This Indigenous Teacher Wants Her Students to See Themselves Reflected in the Classroom

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Gypsi Gover is a second-grade teacher at Indian Wells Elementary in Indian Wells, AZ, and is entering her 10th year of teaching. As a member of both the Skidi Band of the Pawnee Nation and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma who teaches on the Navajo Nation, Gover knows that students benefit from being educated by teachers who share similar cultural beliefs. Keep reading to get to know her.

How do you practice self-care?
I practice self-care by reading, thrifting, and strolling through farmers markets. On occasion, I love to do Native American beadwork as well.

What are you reading right now?
I am reading multiple books right now, all from the rom-com genre. I am currently involved with a reading challenge from our local library, and I've read a total of 2,968 minutes since June 1.

How do you keep from getting sick during the school year?
I am a huge proponent of good hygiene and cleanliness. Anytime my students leave, come back to class, or eat, we make sure our hands are washed or sanitized. Once a week, I sanitize writing utensils, chairs, and any other hot spots in the classroom.

Lena Felton is the senior director of features and special content at PS, where she oversees feature stories, special projects, and identity content. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity.