Prayers, well-wishers greet new Diné education head

Andrew M. Tah, the new Superintendent of Schools for the Department of Diné Education, sits at a greeting luncheon on Monday afternoon. — © 2009 Gallup Independent / Brian Leddy

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Not many people get a reception their first day of work, but that’s what Andrew Tah got Monday morning. Tah, the new superintendent of the Navajo Nation’s Department of Diné Education, said he was overwhelmed with the reception.

“This is overwhelming but there’s a lot of support, counseling and expectations,” Tah said.

The audience was filled with doctors of education, tribal leaders and Department of Diné Education staff to welcome Tah.

Tah received a prayer and a blessing from a medicine man at the start of the ceremony.

Three students from the Diné Bi Olta immersion school led the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance and sang a Navajo song.

It was an appropriate welcome for the man that will lead the Navajo Nation in implementing the Sovereignty in Education Act, which calls for the Department of Education to operate like a state department of education, and in incorporating Diné language, history and culture to school curriculum for Bureau of Indian Education-funded grant schools.

It’s a tall order, but tribal leaders expressed support for Tah in remarks.

“All of us here worry about kids, worry about students, and that’s why we had selected Mr. Tah to be superintendent. He will have a lot of responsibility,” Navajo Board of Education President Jimmie C. Begay said.

Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly said told Tah that his background and the prayer done for him would help him in his new position.

Education Committee Chairman Andy Ayze said that he has trust in the new superintendent.

“For many months what we’ve been waiting for what is coming together today,” Ayze said. He called it a historic day.

Ayze said that a goal from the Education Committee is to provide Diné culture and language in curriculum.

Tah said that his first order of business is to take a look at the Navajo Sovereignty in Education Act and see how much has been implemented in the four years since the law was passed and what the strategic plans are.

He said that since the tribe oversees its own Head Start, that may be where to start teaching Diné language and culture.

Tah, who is originally from Many Farms, graduated from Chinle High School and received his associate of arts degree from Arizona Western College and his bachelor of arts and master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University.

He has 37 years experience in Navajo education, including being a teacher, recreation specialist, coach, administrator and education line officer. His latest job was as superintendent of Greyhills Academy.