Dakota Language and Culture Teacher

Hastings ISD 200; San Jacinto (CA); Sur place; USD 50 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Hastings ISD 200 in San Jacinto, California, seeks a Dakota Language and Culture Teacher to lead students in learning the Dakota language and culture. This position involves creating engaging lesson plans that emphasize Dakota history and cultural connections while collaborating with the community.

The ideal candidate will be fluent in the Dakota language, possess or be eligible for a valid teaching license, and have a deep understanding of Dakota traditions. This teaching role plays a crucial part in supporting language revitalization efforts.

Qualifications

• Fluency in the Dakota language (reading/writing preferred).
• Valid MN teaching license or eligibility.
• Knowledge of Dakota culture, history, and community practices.

Responsabilités

• Design and deliver standards-aligned Dakota language instruction.
• Develop culturally relevant curriculum integrating Dakota history.
• Collaborate with Dakota elders and community members.

Connaissances

Fluency in the Dakota language

Knowledge of Dakota culture

Effective communication

Differentiated instruction

Curriculum development

Formation

Bachelors in education or related field

Masters Degree in related area preferred

Description du poste

Dakota Language and Culture Teacher

Position Purpose
Hastings Public Schools is searching for a 1.0 FTE Dakota Culture and Language Teacher at our elementary sites to teach Dakota language and culture on a rotation at Kennedy Elementary, Pinecrest Elementary, and McAuliffe Elementary. Under general supervision of the school principals and the Director of Teaching and Learning. The position will rotate between buildings throughout the school year. This person is in charge of the daily delivery of instruction and assessment of student learning. They will use this role to contribute directly to the preservation and growth of the Dakota language and culture, empowering students to develop linguistic skills, cultural identity, and a strong sense of belonging.

The Dakota Language Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering high-quality instruction in the Dakota language while centering Dakota culture, identity, and ways of knowing. This role plays a critical part in language revitalization efforts by creating engaging, culturally grounded learning experiences for students. The teacher fosters a classroom environment that honors Indigenous knowledge systems and builds student pride, proficiency, and connection to the Dakota language and community.

Essential Functions

• Design and deliver standards‑aligned Dakota language instruction
• Develop culturally relevant curriculum that integrates Dakota history, traditions, values, and contemporary perspectives
• Use a variety of instructional strategies to support language acquisition (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs, including multilingual learners and students with varying levels of prior exposure
• Support the preservation and revitalization of the Dakota language through authentic, community‑connected practices
• Integrate Dakota cultural teachings, storytelling, and land‑based learning into instruction
• Collaborate with Dakota elders, cultural advisors, and community members to ensure authenticity and respect
• Monitor and assess student progress in language proficiency using a variety of formative and summative assessments
• Provide timely, meaningful feedback to students and families
• Use data to inform instruction and support continuous improvement
• Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum, share practices, and support interdisciplinary learning
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and ongoing professional development
• Serve as a resource for staff on culturally responsive and sustaining practices
• Engage families and community partners in supporting student learning
• Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment rooted in relationship‑building
• Establish clear expectations that promote student engagement and responsibility
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. This description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities and is not meant to be all inclusive.

Equipment

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of the identified language, in terms of grammar, word usage, word denotations and connotations, and literature.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self‑evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Works in standard office and school building environments. Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

• Required:
  • Fluency in the Dakota language (speaking and listening; reading/writing preferred or willingness to develop)
  • Valid MN teaching license or eligibility to obtain licensure (state‑specific requirements may vary) in Dakota or American Indian Language and Culture
  • Knowledge of Dakota culture, history, and community practices
• Preferred
  • Experience teaching Dakota language or other Indigenous/heritage languages
  • Experience working with Indigenous students and communities
  • Familiarity with language revitalization frameworks and immersion or proficiency‑based instruction
  • Experience developing curriculum and assessments

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in related area preferred.

Experience

Successful prior language teaching experience a plus.

FLSA Status

Exempt