Ina Montoya
In this episode of Language Goes to School, we speak with Ina Montoya—a lifelong educator, proud Jicarilla Apache and Navajo, and tireless advocate for Indigenous education and language revitalization. After years of teaching in the Dulce Independent School District, Ina served as superintendent, earning the 2024 Administrator of the Year award from the New Mexico Association for Bilingual Education. She now leads Lybrook Elementary and Middle School, located between the traditional lands of her two Nations in northwestern New Mexico. Known for her warmth, humor, and dedication, Ina brings every part of her identity to the promotion of high-quality Indigenous and language education. A lifelong learner pursuing a doctorate in Missiology, she also finds balance as an accomplished fiber artist. In this conversation, she weaves a story of language, education, identity, and community.