Job Description

PositionNative Language Revitalization Specialist LocationDistrict Service Center FTE1.0 Compensation$65,456.15/year - $72,386.98/year Anticipated Start DateSeptember 21, 2026
Position is Temporary through June 30, 2027. Additional InformationIndependent, 10 Month Position, 191 duty days.

Benefits:
SoWashCo Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. We also offer voluntary plans such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity protection, along with flexible spending accounts, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and retirement plans. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting your health and well-being.

Visit our benefits page for more detailed information.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and culturally grounded Native Language Revitalization Specialist to develop high-quality educational materials that reflect and preserve Dakota language, history, and culture. This grant-funded role focuses on the creation of educational materials that support both academic achievement and cultural revitalization, ensuring Indigenous students-and all students-see their histories, languages and ways of knowing reflected in their education. The ideal candidate will collaborate with the Department of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, the Indigenous Education program, cultural experts, and SoWashCo's Indigenous Parent/Guardian Advisory Committee to create an engaging, standards-aligned curriculum for learners of all ages.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Design and develop culturally responsive curriculum materials centered on Dakota language, culture, history, and ways of knowing; as well as, an Introductory course on Minnesota American Indian Language and culture class.
2. Develop a community-focused Dakota language course to be offered through SoWashCo's Community Education program, aimed at engaging families, community members, and lifelong learners in language revitalization efforts.
3. Collaborate with Dakota language speakers, Elders, educators, and content specialists to ensure cultural accuracy and appropriateness.
4. Create lesson plans, learning activities, assessments, and instructional resources aligned with academic standards and Indigenous pedagogies.
5. Adapt curriculum for various grade levels (K�12 or adult learners) and learning environments (classroom, online, community-based).
6. Integrate Dakota language into curriculum materials where appropriate, supporting language revitalization efforts.
7. Conduct research to support the historical and cultural accuracy of educational content.
8. Participate in curriculum review cycles, incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine materials.
9. Support actions related to educational equity.
10. Represent DEI across departments to ensure there's a voice advocating for educational equity for Indigenous students at district and school level decision making tables.
11. Partner with building principals, equity leadership teams, Professional Development and Teaching Learning Services Departments to develop plans and activities to consistently integrate Indigenous Education into programming and curriculum.
12. Advise Director of DEI on issues facing the Indigenous community within the district.
13. Reinforce school district partnership(s) with the Native American community.
14. Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, LICENSE, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):
Required:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of Dakota culture, language and history (required)
2. Requires a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in education, American Indian Studies, social science, or a closely related field and/or equivalent experience
3. At least one year of experience in a teaching role in a school district or social service agency working with the Indigenous community, families, and students of the same or similar heritage
4. Spark student curiosity and motivate course enrollment by engaging with student groups during or after school, and connect with Indigenous families during family engagement nights
5. An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the work
6. Familiarity with Minnesota's Indigenous Community, Federal and State laws that affect Indigenous people, and tribal programs that affect SoWashCo Indigenous students and families
7. Experience and success implementing culturally and historically responsive pedagogy and strategies
8. Verbal and written communication skills, including giving presentations, and report writing
9. Basic skills in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
10. Interpersonal skills for working with families, students, the community, and within the District

Desired:

1. Deep respect for and connection to Dakota communities
2. An understanding of the Minnesota Bilingual Seals Program
3. Experience working within tribal education systems or Indigenous language revitalization programs
4. Flexible, creative and committed to educational equity
5. Fluent in language(s) other than English - Dakota language preferred
6. Certificates and/or training regarding intercultural relations, cultural diversity, or other related field(s)
7. Proven skills in designing classroom/training curriculum
8. Understanding of multicultural education in the areas of child and youth development.
9. Basic knowledge of child and adult learning styles
10. Basic knowledge of the social history of oppressed groups in the United States

Posting will be removed from the website when the position has been filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer