'Our children are sacred': New leader takes over Indian education program

Friday, August 30, 2019  

RAPID CITY – The Indian Education program in Rapid City has found a new director to lead the program. This will be the third person in three years to hold the position.

On Monday, August 19, Whitnee Pearce began her position as Director of Diversity, Equity, & Outreach for Indian Education at Rapid City Area Schools.

Pearce is currently working on her Doctorate of Education from the University of Illinois in Diversity & Educational Equity. Much of her research is focused on the need and results of using trauma-informed teaching practices in every classroom, K-12.  

From a young age, Pearce has had education instilled in her by her mother who was a single parent living in Lexington, KY, as they lived with her grandmother. Under the guidance of her mother and grandmother, education was instilled in her at a young age. Pearce’s mother attended night classes pursuing an Associate’s degree in Education. Nearly twenty years later, her mother is currently working on her dissertation to finish her doctorate. This sacrifice by her mother has been a main source of inspiration in Pearce’s life.

After graduating from Western Kentucky University, Pearce taught at a college in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China for a year.

“It was an experience that shaped who I am as a person and also showcased to me how vital educational opportunities can be for people - no matter their location,” Pearce said.

After moving back to the United States, she attended to Eastern Kentucky University and received a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and started at the University of Cumberlands for her Master’s in Education. During this time, she worked for Rapid City Area Schools as an English as a Second Language Instructor. She traveled district-wide and worked with students and families.

“After working for the district for a bit, a new opportunity opened up, and I started at Oglala Lakota College, where I was an Associate Professor of English for nearly six years,” she said. “My time spent at OLC was easily some of the best years of my life. She drove 500-600 miles per week. This gave her time to appreciate the land and the people she served. “Last year I was honored to win the tribal college system's (American Indian Higher Education Consortium) Faculty of the Year for OLC.”

Pearce chose to go into education. She feels education was something that no person could take away from her.

“School provided me with new ideas, skill sets, and experiences that otherwise, I would never have had the chance to experience,” she said. “Education has and continues to open doors for me to give back to my community. Our students are the seeds to our communities, and if we do not nurture them, provide them opportunities no matter their backgrounds to learn in safe environments, those seeds will not grow or grow well. Being a champion and advocate for all students to succeed is truly my life's passion.” 

Having working in both RCAS and OLC, Pearce has been able to recognize areas in need of improvement and focus. She also recently worked as a co-campaign manager in the recent city elections. She sees things in the community that can be worked on.

“We should be providing educational equity to all of our students and providing them opportunities to learn and grow in safe, inclusive environments,” she said.  We should also be working to give them the skill sets such as being able to process emotions, be empathetic, communicate feelings, work through conflict management, and more.” 

Pearce believes that providing engaging lessons infused with Lakota culture, language implementation, and community-based activities will give all students the ability to feel included and valued in their school setting.  

In her first few days in the position, Pearce says it has been a whirlwind.

“There is so much to be done, and I am willing every day to roll up my sleeves and get to it. We have so many skilled professionals in our department, who are eager to work with students and want the very best for our students. Seeing the passion and hearing the ideas from each of them are inspiring,” said Pearce. 

Contact Native Sun News Today Correspondent Richie Richards at richie4175@gmail.com

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