Advisory Committee

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The Advisory Team and BFCC adjunct instructors are all alumni of the BFCC/UM Westerns 2+2 Education Program.

Our education advisory team, 2+2 Blackfeet Community College, and UM Western Graduates from 2018-2022. I am very thankful and proud to have such a gifted and talented team. We are hiring top school-educated people for our BCC education advisory team. They bring years of experience, knowledge, and education with them. Five of the seven have a master's in Education Learning Development and one in Early Childhood Development.

Pommotsiiysinni- Transfer of Knowledge

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A Time for Learning...A Time for Change…Tom Thompson

The Blackfeet Community College Education Division seeks to develop quality future educators who embrace niitsiittupyo’maitukssin “Pikanii ways of knowing.” It will provide access to diverse and dynamic learning for careers in Education. Our education programs offer coursework that will lead to the completion of both the general education and professional core program requirements in Elementary and Early Childhood. The education curriculum provides authentic learning opportunities and can be modified to fit the student’s educational needs. The learning environment maintains and provides opportunities for students to interact with other scholars (such as college instructors, classroom teachers, and students), engage in inquiry, develop critical thinking strategies, solve complex problems, and build practical communication skills. The program will prepare the students for Montana Elementary K – 8 Teacher Certification or Early Childhood Education employment opportunities within our community and state.

Department Staff Directory