Dakota Language Instructor

SUMMARY:

The Dakota Language Instructor shall be responsible for teaching all interested members of the Prairie Island Indian Community to speak, read and write the Mdewakanton Dakota Language to promote for the tribal community, along with other employees of the Prairie Island Indian Community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

• Develop and implement Dakota Language lesson plans for appropriate levels of fluency, i.e. beginners, intermediate and advanced speakers


• Evaluate and monitor Dakota Language participants’ progress by implementing a pre/post-test to be given before and after each class cycle


• Work with members of the Prairie Island Indian Community to achieve Dakota Languages skills


• Prepare and distribute monthly calendars on class scheduling and events concerning Dakota Language issues


• Work with the Education staff on implementing Dakota Language in the summer school program


• Utilize all resources, community members and/or elders when possible


• Assist in the planning and development of special events the department may conduct for the community


• Actively participate in, plan and oversee the summer immersion and culture camp programs.


• Prepare and provide written reports to the Prairie Island Education Director on a monthly basis


• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED


• Fluent in Mdewakanton Dakota Language


• Teaching license, Eminence Credentials, or in progress of obtaining licensure


• Minimum one (1) year of classroom instruction experience


• Minimum one (1) year of curriculum development experience


• Must be able to work hours that vary to meet program need; i.e. evening or weekend classes


• Good record keeping skills, journal record keeping.


• Excellent organizational skills


• Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Proficiency in using a computer and common computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams)


• Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision


• Ability to work well within the existing team and government structure


• Sensitive to Native American Culture


• Must pass drug screen (UA) and a federal criminal background check in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act


• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Four (4) year degree in Native American Studies, Education or related field


• Three (3) years of classroom instruction experience


• Three (3) years of curriculum development experience


• Experience teaching within a Tribal community

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds


• Must be able to sit for long periods of time with occasional amounts of standing or walking

REQUIRED TRAINING:

• Effectively Handling Harassment training


• Any position-related training as determined by department manager

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, but may include occasional outdoor activities

DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship

The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.