Director's Biography
Shirlee Silversmith attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education.
From there she furthered her education by obtaining a Master in Education from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. For the past 4 years, Shirlee has worked as the Learning for Life Director, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America, at the Utah National Parks Council. Throughout the duration of this position, she directed and facilitated character education programs. These programs consisted of implementing and teaching character education lesson plans to Pre-K through 12th grade students in schools, communities, and organizations. It also provided a career development program for youth, which included outreach programs to Tribal Nations.
Previously to her career at Learning for Life, Shirlee worked with the Utah State Office of Education as the Indian Education Specialist for nearly 20 years. She was primarily responsible for improving Indian Education within elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools of the Utah public school system.
Furthermore, she directed outreach efforts and training for improved relations with Tribal Nations and educators. Shirlee also facilitated the development of the Indian Education strategic plan and organized the Utah American Indian/Alaska Native Education Advisory Committee.
Other achievements include development of grants and funding to cultivate American Indian curriculum and resource materials for classroom usage. Additionally, Shirlee assisted Tribal Nations with negotiating MOA’s with USOE for educational partnerships and provided technical assistance to Tribal Education Departments.