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Dena'ina Language Teacher

Department: Culture and Language

Program: Dena'ina Language Institute

Reports to: Dena'ina Language Reading Coach

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Job Summary

The Dena'ina Language Teacher creates instructional content in both Dena'ina and English, develop personal teaching skills, teach elementary students Dena'ina language, and increase personal proficiency in the Dena'ina language. Dena'ina Language Teacher will be teaching adults, children, and family units for approximately half of their day. The other half of the Dena'ina Language Teacher's day will be learning Dena'ina language and culture with a long term goal of language proficiency. The Dena'ina Language Teacher will learn Dena'ina language speaking, writing, spelling, and translation skills.

Essential Functions

• Lead Dena'ina language teaching as a learner, teacher, and innovator
• Collaborate with the Dena'ina Culture and Language Department, the early learning and K-12 Kenaitze programs, and to teach and align language work with Kenaitze Indian Tribe's mission and vision
• Study Dena'ina language and culture to increase speaking, writing, transcription, and translation skills
• Participate in Dena'ina language classes to increase personal Dena'ina language skills
• Learn, implement, and model second Language Acquisition and Science of Reading teaching strategies, methods, techniques and approaches
• Collaboratively teach Dena'ina speaking, reading, and writing through a bilingual approach at the Tuen Charter School
• Model language and instructional best practice for staff and learners
• Learn and teach the Dena'ina Language for All curriculum with fidelity including instructor materials, rubrics, and processes to ensure program viability of Language Programs
• Engage in continuous improvement coaching cycles with the Dena'ina Culture and Language Department programs
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Medium work – Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)

OSHA Categories

• Category II – Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but exposure or potential for exposure may occur

Travel

• Kenaitze Indian Tribe Service Area
• In-State
• Out-of-State

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Education, Degree in Linguistsics, or a combination of education and experience in Dena'ina culture and language may be substituted for a degree

Experience

• Two (2) years experience teaching adults
• Two (2) years experience teaching youth
• Experience in Dena'ina cultural practices and traditions
• Experience in Dena'ina language and literacy

License/Certification

• Science of Reading Certification or obtain within 120 days upon hire
• Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy or obtain within ninety (90) days

Preferred

• Bilingual
• Coursework in Dena'ina language acquisition
• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

Special Skills

• Ability to motivate staff and students
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Creative, energetic approach to achieving goals
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, or obtain training within 90 days of hire
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Builds content in the Kenaitze Indian Tribe Dena'ina language virtual learning management system
• Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers and others

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.