Leilani Sabzalian
Biography
Dr. Leilani Sabzalian (Alutiiq) is an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies in Education and the Co-Director of the Sapsik'wałá (Teacher) Education Program at the University of Oregon. Her research utilizes Native feminist theories to create more just and humanizing spaces for Indigenous students in public schools. Her research also prepares educators to challenge colonialism in curriculum, policy, and practice, and implement important Indigenous-led initiatives, including Tribal History/Shared History, a law that mandates curriculum on tribal history and sovereignty in all K-12 public schools in Oregon. She also serves on the American Indian/Alaska Native State Advisory Committee and collaborates with the Office of Indian Education to support professional development around the implementation of Tribal History/Shared History.
Dr. Sabzalian's first book, Indigenous Children's Survivance in Public Schools, uses storytelling to document the ways colonialism continues to shape educational policy and practice, and foster educators’ anticolonial literacy and commitment to supporting Indigenous students in public schools. Her latest book, Teaching Critically About Lewis and Clark: Challenging Dominant Narratives in K-12 Curriculum, co-authored with Drs. Alison Schmitke and Jeff Edmundson, complicates the Corps of Discovery and promotes students' active and critical engagement with history.
Education
2015 Doctor of Philosophy, Critical and Sociocultural Studies, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
2003 Master of Education, Educational Leadership, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
2002 Bachelor of Arts, Educational Studies, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Honors and Awards
2021 Fellow, Williams Council Fellowship Award
2020 Outstanding Book Award, American Educational Research Association (AERA)
2020 Human Rights Leadership Award, Springfield Alliance for Education and Respect (SAFER)
2019 Indigenous Educator of the Year, Oregon Indian Education Association
2018 Honorable Mention, National Council of Teachers of English English Journal Edwin M. Hopkins Award
2017 Curriculum Inquiry Writing Institute Fellow, Ontario, CA
2017 Outstanding Dissertation Award, Narrative SIG, American Educational Research Association
2016 Outstanding Dissertation Award, Division B, American Educational Research Association
2014 National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship
Publications
BOOKS
Research
Dr. Sabzalian’s research areas of interest include: Indigenous education, Native feminisms, curriculum studies, teacher education, and elementary social studies education.