Young mother hopes to come back home to Fort Berthold to serve community as an educator

Twenty-five-year-old Severance, known for her dedication to student learning, was chosen as one of UTTC’s Students of the Month for November.

Brenda Rhone, the teacher education chair at UTTC, nominated Severance for her work ethic and performance in the classroom. As a part of the elementary education program, students receive field experience, which is time in the classroom before they begin student teaching the following semester. While 90 hours is required for the course, Severance completed 110 hours.

“She was feeling the need [to go back into teaching] and felt at home in the classroom –– that speaks for how she goes above and beyond,” Rhone said.

Rhone also recalls how Severance always has her homework done, is prepared for class and writes great lesson plans for her methods class, where they use state standards to create curriculum. As Severance’s advisor, she also noted the spark she saw on her face while working with kids in class.

The UTTC Student of the Month program references Severance as a self-led, expressive and supportive student.

“Aulora displays all the appropriate dispositions that will make her a phenomenal future educator and an excellent [student] of the Teacher Education program. And beyond that, she has a great sense of humor and is fun to be around,” according to the award.

As a part of the elementary education program, students learn how to work following North Dakota SB 2304, which was signed into law by Gov. Doug Burgum on April 23, 2021. The bill’s purpose is to teach American Indian-based curriculum to K-12 students and requires fourth and eighth graders to have Indigenous studies lessons that focus on the state’s federally recognized tribes.

Last month Severance went into a North Dakota studies classroom at Will-Moore Elementary School in Bismarck for Native American Heritage Month. She presented a slideshow of her tribe, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, and answered questions from Native and non-Native students.

“They asked questions about different subjects; what does the regalia mean, what’s the story behind different dances, what were the residential schools,” said Severance. “It seemed like they were interested and wanted to learn more –– and not just about my tribe.”

Severance tries to find different ways to engage with students and make learning fun. Often, she and her classmates use games, apps and technology as part of their history lessons. “When I was in social studies in elementary school, I remember just sitting there [being given] dates,” said Severance. “I wasn’t going to remember any of this. Learning different techniques and making those subjects which aren’t as fun engaging is great.”

Severance and her boyfriend Brayden Uses Arrow came back to pursue their education after being out of school for a year and a half. Before her time at UTTC, she attended Williston State College and Minot State University. She first studied general education before transitioning to athletic training. But the pandemic led to a pause in her education, and then she became pregnant with Jakobi.

“I was nervous to go back to school,” said Severance. “I wasn’t sure if I would have enough funding for it, and it was Covid, so it was scary. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do this.”

Determined to finish her degree, Severance moved on campus with her family during the pandemic. She said the first year back after Covid was a struggle because there was no one able to watch her young son. Her boyfriend stayed home from work sometimes so she could attend class, but other times she had no choice but to skip class to take care of their child. They were on the waiting list for daycare for a while, until Rhone stepped in to assist the young mother.

Despite the stress, Severance not only came back to school but thrived in her program. She graduated with her associate’s degree in 2021 and will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in May.

Becoming one of UTTC’s Students of the Month is a huge accomplishment for Severance. Amber Cieslik, the principal at Parshall High School, is impressed but not surprised at her little sister’s achievements.

“I was very proud of her,” said Cieslik. “After knowing her all her life, I know that school wasn’t always her favorite. But I’m glad that she chose to go into education because I feel like she has a really good rapport with younger students and knows how to work with them, whether it be through academics or sports.”

Throughout her time as a student, Severance and her family have always felt welcome at UTTC. Her 7-year-old stepson Tayzen Uses Arrow often would go to class with her during the summer.

“We walked in [the education building] and I told him to wait for me right here, because I was getting my backpack together, and he just knew where my classroom was,” said Severance. “He walked straight back to the room and sat right where I sit.”

Rhone has no doubt Severance has a bright future in education. “Anybody who gets her as a future teacher is going to be lucky; she is going to be an asset to any program,” said Rhone. “She is a leader, she is a doer –– but she doesn’t take over. She works collaboratively.”

After Severance graduates from UTTC, she hopes to secure a job as an elementary school teacher back home in Parshall on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Creslik also awaits her sister’s return. “I want her to at least come back and show students it is possible,” said Creslik. “To show kids on the reservation that it’s okay for them to leave and come back to serve their community.”

The young educator encourages mothers with young children to go back to school. She suggests first applying to a program, going to orientation and getting a feel for the campus to determine if they’re ready to return. If they need extra support, Severance said talking to advisors or instructors makes a difference.

“It’s okay if you quit and go back; there’s nothing wrong with that,” said Severance. “There’s no rush or time limit of when to get your education.”