A new graduate course at the University of Wyoming is preparing educators to teach American Indian students.

The course, taught by education professors Tim Rush and Angela Jaime, began as a pilot program last spring. The program is open to all teachers interested in earning the certification.

Rush, an elementary and early childhood professor, said the five courses show educators how to blend American Indian culture and history into their lesson plans and classrooms.

"We have learned that there are important advantages to bringing in local culture, language, history, traditions into the classroom," he said. "When we can do that for American Indian students, they do better."

Rush and Jaime developed the course's curriculum with tribal leaders and educators. American Indian students are very aware their stories aren't included in modern-day history books, Rush said.

"They will tell you, 'Why should I study this stuff? It's not about me,'" Rush said. "It doesn't say anything about the tribes. It's all the history of dead, white men. I've heard kids say that."

Marty Conrad, a teacher for 35 years, works as an instruction facilitator in Lander and graduated from the pilot course. He's also an American Indian, with Choctaw and Creek tribal roots.

"These courses really open up eyes on how to teach Native American students," Conrad said. "There are some differences. Some people don't know that."

Those differences range from as how American Indian families handle the death of a loved one to standing - not sitting - during an honor song.

"Teachers sometimes need to know their [American Indian students'] background, and need to know where their students are from," Conrad said.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.