Join us at the 2nd annual POWER Teaching Conference

Discover new ways to engage and empower your students at the 2nd Annual POWER Teaching Conference—a one-day, in-person event designed to inspire, connect, and equip educators with proven strategies for inclusive and impactful teaching. Hosted through the Title III POWER Project, a NASNTI collaboration between San Juan College and Fort Lewis College, this regional conference brings together secondary and college-level instructors committed to equity and student success.

Together, we will:

  • Build a collaborative community of educators across San Juan College, Fort Lewis College, and regional high schools.
  • Share evidence-based, inclusive curriculum design strategies with a focus on supporting Indigenous students.
  • Explore culturally responsive teaching practices that promote academic, social, and identity-safe belonging for all students, including Native American, first-generation, Hispanic, rural, and non-traditional learners.

San Juan College logo Fort Lewis College logo

Student Union at Fort Lewis College

Save the date

  • Saturday, September 6, 2025
  • 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • Fort Lewis College, Student Union
  • Free
Register now

Event details

Lloyd L. Lee, Ph.D. headshot

Meet our keynote speaker, Lloyd L. Lee, Ph.D.

Lloyd L. Lee, Ph.D. is an enrolled citizen of the Navajo Nation. He is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House people), born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Cheeks people). His maternal grandfather’s clan is Áshįįhí (Salt clan), and his paternal grandfather’s clan is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge people).

Dr. Lee is professor and chair of the Department of Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico and editor of the Wicazo Sa Review journal. He also co-edits the University of New Mexico Press book series Studies in Indigenous Community Building with Wendy Shelly Greyeyes, Ph.D. His research focuses on Indigenous identity, masculinities, leadership, philosophies, and Native Nation building/ Indigenous community building.


Keynote speech details

Community-engaged Leadership and Student Wellness: Building Sustaining, Transformative, and Healthy Indigenous Communities

The University of New Mexico Native American Studies Department was created because of student demands for UNM to offer their perspectives, experiences, and knowledges in the curriculum. NAS curriculum aims to promote student wellness, developing community-engaged leadership, and building sustaining, transformative, and healthy Indigenous communities. This approach is the pathway for higher education and positive Native ways of life. This talk will discuss how this is accomplished in the classroom and with curriculum. 

This year's session tracks


 Tech for Agency

Leveraging AI and innovative tools to amplify learning and empower students.

TA

 Beyond Grades

Reimagining assessments to build trust, transparency, and authentic understanding of student growth.

BG

 Honoring Indigenous Knowledge

Centering Indigenous ways of knowing to create inclusive learning experiences.

HIK

 Community Connections

Collaborative partnerships that bridge classrooms and communities for deeper, relevant learning.

CC

Conference agenda

POWER Conference 2024 group photo

The full agenda for the 2025 POWER Teaching Conference is currently being finalized. In the meantime, here’s what last year’s conference included to give you a sense of what to expect:

  • A keynote address from a nationally recognized scholar
  • Nearly 20 breakout sessions led by faculty from San Juan College and Fort Lewis College
  • Complimentary breakfast and lunch, with time for networking and collaboration

Check back soon for the full 2025 schedule!


Presenter honoraria

Presenters will receive a $200 honorarium for sharing their expertise at the conference.

Proposal submission and review timeline

  • Proposals due: July 15, 2025
  • Proposal feedback sent: August 9, 2025
  • Final agenda published: August 16, 2025

Interested in presenting? Complete the session proposal form by July 15, 2025 to be considered.