Education Policy & Government

In 1977, fully armed with my teaching certificate from Princeton University, I applied for a social studies teaching position at The Santa Fe Indian School. I was interviewed by a non-Indian administrator and was told, "get some experience and come back in a few years." Devastated, I walked away never attempting to apply again. In 1984, seven years later, I became the Chairman of the Santa Fe Indian School Board of Trustees, a position I held for 15 years. My first policy change - any Native American who applies with little to no experience would be a priority! We needed to give…