About AIEA
Our Story
The beginnings of AIEA occurred in 1979 when a group of concerned Indian parents and educators met with the Arizona Department of Education to discuss issues with late funding and to find ways to expedite the release of Johnson O’Malley funding. After the meeting, the group decided it was important to meet on a regular basis to share ideas, concerns, and positive activities implemented in the various school programs that help Indian students stay in school and achieve academically. The group grew to a statewide forum to discuss similar issues and eventually led to forming a non-profit organization called the Arizona Indian Education Association.
The work of the early founders of AIEA continues today through strong Executive Board leadership and those dedicated to improving the quality of education for Indian students in Arizona.
Our Mission
The mission of AIEA is to develop educational strategies and activities consistent with Arizona’s academic standards and to provide research and resources to Arizona schools for their American Indian students to achieve academic excellence through culturally responsive education.
We do this by
providing channels of communication among Indian education programs including prekindergarten through higher education.
ensuring the delivery of effective education services by Indian education agencies through collaboration with other federal, state, and tribal programs.
serving as a network for information regarding, among other things, parent and youth conferences, curriculum and instructional activities, new Indian education programs.
providing professional development activities and/or training.
Executive Board