Associate Deputy Director of Tribally Controlled Schools
The Associate Deputy Director for Tribally Controlled Schools oversees schools operated by Tribal governments under Public Law 93-638. This office ensures these schools receive the necessary funding, technical assistance, and support to deliver high-quality education while respecting tribal sovereignty and cultural priorities. It emphasizes collaboration with Tribal leadership to promote self-determination and enhance educational opportunities for Native students.
Cherie Poitra is the Associate Deputy Director of Tribally Controlled Schools and an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. She was born and raised on the Indian Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota, where she resides with her family. Both Dr. Poitra and her children graduated from tribally controlled schools.
In her role, Dr. Poitra supports Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools managed by tribal entities but not directly operated by the BIE. She collaborates with these schools through Education Resource Centers, which serve 97 tribally controlled schools across 23 states.
Dr. Poitra has dedicated her career to transforming Indian education and empowering tribal communities by promoting pedagogical approaches and curricula that align with Indigenous teachings. As the Associate Deputy Director, she works with tribal nations to encourage self-determination through education. Tribally Controlled Schools play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting traditional knowledge.
Before her appointment to the Bureau of Indian Education in April 2018, Dr. Poitra was a school Superintendent and a special education director. Throughout her 28-year career, she has held various positions, including paraprofessional, educator, and administrator. Dr. Poitra began her professional journey as a paraprofessional at Turtle Mountain Community High School in Belcourt and progressed to the role of special education instructor. While working in the Belcourt School District, she obtained her Superintendent certification, K-12 principal certification, and special education director certification.
Dr. Poitra holds a Doctor of Education, a master’s degree in special education, and dual bachelor’s degrees in elementary and early childhood education from the University of North Dakota.
