Bureau of Indian Education Provides Impactful, Purpose-Driven Workplace

Bureau of Indian Education elementary school teachers contribute to the Bureau’s mission of excellence in student-centered, Indigenous education. Every day, they meet the educational needs of the BIE’s Indigenous students in 23 states across 64 reservations, empowering them to thrive. 

BIE teachers support preserving and revitalizing Indigenous cultural identities and languages for students as young as 3 while promoting a culturally based and holistic education. This commitment fosters an environment where students can excel academically while building a strong sense of self and community. The BIE focuses on its students’ holistic development, and the teachers nurture every aspect of their growth, including cultural, emotional, and mental well-being. 

“My favorite part of being an elementary education is seeing the happiness on a student's face when they finally achieve an understanding of a subject they struggle with,” said Lonna Harwood, a special education classroom technician at Nenahnezad Community School in Fruitland, New Mexico. “The students’ struggles turn into ‘I can do this,’ which leads to self-confidence.” 

By fostering strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, BIE elementary school teachers prepare students to become community leaders and equip them for life beyond school from the beginning. 

Caroleen Damon-Frank has taught for the BIE for over two decades and teaches English Language Arts at Red Rock Day School in Red Valley, Arizona. 

“The BIE has offered me many opportunities to learn a variety of skills and to grow professionally in communicating, problem-solving, leadership skills, patience, adapting to new things, critical thinking, reasoning, time management and emotional intelligence,” she said. “I have grown alongside the students.” 

Throughout their career, all BIE teachers uphold the Bureau’s core values, including excellence, respect for cultural diversity, and accountability. By embracing responsibility, collaborating with stakeholders, and maintaining integrity, they establish a strong foundation for professional character in their educational role and profoundly impact the communities they serve for generations. 

For more information about the Bureau of Indian Education as an employer, including current vacancies, visit the BIE’s Human Resources webpage.