Language Teacher Assistant (Grant funded)(Ends 06/30/2025)

Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.

Summary of Functions

Preserves, protects, and enhances the Kalispel Tribe’s culture and traditions through learning and teaching of the Kalispel language. This position entails the learning and teaching of the Kalispel language in the local school district and the Kalispel Tribe's Immersion School, as well as adult community classes as needed. The delivery, preparation, and development of language school instruction is vital to the success of this position. This position will use technology to create curriculum, lesson plans, and classroom activities for use in the Kalispel Language Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a Language Teacher Assistant for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. This person will be required to undergo an intensive training regime in order to be certified as a Kalispel language teacher. Training will include learning the Kalispel Language, as well as learning language teaching approaches, methodologies and techniques.
• This person will be required to be certified to teach the Kalispel Language and be a certified language teacher through the First People's Language/Culture Certification Program.
• The Language Teacher Assistant will participate in classroom trainings, language immersion sessions, and attend classroom observations at local public and immersion schools.
• The Language Teacher Assistant will assist in the development and creation of grades K-5 Math, Science, and Phonics/Reading Curriculum for use in the Kalispel Immersion School.
• Works with a diverse team of Language staff to develop and implement language curriculum for the Kalispel tribe and the local community.
• Must be able and willing to become very proficient in all MS Office applications. Specific programs include Word, PowerPoint, and Photoshop. Individuals must also be familiar with digital recording software.
• This person must be able to work independently and be self-motivating.
• Utilizes the services of tribal elders who have the traditions and cultural knowledge.
• Acquire skills in teaching methodologies and classroom instruction management.
• Develop draft work-plans, conduct program planning and evaluations.
• Public speaking is a vital part of this position ranging from daily classroom teaching to presentations to the elders and neighboring communities.
• The Language Teacher Assistant will attend trainings, conferences, and workshops to improve their teaching abilities.
• Provide grades K-5 Immersion School Instruction using Kalispel Language as the sole means of communication.
• Develop and Implement language assessments to measure students’ progress in phonics/reading, mathematics, and science.

Additional Functions

Additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The incumbent has no direct supervisory duties. Although, while teaching they will be required to oversee between 5-15 students. These supervisory duties may also require organizing and supervising field trips to local attractions.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to be certified to instruct children.
• Must be willing to learn to speak the Kalispel language, read and write the Kalispel language, and be fully committed to participating in the project for the entire project period. Must have a demonstrated ability to learn Kalispel language.
• Must become certified to teach the Kalispel Language. Any previous language experience is a plus.
• Must have a working knowledge of the Kalispel culture, traditions, and history.
• Must be able to communicate with elders of the Kalispel tribe and have good relations with elders of surrounding tribes.
• The position will be required to undergo and pass a background check and drug test for certification and employment with the Kalispel Tribe.
• Must pass Washington State Patrol background check.

Work Environment

• This position may require significant local travel and occasional long-distance travel.
• This position requires the ability to bend, stoop, lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• This position requires significant amounts of standing or walking.
• This position may require the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• This position may require some work to be performed outside general business hours. Occasional evening meetings, weekend work, shift work, on-call status, may be required.
• This position will require the supervision of 5-15 children in a classroom setting.
• This position requires a flexible schedule that corresponds to the local school district and Immersion School schedules.

Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.

Experience

• • Kalispel Tribe of Indians-Certified Language Instructor.
  • Certified in the State of Washington to teach Kalispel Language. (First People's Language Certification).
  • Valid driver’s license and insurability under the Tribal vehicle/equipment insurance plan is required.

Licenses & Certifications

• Heartsaver First Aid/CPR
• Drivers License
• Tribal Work Permit III
• Tuberculosis Test Cert.