Formação de Professores Indígenas: o projeto do Curso Normal Superior Indígena da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul: unidade de Amambai - MS (2003-2006)

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the process of implementing and discontinuing the Undergraduate Course – Bachelor of Science in Indigenous Education – for teaching primary and elementary level students – at UEMS (State University of Mato Grosso do Sul), which was developed from 2003 to 2006, and discuss the proposals for the specific education of indigenous teachers based on official documents, analyzing the teachers profile and the kind of education proposed. The study was done by documental and bibliographical research besides of History of education and analyzing official documents followed by reports taken from the main individuals involved in this process. The education of indigenous teachers is fundamental for an indigenous school education which is thought for the rights and assurance for the indigenous people in Brazil, which are included in the 1988 Federal Constitution and on the official documents from the Office of Education. Since the implementation of the course at UEMS, there was no significant number of scholar teachers and neither researchers in this field who could work in that course. In 2006, the university interrupted the commitment with indigenous leadership and interested groups by canceling the course, even though there had been people interested in this specific education for teaching indigenous people. Despite of being offered during five years, the proposal of the Bachelor of Science in Indigenous Education, provided by UEMS, it has somehow contributed for the education of indigenous teachers. Many of them have been recognized by their counterparts as licensed teachers – not lay people anymore – and also they have been developed a distinguished pedagogical job, with competence and criticality toward the challenges brought by the context in which the indigenous schools are placed.