Language Teacher

St. Clement's School; Vernon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in the Okanagan is seeking a Language Teacher to instruct elementary students in the nsyilxwcn language and cultural practices. The role involves curriculum development and fostering a culturally rich learning environment. The ideal candidate will have BC Teacher Certification and experience with traditional Okanagan protocols. This position offers great benefits including vacation pay, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

3 Weeks Vacation Pay

Extended Health and Dental Benefits

Employer Matched Pension Plan

15 Statutory Holidays

Qualifications

• Experience teaching or mentoring learners in a multi-level learning environment.
• Knowledge of traditional Okanagan cultural practices and protocols.
• Experience with curriculum development at the elementary level.

Responsibilities

• Instruct elementary students in the nsyilxwcn language and cultural ways.
• Develop a nsyilxwcən language curriculum rooted in traditional cultural practices.
• Coordinate field trips and cultural activities.

Skills

Community-minded

Detail-oriented

Excellent communicator

Intermediate nsyilxwcən language fluency

Education

BC Teacher Certification

Bachelor in nsyilxwcən Language Fluency

Tools

Computer and technology skills

Job description

Overview

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.

Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

What We Offer

• 3 Weeks Vacation Pay
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits
• Employer Matched Pension Plan
• 15 Statutory Holidays
• Paid Winter Holiday Break
• Cultural Leave
• Discounted Silver Star lift passes
• Retention Bonuses after years of service
• 15 Paid Sick Days
• Paid Personal Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities

Job Summary

The Language Teacher is responsible for instructing elementary students (K5-G7) and school staff the nsyilxwcn language and cultural ways of the sqilxw/sylix people. Language and cultural teaching and activities must strengthen children’s sense of identity, culture, and history. The Language Teacher supervises a language and cultural teaching team that includes a language instructor, language assistants and language learners. The position of language teacher aims to foster a learning environment among students and school staff based on sqilxw values, culture, and traditions. The position will oversee the development of a complete language and cultural curriculum for the school’s elementary level students (K4-G7). The position works closely with the Language program’s instructor, assistants, and learners as well as with teaching staff and other support staff, practicing a team-teaching approach.

Supports Needed

• Provides language instruction for the school, including whole class and small groups, using a variety of strategies.
• Oversees the development of a nsyilxwcən language curriculum, rooted in traditional sqilxw cultural practices and knowledge, which creates a progressive learning pathway for all students from K4 to G7 and places students on a trajectory to reach language fluency.
• Shares cultural knowledge and provides a variety of cultural experiences and activities for the school, whole class, and small group.
• Submits and follows a yearly overview inclusive of Land Based Learning principles.
• Develops appropriate Language and Culture (L&C) units and daily lesson plans in consultation with a designated Classroom Teacher
• Develops teaching resources in collaboration with L&C team and other school staff.
• Coordinates field trips to support L&C learning in consultation with Vice Principal
• Develops appropriate units and daily lesson plans utilizing traditional techniques such as story, song, photos, cultural activities, conversation, and participation in daily routines.
• Identifies opportunities to integrate language and culture into all aspects of classroom and land-based learning.
• Ensures there are samples of the Okanagan language throughout the school e.g. labeled pictures, labeled classroom articles, etc.
• Assists in managing classroom expectations.
• Practices respectful student/adult interactions.
• Participates in the preparation of the school annual calendar identifying dates for cultural activities, events, and cultural field trips.
• Attends workshops, seminars, conferences, and other professional development activities to keep informed of current trends in education, practices, and curriculum developments related to First Nation education.
• Provides daily language instruction to school staff in supporting their learning and on-going use of Okanagan language skills.

Administrative Duties

• Prepares student assessments in L&C learning.
• Maintains records related to student progress.
• Evaluates student learning.
• Provides data (observations, checklists, etc.) to Classroom Teacher for reporting purposes.
• Reviews CT report and provides feedback.
• Sets expectations and provides reminders for student behaviour using our 5 Guiding Principles (respect, listen, do your best, be kind, and always be grateful).
• Communicates and collaborates with Classroom Teachers to address classroom management.
• Assists with supervision as scheduled and requested.
• Maintains confidentiality of all matters relating to the students/families enrolled at our school.
• Coordinates and sets up the L&C workspace each day.
• Maintains a safe and clean workspace each day.
• Meets regularly with the L&C planning team for Language Planning, including weekly, monthly, and yearly planning, as well as unit and lesson plans.
• Participates in yearly planning of school events, identifying opportunities for cultural activities, events, and field trips.
• Attends relevant professional development opportunities to increase knowledge with First Nations education, language instruction, and best practices for student learning and addressing challenging student behaviours.
• Supports school staff to increase their language learning.
• Attends staff and team-based meetings.
• Meets with parents at their request or during conferences.
• Collaborates with other OKIB Language and Culture programs.
• Supports the ongoing development and management of the school’s language and cultural curriculum.
• Communicates to the Vice Principal any pertinent information regarding the Language and Culture Program.

Who We Are Looking For

You have education, experience, or carry a willingness to learn. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator.

Education

BC Teacher Certification and/or independent school teacher certificate and/or equivalent, including Bachelor in nsyilxwcən Language Fluency. Intermediate or better fluency in the nsyilxwcən language both oral and written preferred. Knowledge of traditional Okanagan cultural practices and protocols. Familiar with a variety of language immersion delivery strategies and methods such as TPR, TPR-Story Telling, Where Are Your Keys. Knowledge and experience with OKIB or Okanagan Nation programs and service. Computer and technology skills an asset. Current First Aid/CPR or willing to obtain.

Experience

Experience teaching or mentoring learners in a multi-level learning environment or experience mentoring students/individuals in the Okanagan Language. Knowledge of traditional Okanagan cultural practices and protocols. Experience collaborating with elementary aged school students and parents. Experience with curriculum development, specifically at the elementary level. Experience or willing to gain experience in developing school curriculum. Prior experience teaching nsyilxwcən 1, captíkwł 1, nsyilxwcən 2, captíkwł 2, nsyilxwcən 3, captíkwł 3 would be an asset. Community Involvement with Language and Culture. Knowledge and experience with OKIB programs and services.

Preference

Preference may be given to those having knowledge of the Okanagan culture and traditions or those who are qualified teachers with a knowledge of Okanagan culture and traditions.