YSTI Frequently Asked Questions (2026 Edition)

• Do I need to have experience in Indigenous Studies? 

Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration and reflective practice is what matters.

• How is the Institute relevant to STEM? 
  The Institute examines ecological systems, land stewardship, environmental science, engineering practices, and long-term observational knowledge held by Indigenous communities. These topics connect directly to science and engineering education.

• Will I get professional development credit? 
  Documentation of program hours will be provided for district PD requirements.

• When is the summer program being held?

The program will take place from Sunday, July 12th – Friday, July 24th, 2026. 

Please also keep in mind that hotel check-in and check-out dates may occur before and after these dates.

• Is participation fully in-person? 
  Yes. Teachers must attend the full two-week summer institute and participate in the four virtual sessions beforehand.

• What costs are covered? 
  Travel, meals, and accommodations during institute activities including overnight site visits are covered. A childcare honorarium is available.

• Is this a curriculum development program? 
  No. The Institute focuses on reflection and shared interdisciplinary practice. Teachers will complete a collaborative exercise that explores how these histories and approaches can live in educational environments. It is not intended to produce a polished classroom curriculum.

• How many teachers will participate? 
  The Institute will accept approximately 20–30 educators to support meaningful discussion, site visits, and collaboration.

• Can administrators apply? 
  This program is designed for classroom-based educators. Administrators may participate only if they carry ongoing classroom responsibilities.

• Can paraprofessionals or instructional aides apply? 
  Applications from certified classroom educators are prioritized, but instructional specialists may be considered depending on alignment with institute goals.

• How intensive are the institute days? 
  Days include workshops, land-based learning, site visits, discussions, and group collaboration. Participation is full-day. 

• What is the Curriculum Showcase? 
  The showcase is a presentation of group projects in April 2027. It is an opportunity to share ideas with educators and the broader community.

• What is the year-long commitment after the summer institute?

Participants work collaboratively in small groups throughout the 2026–2027 academic year. The expectation includes:

• Monthly small-group check-ins (60–75 minutes), scheduled by each group based on what works best for teachers.

• Three full-cohort virtual meetings (October 2026, January 2027, March 2027) to share progress, receive guidance, and troubleshoot challenges.

• Optional office hours with Institute staff and partners for additional support.

• A collaborative interdisciplinary project developed gradually over the year, focused on how the institute’s themes and approaches might live in educational environments.