Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum educator Cypress Billie recently completed the Project Zero program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, where he learned more teaching methods he can integrate into the tours he gives at the museum.

“It was an honor to be sent to Cambridge by the Ah-Tah-Th-Ki Museum,” Billie said. “Project Zero allowed me to gain awareness of multiple teaching strategies better suited to teachers and students.”

Founded in 1967, Project Zero’s mission is to understand and nurture human potential in learning, thinking, ethics, intelligence and creativity. At the program, Billie learned about pedagogy, the relationship between teacher and student and how to break through the wall dividing the two.

“You’re only good as a teacher if you are good at communicating and can leave an impression on people,” he said.

During the week-long course, Billie also shared his Seminole perspective with educators, administrators and museum representatives from around the world. Completing the program gave Billie confidence in his ability to learn and gave him an appreciation for higher education at Harvard and other universities.

“We have a lot of smart people in the tribe and nothing is out of reach these days,” Cypress said. “I would love for younger generations to aspire to the Ivy League and those old colleges in the Northeast.”

About a year and a half ago, the opportunity to attend Project Zero was presented and Billie volunteered to be the first to attend. Museum director Gordon Wareham and educational coordinator Abena Robinson are supportive of more training and education for the staff.

“They are always looking for a way to better our personal development,” Billie said. “They are always advocating for the younger generation to carry the mantle of responsibility at the museum and within the tribe.”

As an educator, Billie believes a challenge allows a person to demand more of themselves.

“Being Seminole is about having the ability to adapt to new ways while having a tight grip on the past,” he said.