6-12 Lesson Deep Dives: Native American Studies Model Curriculum
*This is a virtual event series.
This Fall semester continuation of the NASMC Implementation Professional Development Series is designed specifically for 6-12 educators seeking practical support in bringing the Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC) to life in their classrooms.
Building on the foundational learning from the 2025/26, this series provides guidance, expanded resources, and introduction to lessons by lesson developers and partners. Open to all California educators, administrators, Tribal partners, Indian Education Specialists, environmental organizations and community members, this online PD series supports implementation of the NASMC in alignment with California Education Code 51226.9. Facilitated by Maggie Peters (Yurok/Karuk), NASMC Learning Specialist at the Humboldt County Office of Education, the Fall series focuses on classroom-ready strategies for 6-12.
Each session will include opportunities to explore and practice new lessons in breakout groups, 6-8 and 9-12, allowing participants to discuss culturally grounded approaches, adapt materials, and build confidence with the curriculum. Participants will engage with the NASMC’s extensive collection of 6-12 lessons, primary sources, and culturally sustaining teaching strategies while learning from NASMC content experts, including tribal educators, scholars, writers, knowledge keepers, and Native-led organizations.
Together, we will model lessons, discuss enrichment activities, and explore best practices for teaching complex topics with care and accuracy at early elementary levels. Throughout the Fall, educators will continue to strengthen their ability to:
- Honor the First Peoples of California
- Build understanding of our shared environments and histories
- Affirm Native identities and counter misrepresentation in early grades
- Cultivate empathy, awareness, and respectful inquiry among young learners
Participants may earn 1 or 3 continuing education units through Cal Poly Humboldt for active engagement in the series. Registration includes access to live sessions and session recordings for flexible, asynchronous learning. Whether you are building on your Fall learning or joining for the first time, we invite you to continue this work with us as we support meaningful, accurate, and community-rooted Native American Studies education for 6-12 students across California.
Series Meeting Dates:
- Thursday, October 1, 2026
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026
*Registering once will register you for the entire 2026 6-12 Lesson Deep Dive NASMC Series.
Please register for the Best Practices Series to complete your learning experience.