Dakota Language Teacher

Come Join the SMSC Cultural Center! The Language Instructor Provides Dakota language instruction, responds to language requests, develops language projects and programming, and offers Dakota cultural support to students within the Shakopee Mdewakanton Education Department, SMSC Tribal Operations departments, SMSC community members, and Hocokata Ti exhibit visits and programs. Join a team dedicated to fostering growth and resilience!

Job Overview: Provides Dakota language instruction, responds to language requests, develops language projects and programming, and offers Dakota cultural support to students within the Shakopee Mdewakanton Education Department, SMSC Tribal Operations departments, SMSC community members, and Hocokata Ti exhibit visits and programs. Promote and participate in Dakota language and cultural programming, activities, and special events.

Create your Path: The work You'll Do

• Develop Dakota language lesson plans, curriculum, audio-visual materials, and activities to facilitate the learning of the Dakota language.
• Instruct SMSC students at all grade levels, integrating Dakota culture, history, and language into the Education Department curriculum, school activities, shared cultural events, pow wows, graduations, feasts, and seasonal gatherings.
• Create and maintain a Dakota language database to house all available materials, supporting both learning and the creation of new Dakota language resources.
• Collaborate with local school districts to provide Dakota language instruction and support.
• Translate music, songs, stories, and other materials into the Dakota language, and produce CDs or audio recordings for teachers, students, and families to use as learning tools.
• Assist students in preparing and delivering presentations for parents, SMSC community gatherings, and other events.
• Participate in Culture Camp by teaching the Dakota language.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in education.
• Holds (or has the ability to obtain) an American Indian Language, History, and Culture license (formerly known as Eminence Credential).
• Proficiency in the Dakota language or knowledge of its history.
• Experience working with a range of ages, from young children to adults.
• Demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Valid Class D driver's license with a clean driving record may be required.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.

Outstanding Benefits & Awesome Perks: Enjoy competitive weekly pay, outstanding benefits and advancement opportunities. Generous benefits include medical, dental, life and disability insurance, onsite medical clinics and pharmacy, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, wellness programs and more. Plus, take advantage of perks like discounts on childcare, fuel, bus passes and fitness membership, tuition reimbursement.

Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events. Learn more at shakopeedakota.org