What are the responsibilities and job description for the American Indian Education Program Coordinator position at Inver Grove Heights Community Schools?
SUMMARY:
The American Indian Education Program Coordinator plays a key role in strengthening the connection between our schools and the American Indian community. This position focuses on fostering meaningful partnerships, designing and providing culturally responsive educational opportunities, and supporting student success across our Early Childhood program, three Elementary Schools, Middle School, and High School.
Serve as an advocate for American Indian students, coordinate efforts to implement American Indian learning standards, develop culturally relevant curriculum, and provide enriching cultural experiences. This role also cultivates strong relationships with tribal communities, organizes professional learning opportunities for educators, and ensures that students receive the support they need to succeed both academically and culturally. The ideal candidate is deeply committed to advancing American Indian education, skilled in community engagement, and experienced in curriculum development and program coordination.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience:
Required Knowledge and Skills
Required Knowledge:
Required Skills:
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Starting salary is $60,450 for 195 work days/year, 8 hours per day
Benefits follow the teacher agreement. Click here to view the benefits information.
Inver Grove Heights Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.
The American Indian Education Program Coordinator plays a key role in strengthening the connection between our schools and the American Indian community. This position focuses on fostering meaningful partnerships, designing and providing culturally responsive educational opportunities, and supporting student success across our Early Childhood program, three Elementary Schools, Middle School, and High School.
Serve as an advocate for American Indian students, coordinate efforts to implement American Indian learning standards, develop culturally relevant curriculum, and provide enriching cultural experiences. This role also cultivates strong relationships with tribal communities, organizes professional learning opportunities for educators, and ensures that students receive the support they need to succeed both academically and culturally. The ideal candidate is deeply committed to advancing American Indian education, skilled in community engagement, and experienced in curriculum development and program coordination.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
- Community Engagement & Family Connections:
- Promote effective communication and foster understanding and cooperation between the schools and the American Indian community.
- Conduct home visits to current and prospective program enrollees, conveying detailed information about the American Indian education program and addressing family inquiries
- Program Development & Implementation:
- Coordinate and facilitate activities and programs that support and strengthen American Indian students’ cultural identity. (Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and High School).
- Work collaboratively with educators, administrators, and community leaders to design and implement programs that support academic success and cultural enrichment.
- Incorporate culturally relevant materials and curriculum, and promote students’ knowledge of Ojibwe and Dakota tribal languages and culture.
- Advocate for the educational needs and rights of American Indian students within the PreK-12 system by providing guidance and support.
- Culturally Responsive Education:
- Partner with the Department of Learning to ensure that all curriculum offerings are accurately aligned with American Indian educational standards.
- Provide perspective and contribute to the development of American Indian Language and Culture course offerings, ensuring they reflect authentic cultural practices and contemporary educational needs.
- Develop and integrate culturally relevant curriculum materials and resources that reflect the history, traditions, and contributions of American Indian peoples.
- Collaborate with teachers and the Teaching & Learning team to infuse cultural content into lesson plans across various subject areas.
- Coordinate culturally responsive professional development that equips educators to accurately reflect the history, traditions, and contributions of American Indian peoples.
- Program Management:
- Collaborate with the Department of Learning on utilizing feedback from students, families, and educators to refine program offerings and educational strategies.
- Stay informed about federal, state, and local policies and regulations affecting American Indian education.
- Assist with monitoring program effectiveness through regular data collection and analysis, preparing reports to inform ongoing improvements and adjustments.
- Assist with program implementation, budget management, and documentation.
- Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree is education, Native American/American Indian studies, social work, or a related field and/or equivalent in education, training and/or experience to fulfill the essential functions of this work.
- Licensed teacher.
- Minimum of two years working with or advocating for the American Indian community preferred.
- Experience and success implementing culturally and historically responsive pedagogy and strategies
Required Knowledge and Skills
Required Knowledge:
- Familiarity with Minnesota’s Indigenous Community, Federal and state laws that affect Indigenous People and tribal programs that affect LAS Indigenous populations
- Knowledge of American Indian Education programs, culture, and heritage.
- Passion for promoting success for American Indian students and families, and a desire to create more culturally responsive educational practices.
Required Skills:
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Proficient computer and technology skills required in Google apps, Excel, and Word for communication and program management.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage culturally diverse families and serve as a liaison between schools and families.
- Maintain professionalism at all times.
- Ability to work accurately, independently, and as a team member.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills including giving presentations.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Travel for home visits and meetings is required. Ability to drive or use transportation is necessary
- Ability to operate a computer and office equipment
- Ability to handle sensitive conversations with discretion and maintain confidentiality
- Use of multitasking and time management skills to balance multiple responsibilities
- Emotional resilience and cultural awareness to navigate challenging or emotional discussion related to Indigenous education and advocacy.
- Ability to speak comfortably in front of groups
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
- Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
- Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
- Must occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds.
- Vision abilities required include close vision.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Starting salary is $60,450 for 195 work days/year, 8 hours per day
Benefits follow the teacher agreement. Click here to view the benefits information.
Inver Grove Heights Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.
Salary : $60,450
