DEADLINE | SUMMER INSTITUTE Tejiendo Saberes: Indigenous Knowledges and Practices in Guatemala

Applications are now open for this summer’s K12 Educator Institute in Guatemala!

Program Overview

This institute emphasizes Maya ways of knowing and teaching, offering participants hands-on experiences, meaningful cultural exchanges, and valuable insights to enhance their classroom practices. Participants will engage with local educators, experts, and community-based organizations while exploring sites of cultural, historical, and educational significance. The program includes visits to Indigenous weaving collectives, sustainable coffee plantations, a reforestation project, and local schools, providing educators with varied perspectives on Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary challenges. Through these experiences, educators will develop culturally responsive teaching strategies that honor and amplify Indigenous voices and experiences.

Who Should Apply

• All K-12 educators are eligible
• Teachers serving Central American student populations are encouraged to apply
• Spanish language proficiency is not required and will not affect application review

Learning Objectives

By the end of the institute, participants will be able to:

• Develop culturally responsive teaching strategies using Maya perspectives and knowledge systems
• Apply Indigenous educational methodologies and their applications to K12 settings
• Create engaging lesson plans representing Guatemala’s Indigenous cultures and practices
• Connect sustainable agricultural practices with Indigenous knowledge systems
• Implement innovative teaching methods from Guatemalan educational settings
• Design learning experiences that foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship

Application Deadline: February 10, 2025

Notification of Acceptance: February 24, 2025

Deposit Due: March 10, 2025

APPLY HERE

Program Cost and Financial Aid

A non-refundable deposit of $500 will be required to secure your space upon acceptance. The estimated total program cost is $1,700 (excludes airfare). Participants are responsible for arranging and purchasing their own flights. Funding opportunities are available to support educator participation.

To apply for financial assistance, please submit this form along with your application.

This summer institute is the third initiative in a four-year series in collaboration with The Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University, The Center for Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies (CLACX) at Vanderbilt University and The Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Arizona. This programming is made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Education Title VI Grant program.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Cynthia Garza at Tulane University’s Latin American Resource Center at cgarza@tulane.edu