About the site

StewART Professional Development is dedicated to the revitalization of Native American art from North and South Dakota. This website is designed to develop art opportunities in your community and school districts including teacher professional development & student art workshops.

Personal Background
After graduating from a South Dakota university with a degree in art education, I started my first teaching career at McLaughlin School District on Standing Rock Reservation. The first semester I was expected to teach Native American art and illustrate a culturally responsive curriculum; however, I was not taught any Native American art or NA-culturally responsive curriculum development from my years in college. I found myself unprepared and uneducated to perform the duties of my new position. Since, I have dedicated myself to professional development in my content area and the demographics in which I teach. I am grateful for the relationships I have made with those who have taught me and am interested in sharing what I have learned with others. Native American Art needs to exist in our curriculum, as it is deeply connected with understanding the history and culture of North & South Dakota.