Executive Director Charitina Fritzler and Founder and Board President Craig Dougherty announced that The National American Indian, Alaskan & Hawaiian Educational Development Center is now First People’s Center for Education (FPCFE). Officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004, the center, based in Sheridan Wyoming, began working with experts [...]
January 29, 2013
Executive Director Charitina Fritzler and Founder and Board President Craig Dougherty announced that The National American Indian, Alaskan & Hawaiian Educational Development Center is now First People’s Center for Education (FPCFE).
Officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004, the center, based in Sheridan Wyoming, began working with experts in early learning in 1999 to develop results oriented professional development to promote and support effective teaching and learning in indigenous communities. Focusing on creating systemic support, particularly in the areas of mathematics and literacy, FPCFE’s comprehensive approach relies on long-term partnerships with schools to develop local capacity to ensure the best possible classroom instruction.
“Our original name accurately described our primary partners, but the new name certainly rolls off the tongue a lot more easily!” Fritzler laughed. She said that numerous stakeholders had suggested that the organization consider a shorter name. After months of consultation with partners, First People’s Center for Education rose to the top. The organization also is unveiling a new logo that conveys the energy and focus of the new name.
FPCFE’s model of rigorous professional development, professional collaboration, community engagement and on-going support has demonstrated success in schools with significant populations of indigenous students. The organization’s 18 current partner schools are located throughout Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, and Washington.
For more information about FPCFE or becoming a FPCFE Partner School, contact Charitina Fritzler at charitina.fritzler@fpcfe.org.
Executive Director Fritzler and Board Chair Dougherty unveil The Center’s new logo.
Recent News
October 4, 2012
FPCFE team gathered together September 19th, 2012 in Sheridan, Wyoming to acknowledge Program Specialists, Terry Martin, Bob Simpson and Dee Swanson. These individuals were honored with the customary Pendleton blankets for their loyal and heartfelt service to our Native schools.
June 22, 2012
“Leaders lead, our new FPCFE Mathematics Leaders have put their schools at the front of the initiative to improve student learning.” Terry MartinBeginning this past June at the 2011 FPCFE Summit, five experienced teachers started on the path to becoming site-based mathematics leaders with the knowledge to further the current initiatives within their schools. Rana [...]
June 22, 2012
Wyola School (Wyola, Montana), Wyoming Indian Elementary and Wyoming Indian Middle School (Ethete, Wyoming), St. Labre Middle School Academy (Ashland, Montana) and the newest FPCFE Strength in Number Leadership group were honored to have Dr. Bob Wright provide an overview of his newest publication, Developing Number Knowledge and extend their knowledge of topics, such as Addition [...]
December 10, 2011
Sheridan Wyoming philanthropist Neltje, with business partner and Native American advocate Butch Jellis, recently donated 4 acres on the Wrench Ranch in north Sheridan, Wyoming to FPCFE. Plans are to build a National Headquarters for the educational non-profit to continue to provide professional development support to schools serving indigenous students across the U.S. Neltje announced how happy she was to give land back to the Native Americans to use for building their future. FPCFE Executive Director Charitina Fritzler added, “Today is a good day. No longer is educational equality a dream for our children.” Eagles soared above while students sang ancient Crow lullabies. Traditionally dressed dancers performed, while drummers added a powerful musical component. A Crow elder spoke in appreciation of the donation and the efforts of FPCFE, while another elder offered smoking sweet grass through the crowd, allowing those attending to “smudge” and be included in the thankful atmosphere. FPCFE Board President Craig Dougherty enthusiastically stated, “We will chart our own path to success. Native Americans have been waiting for 150 years for an education system that views their children as creative, gifted and brilliant.” Butch Jellis stated emphatically, “Sheridan will be not only a point of destination, but worldwide, it will be a point of observation.” The projected date for breaking ground is 2014.
