qaymɩχʷqɛnəmšt Education Assistant

Tla’amin Nation; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 16,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The qaymɩχʷqɛnəmšt Education Assistant at Tla’amin Nation supports K-1 students in the immersion program, providing individualized academic, behavioural, and social-emotional support under the teacher’s guidance.

Collaborating with teachers, Elders, and language instructors, you help create a language-rich, culturally respectful classroom while reinforcing routines and learning goals throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of inclusive education practices and supports for diverse learners.
• Ability to implement individualized learning supports under teacher direction.
• Experience with trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.
• Willingness to participate in language development activities (ʔayʔajuθəm).
• Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries in student interactions.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct academic support reinforcing literacy and numeracy.
• Assist with classroom activities, routines, transitions, and engagement.
• Support implementation of IEPs and individualized learning plans.
• Promote safe, inclusive, and culturally connected learning environment.
• Observe, document, and communicate student progress to teachers.
• Participate in language planning and immersion program activities.

Skills

Inclusive education practices

Individualized learning supports

Trauma-informed approaches

Culturally responsive approaches

Student observation & documentation

Language development participation

Initiative & proactivity

Confidentiality & boundaries

Education

High school diploma

Education Assistant Certificate a plus

First Aid & CPR certification

Equivalent education/experience considered

Job description

The Tla’amin Nation is a modern, forward-thinking, self-governing nation located on the beautiful upper Sunshine Coast (qathet Region).

Position Summary

Job Type: Temporary Part Time, 12 hours per week

Hours of Work: 8:30am – 3:00pm, Tuesday & Wednesday

Reports to: Education Manager

Department: Education

The qaymɩχʷqɛnəmšt Education Assistant supports Tla’amin K-1 students participating in the qaymɩχʷqɛnəmšt Immersion Program by providing individualized academic, developmental, behavioural, and social-emotional support. The position works collaboratively with teachers and program staff to promote student safety, learning, engagement, inclusion, and positive development throughout the school day. The qaymɩχʷqɛnəmšt Education Assistant supports students with diverse learning needs, assists with daily routines and transitions, and reinforces individualized learning and behaviour support strategies under the direction of the classroom teacher(s). The qaymɩχʷqɛnəmšt Education Assistant also supports students in developing a strong connection to Tla’amin culture, language, identity, community, and teachings as part of their learning experience.

Key Responsibilities

Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Tla’amin Nation policies, standards, practices, and procedures as directed by the Education Manager. Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to members, citizens, clients, employees, and general matters of the Nation.

This role includes, but is not limited to:

• Provide direct academic support to students, including reinforcing classroom instruction, assisting with literacy and numeracy development, and adapting learning activities as directed by the teacher.
• Assist students with participation in classroom activities, learning activities, transitions and daily routines.
• Support the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), individualized learning strategies, and student support plans under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Support student safety, engagement, inclusion, and positive social development.
• Support students with diverse learning needs, including students requiring additional academic, behavioural, developmental, or social-emotional assistance.
• Implement positive behaviour, support strategies and assist students in developing self-regulation, independence, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills.
• Participate in student support planning, school-based team meetings, and discussions regarding student learning and development, as requested.

• Prepare and organize learning materials, resources, and classroom activities as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Participate in language planning, preparation of learning materials, and other activities that support the immersion program's educational and language revitalization objectives.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, language instructors, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to support a language-rich immersion environment.
• Incorporate language and cultural teachings into classroom routines and activities under the guidance of the teacher and appropriate cultural knowledge holders.
• Observe, document, and communicate student progress, behavioural concerns, and emerging learning needs to the classroom teacher and appropriate supervisors.
• Promote culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches to student engagement, behaviour, and learning.
• Actively promote and support Tla’amin cultural identity, values, teachings, and perspectives within the educational environment, ensuring students have opportunities to develop a positive connection to their culture and community.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families and the qaymɩχʷqɛnəmšt Immersion Program.
• Commitment to using ʔayʔajuθəm consistently throughout the school day, appropriate to the employee's developing proficiency.
• Actively participate in ʔayʔajuθəm language learning, mentorship and professional development opportunities to continually develop personal language proficiency.
• Establish and work toward ongoing language development goals, demonstrating measurable progress in language acquisition and practical use.
• Model, reinforce, and encourage the use of ʔayʔajuθəm through daily classroom interactions, routines, activities, and student engagement.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Training, Education, Experience

• Minimum Grade 12.
• Education Assistant Certificate is an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.
• Experience working with čičuy, preferably in a classroom or early learning environment.
• Experience working with an Indigenous community and knowledge of Indigenous perspectives and cultural contexts.
• Acceptable Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check prior to employment.

• Current Basic First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Understanding of inclusive education practices, individualized learning supports, and positive behaviour intervention strategies.
• Ability to implement instructional and behavioural strategies under the direction of a classroom teacher.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students with diverse learning, developmental, and social-emotional needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to supporting Indigenous students.
• Ability to maintain appropriate student observations, documentation, and professional communication.
• Ability to take initiative in identifying opportunities to support student success while working within established educational plans and teacher direction.
• Ability and willingness to participate in ongoing language development activities, including mentorship, formal instruction, and practical language use throughout the workday.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated commitment and willingness to actively learn, practice, and use ʔayʔajuθəm within an immersion learning environment.
• Existing language proficiency is considered an asset; however, ongoing participation in language learning and demonstrated progress toward increased proficiency are requirements of the position.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a school-based setting, although some activities in the community may also be included.

This posting will be open until filled.

*We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted