Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI)

Growing and supporting Native American teachers 

Interested in Teaching?

Are you a high school student interested in teaching? An undergraduate student pursuing the field currently? Or maybe you’re a current professional looking for a career change? Research shows that Native students tend to do better in classrooms where their educator shares a similar identity. Become a teacher and be the difference in our students’ lives!

NATRI offers direct counseling support with the college application process from start to finish. Once enrolled, NATRI provides undergraduate students with up to $3,000 per semester in financial assistance. While students are completing their program, NATRI also provides both financial and academic support in completing the MTEL (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure).

Grant Services For:

High School Students:
SAT prep, college counseling and application support, college visit opportunities, FAFSA assistance, employment and internship opportunities, scholarship support

Undergraduate Students:
$3,000 stipend per semester, MTEL support, licensure support, scholarship information, internship & employment opportunities

*Professionals in other fields looking to become teachers are
also eligible for the services provided through NATRI 

Already in the Field?

For Native American teachers already in the field, NATRI provides a $750 stipend per semester to assist with classroom needs. The NATRI program also puts forward various professional development opportunities and infield support. Join this distinctive cohort of Native American teachers and feel supported bringing Indigenous pedagogy to the classroom. 

NATRI Services for Teachers:

– $750 stipend per semester

– Professional development

– Networking opportunities

– Infield supports

– Cohort of Native American teachers

Eligibility Requirements 

• Applicants will be asked to commit to student teaching and applying to one of the seven districts primarily serving Mashpee Wampanoag students (Mashpee, Falmouth, Barnstable, New Bedford, Wareham, Sandwich, and Bourne). 
• Must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe. Native American teachers applying for the program must teach grades K-12. 

For more information about the NATRI program and all of the opportunities it provides, please reach out to Brad Lopes.

Brad Lopes – NATRI Program Manager 

Bradford.lopes@mwtribe-nsn.gov
774-871-0591