Hawaiian Language & Culture Kumu - PBL Leader

Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi; Hawaii; Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School in Hawaii seeks the Ike Hawai’i Kumu, a foundational leadership and instructional role dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian knowledge, language, and culture. This facilitator serves as both classroom teacher and cultural consultant, weaving ’Ōlelo Hawai’i, history, and ʻike kūpuna into daily school life, empowering learners to become mindful, connected contributors to society.

The Ike Hawai’i Kumu works with multidisciplinary teams, provides ongoing professional

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years classroom experience; charter school experience preferred.
• Demonstrated depth of knowledge in Hawaiian history, language, and geography.
• High-level proficiency in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or a clear path to fluency.
• Commitment to the HĀ framework and its integration in teaching.

Responsibilities

• Integrated Instruction & Curriculum Development with Hawaiian standards.
• Facilitate ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi instruction for learners and staff across grade levels.
• Co-design PBL units using Kauaʻi wahi pana and natural environment.
• Lead school-wide protocol, ceremonies, and culturally respectful practices.

Skills

Cultural knowledge

Instructional experience

Ōlelo Hawaiʻi proficiency

HĀ framework knowledge

Collaborative leadership

Job description

Location: Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, Koloa, Hawaii

Position Summary

The Ike Hawai’i Kumu is a foundational leadership and instructional role dedicated to the perpetuation of Hawaiian knowledge, language, and cultural values within the Alaka’i O Kaua’i school community. This facilitator serves as both a classroom teacher and a cultural consultant, ensuring that our project-based learning (PBL) curriculum is deeply rooted in the HĀ (Na Hopena A’o) framework. The Ike Hawai’i Kumu works to weave ’Ōlelo Hawai’i, history, and ‘ike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge) into the fabric of daily school life, empowering learners to become mindful, connected contributors to society.

Key Responsibilities

1. Integrated Instruction & Curriculum Development

• Cultural Infusion: Collaborate with subject-area facilitators to integrate Hawaiian cultural standards and content into math, science, and humanities units.
• Language Acquisition: Facilitate engaging ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i instruction for learners and staff across various grade levels, moving beyond rote learning to functional, conversational usage.
• Project-Based Learning (PBL) Design: Co-design PBL units that utilize Kaua’i’s wahi pana (sacred places) and natural environment as the primary classroom.

2. Protocol & Cultural Stewardship

• Protocol Leadership: Lead and facilitate school-wide protocol, including daily piko gatherings, oli (chant) instruction, and ceremonies, ensuring they are practiced with pono (righteousness/correctness) and respect.
• Community Connection: Maintain active relationships with local kupuna, cultural practitioners, and community organizations to ensure the school’s curriculum remains authentic and locally relevant.

3. Faculty Mentorship & Staff Development

• HĀ Coaching: Provide ongoing professional development for school staff on the HĀ framework (Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-being, and Hawaii).
• Cultural Lens: Assist faculty in evaluating instructional materials and practices to ensure they align with Hawaiian values and modern pedagogical best practices.

Qualifications

• Cultural Knowledge: Demonstrated depth of knowledge in Hawaiian history, language, and geography, specifically regarding the island of Kaua’i.
• Instructional Experience: A minimum of 3 years of classroom experience (or equivalent), with a preference for experience in charter school settings and project-based learning environments.
• Language Proficiency: High-level proficiency in ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i (or a clear, documented path to fluency) is highly valued.
• Pedagogical Alignment: Deep commitment to the HĀ framework and the ability to articulate how traditional Hawaiian values inform modern 21st-century skill acquisition.
• Collaborative Spirit: A proven ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, with a humble approach to shared leadership.

Why Join Alaka’i O Kaua’i?

At Alaka’i O Kaua’i, we believe that education should honor the past while preparing students for the future. The Ike Hawai’i Kumu is the heartbeat of this mission—guiding our learners to recognize their kuleana (responsibility) to the land and to each other. You will be joining a team that values innovation, equity, and the pursuit of excellence.

Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.