Diné Language Cultural Educator - Part-time/Term Limited

NACA Inspired Schools Network; Albuquerque (NM); Remote; USD 16,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused educational organization is looking for a Diné Language Cultural Educator. This part-time role involves supporting Diné language speakers to become certified as teachers and collaborating with apprentices in their development. Candidates should have a background in Diné culture and educational practices. Responsibilities also include facilitating training and assisting in cultural knowledge sharing. Position compensation is available based on terms set until June 2026.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with designing learning experiences for adult language learners.
• Knowledge of the lifeways of Diné cultural and language.
• Experience working within a preK-12 grade classroom language setting.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate interactive learning in the Diné lifeways alignment with hands-on activities.
• Present oral language and culture using interactive activities for potential Diné language teachers.
• Assist the Program Director with quarterly reports including lessons learned and recommendations.

Skills

Familiarity with designing learning experiences for adult language learners

Knowledge of the lifeways of Diné cultural and language

Experience working within a preK-12 grade classroom language setting

Familiar with computer applications such as Email, Calendar, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Dropbox and Google Drive

Job description

Overview

About the NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN)

The NACA Inspired Schools Network is building schools of excellence and relevance in Indigenous communities. Based on a community-led school development model, NISN seeks to support schools that build on community strengths and center student learning in community, holism, identity development, and academic relevance.

NISN seeks talented individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We are especially interested in self-starting individuals with a growth mindset, practicing vulnerability, deeply believing in engaging communities, and genuinely wanting to see transformation in Indigenous communities.

In 2022, the Native American Community Academy - Inspired Schools network (NISN) was awarded the NMPED-IED Indigenous Language Fellow and the NISN Diné Bizaad Bee Na’nitin Yíhooł’aah Mentor + Apprentice program was implemented to increase the Diné language teachers in network schools include NACA and Saad Ki Dilyí in Albuquerque, Six Directions Indigenous Schools in Gallup and Dream Diné in Shiprock. The program established an agreement with the Navajo Nation-Department of Diné Education (DODE) Office of Standards, Curriculum & Assessment Development (OSCAD) to administer the assessment in Albuquerque twice a year in December and June. The program prepared the potential Diné language teachers to obtain the 520 Native American Language and Culture Certificate by taking the OSCAD Diné Language and Culture Assessment which measures the proficiency of the speaker’s language and comprehension of written and reading a lesson plan in Diné Bizaad.

NISN Diné Bizaad Bee Na'nitin Yíhoołaah Mentor + Apprentice Program is seeking a Diné Language Cultural Educator. The position supports the Diné language speakers to become certified Diné language teachers, thereby obtaining New Mexico’s 520 Native American Language and Culture certification. The Diné Language Cultural Educator will collaborate with the program team to prepare potential teachers through professional development training to take the language assessment administered by the Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education (DODE). The Diné Language Cultural Educator will assist the mentor and apprentice cohorts and communities in engaging and participating in efforts to increase Diné language use in schools and communities. Be available to the apprentices, attend scheduled meetings, and share cultural knowledge with apprentices.

Scope of Work

• Support a total of eight (8) apprentices to complete and attain a 520 certificate and place these apprentices in an educational setting to teach the Dine language.


• Provide professional development to strengthen knowledge of 520 certification standards and effective practices for teaching language and culture.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with designing learning experiences for adult language learners.


• Knowledge of the lifeways of Diné cultural and language.


• Experience working within a preK-12 grade classroom language setting.


• Familiar with computer applications such as Email, Calendar, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Dropbox and Google Drive.

Roles and Responsibilities

• To facilitate interactive learning in the Diné lifeways alignment with the land-based with a lesson demonstration in which the Navajo Nation's OSCAD five standards will be taught in hands-on activities. The assessment includes cultural hané to ensure the Diné language and culture teacher has knowledge and is familiar to teach youth and community.


• Familiar with the cultural relevant materials for adult learners. Present the oral language and culture by using interactive activities to support the potential Diné language teachers.


• Support program team to review training materials for Diné fundamental laws, Navajo Nation Government, and culturally relevant to the Diné Language and Culture Assessment.


• For reporting, assist the Program Director with key results every quarter, including sharing lessons learned, listing recommendations, and preparing presentations.

Part-Time Term Limited

• Date of the signed acceptance letter to June 2026. Opportunity for Part-Time Term Limited renewal upon funding.


• Due to term-limited, employee benefits are not included with this position.


• Position compensation includes travel.


• Track hours describing produced work.


• Telework via zoom and phone including in-person meetings/training.

Salary Band: Min $16,319.06 - Max $23,312.94.

Timeline for Application Process

PROCESS

ACTION BY:

SUBMISSION BY:

A. Job Announcement

NISN

July 8, 2025

B. Application Materials

Candidate

July 29, 2025, before 5:00 pm (MTN).

C. Interview Candidate

NISN/Candidate

August 4-15, 2025

D. Onboarding

NISN/Candidate

August 18-22, 2025

E. Orientation

NISN

September 2025

Requirements for a Final Selection

Announcement

NISN will post job opportunity announcements on NISN website, social media, and the designated recruitment network. If NISN does not identify a final candidate by the application material deadline, NISN will repost until hired.

Application Materials

The candidate must upload application materials to the NISN Human Resources platform on Rippling. Upload the following:

Resume includes a timeline of experience of up to five years.

References

Interview Candidate

Depending on the experience and qualifications aligned with the roles and responsibilities, NISN will reach out to candidates and schedule interviews. The interview committee will interview to ensure the candidate is comprehensive in the Diné language. Based on the rating, the candidate will be selected for the onboarding process. For those not selected for the position, the candidate will be informed by NISN to send the candidate a letter of notification.

Onboarding

Upon completion of the interview, the NISN will send a letter of acceptance to the finalized candidate. The finalized Part-Time employee will receive an onboarding packet that includes a W-9, code of conduct, and all essential materials to begin their employment with us.

Orientation

The Diné Language Program Coordinator will schedule a program orientation for all hired program part-time/term limited employees and contractors during the first week of September 2025.

We look forward to reviewing your application materials. If you have any questions, please contact Chael Moore, Diné Language Program Coordinator, at 505.803.7360 or [e-mail].