2026-2027 SY - Teacher - Heritage Language (Navajo); Free Rent/Utilities - Elementary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools; Ramah (NM); On-site; USD 61,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan ForgivenessProgram

Job summary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools is seeking a Heritage Language Teacher (Navajo) for Ramah Elementary School. The role focuses on bilingual education to help students become bilingual and biliterate in English and Navajo within state and district standards.

You will work on-site, plan engaging lessons, assess student progress, and collaborate with staff to support diverse learners. A 194-day contract is offered with a clear path to licensure in Native American language education.

Qualifications

• Read, write and speak Navajo and English proficiently.
• Knowledge of bilingual curriculum and state standards.
• Experience in delivering language and cultural education.
• Ability to develop, administer and analyze student assessments.
• Familiarity with classroom technology and modern teaching methods.

Responsibilities

• Deliver district bilingual and/or home language educational program.
• Teach Navajo and English language acquisition to students.
• Utilize varied teaching methods and resources for each area.
• Communicate with students, families and staff to support learning.
• Create a positive, inclusive classroom and monitor student growth.
• Develop and administer assessments aligned to standards.
• Participate in meetings and professional development as required.

Skills

Navajo language fluency

Bilingual English/Navajo

Classroom instruction

Cultural awareness

Assessment development

Student engagement

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Computers

Job description

Title: Heritage Language Teacher (Navajo) Elementary

Work Location: Ramah Elementary School

Work Hours: 7.5 hours/Day

Contract Length: 194 Days

520 Certificate Only - $60,583.00 minimum to $60,631.00 maximum

520 Certificate with Teacher's License - $60,583.00 minimum to $84,868.00 maximum

To deliver the District educational program by teaching students academic, social and motor skills according to State and District education standards and other appropriate agencies, and to provide equal educational opportunities for all students.

Summary

To deliver the district bilingual and/or home language educational program with the goal of students becoming bilingual and biliterate in English and a second language and meeting state academic content and standards and benchmarks in all subject areas according to state, tribal, and district education standards.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• Receives general direction from the Principal or designee.

Essential Function Statements

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Read, write and speak the home language Navajo and the English language proficiently.
• Accurately demonstrate knowledge of the content area and approved curriculum.
• Utilize a variety of teaching methods and resources for each area taught and/or assigned.
• Communicates with and obtains feedback with students in a manner that enhances student learning and understanding with parents and staff.
• Appropriately apply the principles of student growth, development, and learning to enhance optimal student engagement.
• Develop, administer, and analyze student assessments.
• Promote positive student behavior and a safe and healthy environment for learning.
• Create a positive atmosphere conducive to promoting student involvement and self-concept, recognizing student diversity.
• Participate in the development and administration of district goals, objectives and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and respect the cultural diversities, and traditional beliefs and practices, of students and their families.
• Participates in faculty and professional meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Performs all teaching requirements as required by the district/state.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Qualification/ Knowledge Requirements

• Basic principles of early childhood development including human growth and development, and special education.
• Content area theories, approved curriculum, and the objectives of assigned area of instruction.
• Teaching methods and resources for each assigned area of instruction
• Modern, effective and innovative teaching practices and techniques.
• Modern office and classroom equipment, including computers.
• The principles of student growth, development, and learning to enhance student learning and understanding.
• State and District curriculum guidelines or requirements.
• Cultural diversities of the local area
• Recent development, current literature and information related to bilingual education programs.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of cultural traditions and practices of the Native American communities
• Analyze and interpret literature and apply to classroom practices.
• Understand, develop and implement bilingual curriculum in conjunction with local, state and national standards.

Experience And Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

• One year of related work experience in a school setting is desirable.

Education

• High School Diploma

Work Environment

• On-site attendance is mandatory for this position.

Licensure And Certificates

Possession of, or ability to obtain, the appropriate teaching license and endorsements in assigned area of instruction from the New Mexico State Department of Education including a New Mexico Native American Language and Culture PreK-12 Certificate (520 Certificate) or New Mexico Native American Language and Culture PreK-12 Certificate (520 Certificate) to teach Navajo or Zuni.

Full and complete job descriptions are available from the Personnel Department.

All GMCS schools are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).