Lynette Stant, born and raised on the Navajo reservation in Tuba City, Arizona, has dedicated her life to being culturally relevant to her students. As a teacher at a tribal community school, she draws inspiration from her grandmother, who only spoke Navajo and never attended school. “When I think back to childhood, I was really a teacher-in-training already,” said Stant.
Stant made history in 2020 as the first Native American woman named Arizona Teacher of the Year. She recalled teaching her grandmother to write her name, transforming thumbprint signatures into written ones. This experience ignited her passion for teaching.
Initially considering law as a career path during her time at the University of Arizona, Stant realized it wasn’t for her and turned to education instead. “Teachers get summers off; why don’t I become a teacher?” she thought. This decision led to a fulfilling 21-year teaching career.
After earning degrees from Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University (GCU), Stant began working at Salt River Elementary School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her mission has been clear: ensure cultural relevance for indigenous children in education.
Her work did not go unnoticed when she became the first indigenous woman awarded Arizona Teacher of the Year in 2020. Her mother’s words at the award ceremony resonated deeply with Stant: “My child, this is what we pray for.”
Beyond teaching, Stant chairs the Indian Education Advisory Council of the Arizona Department of Education and serves on various boards advocating for Native American issues and enhancing arts experiences for children.
Despite numerous leadership roles, including with Dickinson College’s Center for the Futures of Native Peoples and an educator retention task force in Arizona, Stant remains committed to classroom teaching. “Being an indigenous teacher is so important for students…to see someone like them,” she stated.
Dr. Meredith Critchfield from GCU’s College of Education praised Stant’s dedication: “Lynette embraces the mission we have…to promote excellence…and empower her indigenous students.”
