Gekinoo´imaagejig ´the ones who teach´
Program Overview
Gekinoo’imaagejig is a program committed to the recruitment, retention, and graduation of American Indians and others interested in becoming teachers. The program offers a curriculum grounded in Ojibwe language and culture. Students will receive a K-6 Elementary Education teaching license and, choice of a K-8 Ojibwe language specialty teaching license or Social Studies. Gekinoo’imaagejig is dedicated to the revitalization of Indigenous languages.
Gekinoo'imaagejig, K-6 Elementary/K-8 Ojibwe Language Program Plan (Word Document)
Post-baccalaureate Contract Procedures
Program Delivery

Students are part of a cohort and attend class full-time in a hybrid format;
meeting both face-to-face and online, for a period of two and a half years. The
program includes a field placement component, with Ojibwe language woven
throughout the curriculum, with week-long summer Ojibwe language
immersion camps being offered.
Admission Criteria
- AA degree or equivalent
- 2.7 GPA
- Two years of Ojibwe language or
demonstrated level IV language skills
(If choosing a language specialty) - Two letters of recommendation
- Two page essay (typed) "Why I want to Become A Teacher"
- Documented 30 hours of supervised work with children in kindergarten through 8th grade settings with at least 10 hours working with American Indian children
Application & Program Cost
Admission to UMD
You will first need to apply for admission to the University of Minnesota. This can be done online, printing an application yourself, or by requesting admissions information be sent to you, from the Office of Admissions web site.
Costs & Financial Aid
Current tution rates and financial aid information can be found by clicking here. In addition, funding opportunities will be available at various times from within Eni–gikendaasoyang. Please contact Amy Bergstrom or Jennifer Niemi for more information.
Questions, more information?
For questions, please contact:
- Jennifer Niemi
- 218–726–8419
- jehlen@d.umn.edu