Bio

Nancy Engen-Wedin has served as project director of the Indigenous Roots Teacher Education and School Leader Program (ROOTS) in the Department of Teaching and Learning at UNL for over 23 years. Since 2000, the program has awarded over 57 bachelor’s and master’s degrees to American Indian students living and working in communities across Nebraska, including indigenous communities such as Macy, Winnebago, Walthill, Niobrara and Santee. She has overseen ROOTS professional development efforts to integrate cultural sensitivity and culturally relevant teaching into UNL coursework and supervises practicum and student teachers. Engen-Wedin’s efforts led to a successful program transition from in-person to virtual learning using satellite and web-based learning formats, thus enhancing accessibility for participants across Nebraska. She is a K-12 certified teacher and licensed school administrator and has administered statewide professional development programs, including for the Minnesota Center for Arts Education. Engen-Wedin currently serves on New America Program’s national Grow-Your-Own network, and recently received a Spencer grant to work to Elevate Indigenous Knowledge at UNL and statewide. She has been successful in receiving federal support for the program since 1999 (Grants awarded through the U.S. Department of Education). In her role as ROOTS director, Engen-Wedin is responsible for oversight, recruitment, program and course development, advising, grant writing/reporting, project mentors, contracts, budget adherence, and ensuring student success.