JT Laraway

JT Laraway is the Elementary Education Specialist for the Pokagon Band Department of Education. A recognized leader in the field of Indigenous Education, JT brings over ten years of experience focused on policy and planning.  

His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language Arts with an emphasis in Elementary Education from Spring Arbor University. For a decade, he taught in the classroom, primarily at the third-grade level. Currently, JT is pursuing a Masters degree in Indigenous Educational Leadership at the University of Kansas.  

JT's commitment to educational leadership is evidenced by his roles, including serving as Vice Chair for the Confederation of Michigan Tribal Education Departments (CMTED) and as a Board Member for the Michigan Indian Education Council (MIEC). As CMTED Vice Chair, his grassroots efforts to decolonize and indigenize education throughout Michigan have earned him recognition from the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and various State Departments.  

Outside of his professional life, JT values time spent with his family. He particularly enjoys watching his daughter participate in sports, especially softball, and creating new memories with her during various adventures.