This interactive panel will share firsthand perspectives and resources for how schools can meaningfully engage and support Indigenous students. Through guided discussion, panelists will explore how educators can build trust with Native students and families, create culturally safe classrooms, and integrate Indigenous perspectives into daily lessons year-round. Conversations will center around thoughtful approaches to incorporating Indigenous lessons and knowledge to our westernized education system. Attendees will gain practical tools, educational resources, and a deeper cultural understanding to foster a more inclusive, engaging, and respectful learning environment for Indigenous students and their peers. First-voice accounts of her K-12 years will be shared by Nola Pina (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) and resources provided by the Museum of Cherokee People for educators will be shared by Chapman Herlihy. Attendees will be able to ask questions throughout the session and may also be invited to break out into small conversational groups.
Lead Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialist, Museum of the Cherokee People
Nola Pina (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) grew up in the Big Cove community on the Qualla Boundary. Her passion for cultural preservation is what drives her to continue to take in as much knowledge as she can every day. As the Lead Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialist at the Museum, Nola enjoys demonstrating and teaching finger-weaving (she is a first-generation finger weaver herself), as well as storytelling and leading tours. Nola can often be found reading and adding to her personal library about Cherokee history, life, culture, and other Indigenous... Read More →
Curriculum Coordinator, Museum of the Cherokee People
Chapman Herlihy is the Curriculum Coordinator at the Museum of the Cherokee People. Her role includes working on educational projects and resources that impact both the museum and Great Smokey Mountains National Park. These K-12 resources support Cherokee-centric curriculum and educator development. Prior to this, Chapman worked as a Partner of the National Park Service... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT Elm Room 202 B
STEM Bridges addresses the critical intersection of language acquisition and content mastery through a district-wide initiative serving multilingual learners in rural Ashe County, North Carolina. This session presents a model for creating portable STEM learning kits that circulate among educators, students, and families—transforming how schools support vocabulary development in all curricular areas. Participants will explore strategies for making abstract terminology concrete through visual learning tools, hands-on manipulatives, and family engagement workshops. The program builds sustainable systems for collaboration between ESL educators, content teachers, and media specialists. Attendees will leave with ideas for designing visual vocabulary resources, practical frameworks for facilitating family STEM nights, and creating cross-departmental professional learning communities. This session demonstrates how strategic resource sharing and culturally responsive teaching practices can dismantle language barriers that prevent students from accessing rigorous STEM coursework and future career opportunities.
Media Coordinator/SparkLab Leader, Ashe County High School
Tonya Denny, a native of Ashe County, North Carolina, serves in dual roles as Media Coordinator and SparkLab Leader at Ashe County High School. After earning her Bachelor's degree in K-6 Education and Master's degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University, Tonya has... Read More →
