Dena'ina Language Reading Coach

Kenaitze Indian Tribe; Kenai (AK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local cultural organization in Alaska is looking for a Dena'ina Language Reading Coach to enhance language education and coordinate with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will collaborate on developing instructional materials, lead reading assessments, and supervise language teachers, while also engaging in continuous improvement of language programs. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience in Dena'ina linguistic practices. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact in the community through language education.

Qualifications

• Experience in Dena'ina language and literacy translation work for 2 years.
• Supervisory experience for 2 years.
• Experience teaching adults for 2 years.
• Experience teaching youth for 2 years.
• Knowledge of Dena'ina cultural practices.
• Science of Reading Certification, such as LETTERS training, or obtain within 120 days upon hire.
• Valid Alaska State driver's license and insurability under the Tribe's policy

Responsibilities

• Coordinate efforts to develop Dena'ina Science of Reading based practices.
• Collaborate with language institute and cultural center.
• Develop instructional materials for teaching Dena'ina language.
• Assess the effectiveness of reading programs and instruction.
• Engage in continuous improvement coaching cycles.
• Provides an effective school program to increase reading skills of students.
• Participates in Dena'ina language classes to improve personal language skills.
• Edits and translates Dena'ina reading texts.
• Engages in continuous improvement cycles with learners, staff, and students.
• Ensures compliance with tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; tribal policies and TERO ordinance.

Skills

Creative, energetic, and motivating approach

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Dena'ina cultural practices

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education or Degree in Linguistics

Master's Degree preferred

Education + Dena'ina culture experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

The Dena'ina Language Reading Coach will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of efforts between staff, volunteers, and contractors to develop and refine Science of Reading based practices and materials for teaching how to read the Dena'ina language. The Dena'ina Language Reading Coach will design, develop, test, and refine instructional materials which support Dena'ina language learning and teaching activities. The Dena'ina Language Reading Coach will collaborate with the Dena'ina Language Institute, Dena'ina Culture Center, and the Tułen Charter School team to develop a Dena'ina Science of Reading based instruction that seamlessly works alongside the English Science of Reading based curriculum used in the Tułen Charter School and supervise the Dena'ina Language Teachers.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with Dena'ina Language Institute and Culture Center Managers to align language work with Kenaitze Indian Tribe's mission and vision
• Collects, analyzes and interprets language instructor data to monitor success
• Assists other teachers for the purpose of implementing Tułen charter school reading curriculum. Monitors language instruction program implementation
• Develops and coordinates reading programs cooperatively with classroom teachers for the purpose of supporting teachers and ensuring student success
• Leads developing and administering valid, reliable reading assessments and screening instruments
• Provides an effective school program to increase the reading skills of students
• Participates in Dena'ina language classes to increase personal Dena'ina language speaking and writing skills
• Edits and translates Dena'ina reading texts
• Engages in continuous improvement coaching cycles with language learners, staff, and students
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Medium work – Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)

OSHA Categories

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

Travel

• Kenaitze Indian Tribe Service Area
• In-State
• Out-of-State

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Education, Degree in Linguistics, or a combination of education and experience in Dena'ina culture and language may be substituted for a degree

Experience

• Two (2) years experience Dena'ina language and literacy translation work
• Two (2) years experience supervising
• Two (2) years experience teaching adults
• Two (2) years experience teaching youth
• Experience in Dena'ina cultural practices and traditions

License/Certification

• Science of Reading Certification, such as LETTERS training, or obtain within 120 days upon hire
• Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy or obtain within ninety (90) days

Preferred

• Masters Degree in Education, Linquistsics, or related field preferred
• Coursework in Dena'ina language acquisition
• Experience transcribing and translating Dena'ina
• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

Special Skills

• Creative, energetic, and motivating approach to achieving goals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, or obtain training within 90 days of hire
• Builds content in Tribal language learning software
• Creative design skills for developing curriculum
• 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.