King Philip Middle School teacher Sean Passan received the prestigious award.
By Ronni Newton
King Philip Middle School teacher Sean Passan is one of five Connecticut teachers chosen as a recipient of the the Mohegan Tribe Challenge Grant for 2023.
The award was officially recognized at the state’s Teacher of the Year celebration in late July.
“First established in 2003, the Mohegan Challenge Grant program invites elementary, middle school and high school teachers throughout Connecticut to submit applications describing their plans for developing a curriculum to address issues of Native American history, traditions, and culture, along with Tribal government and sovereignty,” the Mohegan Tribe said in a news release.
In honor of the program’s 20th anniversary, 20 grants were distributed – $1,000 each to the five winners, and $500 to each of 15 runners-up.
Sean Passan. Courtesy photo
“Investing in education and championing programming that strengthens cultural understanding is critical to how we view our role in partnering with communities across the state,” Beth Regan, Vice Chairwoman of the Council of Elders said in a statement. “That is why we are proud to support these educators and the creative and innovative ways in which they are planning to incorporate Native American curriculum into their classrooms. Each year we have the honor of both visiting schools across the state, as well as inviting students to the Tantaquidgeon Museum. This program allows the opportunity for students across Connecticut to learn firsthand the Native American history, traditions, and culture.”
Earlier this year, the Mohegan Tribe also launched the Educators Project, which they are making available free of charge to teachers as well as home-schoolers. The Educators Project includes in-depth resources and interactive tools focused on Native American studies. “This work is aligned with the recently announced partnership between the Mohegan Tribe, the State Department of Connecticut, and the four other Native American tribal nations in Connecticut to create a state Native American studies curriculum in accordance with state statute. These programs are part on ongoing commitment to developing and funding programs and activities to support educational systems across Connecticut, which includes supporting and sponsoring the Connecticut Teacher of the Year program,” the announcement states.
Passan, who teaches social studies in grades 7 and 8, said, “I’m excited to integrate what I learn from professional development to improve my lessons and what this means longterm for my students for years to come. I can’t wait to visit the Mohegan Tribe’s museum with my students in the fall, and I am also really looking forward to hosting their outreach program at King Philip so more students can benefit from this grant.”
Grant recipients, along with teachers of the year from around the state, were celebrated on July 25. Passan is pictured above with woven sweet grass that he received – which he said is an important symbol of respect in the Mohegan culture.
Sean Passan (left) with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal at the Teacher of the Year celebration in July. Courtesy photo
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