Tribal Education Departments
What are Tribal Education Departments?
Tribal Education Departments (TEDs) are departments within tribes that are responsible for supporting the education of tribal members, created by the sovereign governments of federally recognized American Indian tribes. TEDs play a vital role in ensuring that tribal students receive culturally relevant and quality education. They also work collaboratively with other educational entities, like the South Dakota Department of Education and the Office of Indian Education, to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students.
The TEDs
Dr. Cherie Farlee
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Cheyenne River Tribal Education Agency Director
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Working in conjunction with the CRST Education Committee to administer and maintain the CRST Tribal Education Code; plan, facilitate a school consortium of Tribally Controlled Schools, BIE Schools, Public Schools and a Private School, CRST Title I, CRST Education Services, CRST Infant/Toddler and CRST Head Start ; maintain CRST Ordinance #82 Tribal Education Code; work with School Boards in providing technical assistance; serve as a liaison between all schools/programs working in conjunction with the Education Committee; develop forums on education as directed by the Tribal Council or Education Committee; supports the preservation of the Lakota Language; works with the Tribal Education Committee and Tribal Council as the governing and oversight bodies of the Tribe’ s education programs and Education Department; gathers, compiles and analyzes data from schools and other education programs and entities for the Annual Tribal Education Report.
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A proud member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Dr. Cherie Farlee brings decades of dedicated service to Native education. Holding a BS in Composite Business Education from Black Hills State University, and both an MA in Secondary Administration and an EdD in Adult & Higher Education Administration from the University of South Dakota, Dr. Farlee has taught at the elementary, secondary, and college levels.
With over 26 years of experience in a cooperative school setting between public schools and federally operated schools, Dr. Farlee has played a vital role in the operation of Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools. This includes serving as the Acting Deputy Director of the BIE, the Cheyenne River Education Line Officer for 22 years, and as Acting Education Line Officer at both the Billings and Crow Creek/Lower Brule Education Line Offices.
Dr. Farlee is a founding member of the Commission for Oceti Sakowin Accreditation (COSA), and has served on the South Dakota Indian Advisory Council since 2004. They are also an active member of the North Dakota/South Dakota Tribal Education Directors group and the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition (SDEEC).
Recognized as the National Education Line Officer of the Year in 1998, Dr. Farlee is a certified Secondary Business Instructor, Principal, and Superintendent. They have extensive experience in the planning, design, and construction of two K-12 reservation schools, and have developed and implemented a PRIDE community partnership group focused on student suicide prevention.
In higher education, Dr. Farlee serves as an adjunct instructor at Cheyenne River Community College and supervises graduate-level internships in Education Administration at USD. For the past 10 years, they have served as the Director of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Education Agency.
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As Lower Brule Tribe’s Tribal Education Director and Crow Creek’s Education Consultant, Brian has the privilege of representing the provide technical assistance to the two Tribes, to the Bureau of Indian Education funded schools on the two Reservations, the Tribes’ local Head Starts, Lower Brule Community College, Lower Brule Day Care and any other programs that involve children and/or education occurring on the two Reservations or for Tribal Members who live off of their Reservation. Specifically, I provide support on the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Indian School Equalization Program (ISEP), Native American Student Information System (NASIS), Tribal Infants and Toddlers Program, Every Student Succeeds Act, Johnson O’Malley, Impact Aid, tribal sovereignty and education, and other tasks as
requested by the Council.
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Brian Wagner graduated in 1978 from the St. Johnsville Central High School in St. Johnsville, New York. He earned a Bachelor's Bachelor's of Art degree in Special Education and Physical Education from Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa. During his own educational career, he had started a Master's degree in special education, computers, and divinity before completing a Master's in Education Administration from Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Since graduating from Northwestern College, he has worked in Indian Education for over forty years. Brian's career included working as an educator at an adjustment training center, a special education teacher at Crow Creek Reservation High School and Lower Brule Day School, an
Education Specialist under the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) as a transition specialist under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, an Education Specialist under the BIE as a Special Education Coordinator Assistant, an Education Specialist under the BIE as a Special
Education Coordinator, a Special Education Director for two different Tribal Programs, the Director of a Tribal Education Cooperative, an employee at Lower Brule Community College as the Director of Student Services to provide support to BIE Funded schools, and in his current
role as Tribal Education Director.
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Dr. Sherry Johnson is the Tribal Education Director for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate for the past 9 years. She is the administrator over numerous grants and programs. She networks with the tribal and public school districts and all programs dealing with education, facilitates communication and promotes educational excellence for the members of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. Her past experiences include being a Superintendent at a school district for 15 years and working as a Teacher for 10 years at a tribal school. She earned her Doctorate from the University of South Dakota in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Leadership. Others: Masters in Science Education. Bachelors in Elementary Education. School Improvement Certification from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, along with various certifications and publications. Dr. Johnson is married to Louie and they have 8 children. They make their home in Buffalo Lake near Eden in the Northeast corner of South Dakota.
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She serves on the South Dakota Equity in Education Coalition, the South Dakota Indian Advisory Council and Board Member of Commission of the Oceti Sakowin Accreditation.
Dayna’s motto; “It is time for us to assert our authority in Educational Sovereignty, our children are our greatest resource”. -
Wanbli Ohitika Win, is the daughter of Ehanamani (Dr AC Ross) and Wakan Mani Win (the late Dorothy Brave Eagle) she has dedicated the last 38 years to Indian Education, serving several tribal communities. For the last 16 years she has served as the Tribal Education Director for the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Dayna earned an AA degree from Haskell Indian Junior College, BS degree from Dakota Wesleyan University, and Master’s Degrees from South Dakota State University and the University of Sioux Falls.
Proudly she continued the family tradition of being in education as a third generation teacher.
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As Tribal Education Departments (TEDs) across the Great Plains have grown stronger and more collaborative, Cynthia has been deeply involved in efforts to achieve tribal sovereignty in education. She has worked with the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) to update the Tribe’s Education Code, originally developed through a Kellogg Grant in 1991. The Code has since been expanded to include an Early Childhood section (2012), and fully integrated into the current Code (2019). Other significant contributions include the development of a Consultation Policy, K-12 Cultural Content Standards and Curriculum Guides, Language Guides, the Sicangu Instructional Principles of Learning, and accompanying Training Guides.
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Cynthia earned a Human Services degree from the University of South Dakota through a cohort program at Sinte Gleska University in 1982. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1986 and later obtained a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration in 2010.
Her first professional position after college was in Special Education at St. Francis Indian School (SFIS) in 1982. It was there that she began working with students and recognized the urgent need to improve the delivery of education in order to make it more meaningful and relevant to Native students' needs.
In 1984, Cynthia moved to Massachusetts to pursue her graduate studies, intending to return to SFIS. After completing her degree, she remained in the area to begin a Doctorate in Organizational Development. However, she was encouraged by her sister, who had accepted a teaching position at Little Wound School, to return and work as a school counselor. Cynthia worked in various counseling roles for 11 years on the Pine Ridge Reservation before returning to SFIS in 1999. In 2002, she was hired by her tribe to serve as Education Director.
Cynthia has had the opportunity to travel internationally to expand her understanding of education systems. In the summer of 1987, she spent eight weeks in South Africa as a student at UMass, where she witnessed firsthand the injustices of the apartheid-era education system. In 1990, she led an international work camp project in Germany and France, chaperoning six senior students from Little Wound School, where they experienced more equitable educational environments.
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Dr. RoseMary Clairmont serves as the Assistant Director of the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Education Department, where she leads with vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to strengthening educational sovereignty for her community. Before stepping into leadership, Dr. Clairmont began her career as a classroom teacher, a role that continues to ground her work in the lived experiences of students and educators.
Within the department, she has held two key positions—first as an Education Specialist, and now as Assistant Director—where she has championed initiatives that center Lakota values and student voice. She is the lead project visionary for the Sicangu Instructional Principles of Learning (SIPL) and the Building Bridges Initiative, both of which focus on creating culturally responsive and sustainable learning environments for Sicangu Lakota students. -
Dr Clairmont earned her doctorate from New York University in Leadership and Innovation, a reflection of her ongoing dedication to transforming education through creative, community-driven approaches.
Outside of her professional work, she is a proud mother who finds balance through time spent hiking, practicing yoga, reading, and traveling with her daughters. At home, she’s surrounded by her beloved pets, who remind her daily of the simple joys in life. She is a tribally enrolled member of Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
Starla Spotted Horse
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe TED
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In her role as Tribal Education Program Specialist, Starla has successfully launched and overseen various educational initiatives, focusing on community engagement and collaboration to foster a learning environment that respects and incorporates tribal traditions and values. She is committed to increasing access to quality education and is a strong advocate for resources that support academic achievement for all tribal members.
With a deep commitment to the growth and development of the SRST community,
Starla continues to strive for excellence in educational leadership, ensuring that each tribal member has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. -
Starla J. Spotted Horse is a dedicated Tribal Education Director with over a decade of experience serving in various capacities of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (SRST) Tribal Education Department. With a diverse professional background that spans accounting, nursing, and business administration, Starla has uniquely positioned herself to advocate for and enhance educational opportunities for tribal members.
Beginning their career in accounting, Starla developed a strong foundation in financial management, which has been instrumental in effectively managing educational funds and resources within the tribe. This expertise in financial oversight ensures that the SRST education programs are both sustainable and impactful.
Transitioning into the field of nursing, Starla brought a compassionate approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of holistic wellbeing in the educational environment. Her experience in healthcare has reinforced the necessity of supportive, culturally relevant educational practices that address the unique needs of tribal students.
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Jolene Arrow is the Elementary Principal at Marty Indian School, where she has served since 2018. With a strong commitment to helping children reach their full potential, she brings decades of experience in educational leadership within tribal communities. Jolene is also the Yankton Sioux TED.
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Prior to her current role, Jolene served as Dean of Students at Marty High School, overseeing student enrollment, discipline, and daily activities. She also held the role of Superintendent at Marty Indian School from 2015 to 2016, managing staff, school programs, and overall administration.
Jolene holds a Master of Education degree and a Bachelor’s in Indian Studies and Secondary Education from Dakota Wesleyan University. A proud graduate of Marty Indian School, Jolene remains deeply connected to the community she serves, leading with dedication, cultural awareness, and a passion for empowering future generations.
TED Codes
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe: Education Code
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe: Call
Flandreau Sioux Tribe: Call
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe: Call
Oglala Sioux Tribe: Education Code on NARF
Rosebud Sioux Tribe: Education Code
Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate: Bylaws & Education Code
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: Education Code
Yankton Sioux Tribe: Education Code on NARF