Dena'ina Language Coach

Kenaitze Indian Tribe; Kenai (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe is seeking a Dena'ina Language Coach to teach and coordinate Dena'ina language and culture classes. This full-time role involves collaboration with the Dena'ina Language Institute and various community partners, including the Tułen Charter School.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree or relevant Dena'ina experience, along with at least three years of teaching youth and two years with adults. A valid Alaska driver license is required.

This position offers a unique opportunity to promote Dena'ina culture within educational settings.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of teaching experience with youth.
• Two years of experience teaching adults.
• Experience with Dena'ina cultural practices.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and teach Dena'ina Language classes.
• Collaborate with institute managers to align language work.
• Create and refine instructional materials.

Skills

Motivation skills

Creative design skills for curriculum development

Excellent oral and written communication

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent Dena'ina cultural experience

Job description

Dena'ina Language Coach

Department: Culture and Language

Program: Dena'ina Language Institute

Reports to: Dena'ina Language Institute Manager

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

The Dena'ina Language Coach shall collaborate with the Dena'ina Language Institute and Dena'ina Culture Center team to coordinate and co‑instruct language and culture classes. The role includes coordinating and teaching Dena'ina Language and Culture classes within Tribal Programs and community partners, including the Tułen Charter School.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with Dena'ina Language Institute and Culture Center Managers to align language work with Kenaitze Indian Tribe's mission and vision.
• Collect, analyze and interpret language instructor data to monitor success.
• Lead Dena'ina language work as a learner, teacher, and innovator.
• Monitor language instruction program implementation.
• Ensure Dena'ina cultural overlay on all language instructor curriculum.
• Learn then train language instructor staff in Dena'ina Language for All strategies, methods, techniques and approaches.
• Facilitate and align blended learning approach, Dena'ina Language curriculum, and resources.
• Support language and instructional development of staff and learners.
• Create and refine instructor materials, rubrics, and processes to ensure program reproducibility of Language Instructor Program.
• Ensure compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance.

The description is not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned consistent with the position's purpose.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Medium Work – Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or sit (stationary position).
• Walk (move, traverse).
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel.
• Climb stairs/ladders or balance.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Talk/hear (communicate, converse).
• See (detect, perceive).

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Exposure to dust.
• Wet conditions.
• Noise.
• Vibration.

OSHA Categories

• Category II – Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but exposure or potential for exposure may occur.

Equipment and Tools

• Sewing machine; basic woodworking hand tools.

Travel

• Local, in‑state, out‑of‑state.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent Dena'ina cultural and language experience may substitute for a degree.

Experience

• Three (3) years of teaching youth.
• Two (2) years of teaching adults.
• Experience with Dena'ina cultural practices and traditions.
• Experience with Dena'ina language and literacy.

Preferred

• Bilingual.
• Coursework in Dena'ina, language acquisition.
• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities.

License/Certification

• Valid Alaska State driver license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy, or obtain within ninety (90) days.
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain within thirty (30) days.

Special Skills

• High level of energy with ability to motivate staff and students.
• Creative design skills for developing curriculum.
• Builds content in Tribal language learning software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Creative, motivational approach to achieving goals.
• Conducts business in a service‑oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful, and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co‑workers and others.

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.