Iñupiaq Language Teacher (Middle School)

North Slope Borough School District; Utqiaġvik (AK); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Utqiaġvik seeks a teacher responsible for implementing research-based instructional strategies tailored to diverse student needs. The ideal candidate will hold an Associate's Degree in Iñupiaq Studies and engage in continuous study of language learning and cultural appreciation. Responsibilities include planning instruction, fostering partnerships with parents, and ensuring a conducive learning environment. Candidates must be fluent in Iñupiaq and demonstrate knowledge of best teaching practices.

Qualifications

• Fluent Iñupiaq is preferred, and conversational Iñupiaq is required.
• Knowledge of language acquisition and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience with family involvement in education is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan instructional needs for all students and implement district curriculum.
• Provide instruction that promotes language and skill development.
• Create an environment maximizing student learning.

Skills

Fluent in Iñupiaq

Knowledge of best practices in teaching

Language acquisition theory

Collaboration with community

Education

Associate’s Degree in Iñupiaq Studies and/or Education

Job description

Under the direction of the school principal and/or assistant principal, the teacher is responsible for the implementation of research-based instructional strategies that direct the learning process and achievement of assigned students by developing, nurturing, and sustaining a school and classroom culture conducive to student learning.

All instruction provided for students will be individualized. This means that differences in individual learning style, rate of learning, level of maturation, and level of achievement will provide the basis for instructional decision‑making. To respond to these differences, it is expected that teachers will vary materials, rate of instruction, and methodology and these modifications will be based upon frequent assessment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate’s Degree in Iñupiaq Studies and/or Education preferred.
• Active standing in an approved Iñupiaq Studies and/or Education program required.
• Speaks Iñupiaq, fluently preferred.
• Understands and speaks some conversational Iñupiaq required. Knowledge and appreciation of Iñupiaq traditions, values and customs.
• Knowledge of best practices in teaching including constructivist approaches, hands‑on learning and language development. Knowledge of/experience in developing and supporting family involvement in education.
• Knowledge of language acquisition theory and practice.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing study of language learning, Iñupiaq language and culture and developmentally appropriate practices for children.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning for the instructional needs of all students; attending to the special needs of students; having high expectations for student achievement and behavior.
• Implementing district curriculum; providing instruction that promotes language development, skill development, knowledge acquisition and reasoning.
• Using a variety of assessments to inform instruction; creating an environment that maximizes student learning.
• Practicing and applying Iñupiaq pedagogical principles.
• Developing ongoing partnerships that enhance student learning with an emphasis on partnerships with parents and community.
• Collaborating with colleagues and community/parent volunteers.
• Modeling and teaching Iñupiaq values with a sensitivity to diversity.
• Educating the whole child intellectually, spiritually, socially, culturally, emotionally, physically.
• Demonstrating continuous professional growth. Supervise and train instructional paraprofessionals in providing services to students as needed.
• Abide by the code of ethics and the professional teaching standards adopted by the professional Teaching Practice Commission of the State.
• Adhering to District policies and regulations.
• Performing such other tasks and assume other responsibilities as the supervisor may assign.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to travel within and outside of the North Slope Borough School District. The employee must be willing and able to fly in small and large commuter planes. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

THE NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.