Position:
Language Instructor I
Position Number:
573 L
Division:
Tribal Affairs
Department:
Culture
Reports To:
Language Program Coordinator
Location:
Lincoln
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Non-Exempt
Pay Grade:
Grade 7 ($36,441.00-55,545.33)
Classification:
Full-time
Summary:
The Language Instructor I will implement the Ponca language plan which focuses on educating both the youth and the Ponca Tribe community at large in the Ponca language and culture. The position leads and participates in linguistically diverse settings, meetings, trainings and community-based gatherings. This position will have regular contact with and/or control over children as part of their job duties. Must be able and willing to work odd hours including some nights and weekends.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
- Learns the Ponca language and continually progresses towards fluency each year, which includes acquiring pronunciation, vocabulary, syntax, practical usage, spelling, and daily, living usage.
- Learns Ponca history & culture and implements that knowledge into the language classes and activities.
- Develops and implements program to build fluency with input and guidance from the Language Program Coordinator, Language and Culture Committee, language contractors, and Tribal knowledge keepers
- Develops culturally applicable curriculum, activities, resources, and monitoring in conjugation with fellow Language staff and language contractors.
- Enhances the development of student language learning by incorporating culturally relevant instructional strategies.
- Teaches language daily to youth and weekly to families and/or adults; or as frequently as the language plan establishes.
- Deliver classes and events in a variety of formats in both in-person and virtual, digital platforms and works with fellow instructors and Cultural Multi-media Specialist to develop and deliver.
- Actively participates in language immersion sessions and utilizes the language in both teaching and non-teaching settings, to build and encourage living use of the language.
- Actively participates in appropriate cultural activities (on and off site) to ensure cultural relevance while developing lessons and material.
- Selects age and ability appropriate methods of instruction to enhance language acquisition, including designing learning activities that promote participation in classes.
- Maintains student language acquisition records, assessment data, documentation of challenges and curriculum effectiveness.
- Supports and encourages the language, historical, and cultural learning of fellow Language and Culture staff.
- Identifies and builds relationships with language contractors and Tribal knowledge keepers.
- Develops and distributes language inclusion resources for inter-departmentally tribe-wide usage.
- Develops and maintains language database.
- Demonstrates professionalism and cultural appropriateness in manner, relationships and personal development.
- Available and willingness to work odd and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
- Gathers and distributes necessary data for reports, including overall language learning progress of students.
Relationships and Authority:
This position has no supervisor duties and reports directly to the Language Coordinator.
Working Environment and Physical Demands:
This position is located in professional office environment.
Qualifications:
Minimum:
- Personal Ponca language and cultural knowledge or Associate Degree in Linguistic, Native American Studies, or relevant related field.
- One or more years of experience in program coordination and development management.
- Ability to work odd and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Valid driver's license and be insurable.
- Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
- Able and willing to travel.
Preferred:
- Able to learn or fluent in the Ponca language.
- Bachelor's Degree in Linguistic or relevant related field.
- One or more years of supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of the field of Native American language and culture revitalization.
- One year experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
- Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638" Indian Self-Determination Act.
- Can facilitate group activities, meetings, and presentations.
Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.
Tribal Council Approval: 10/04/22
Human Resources Final: 10/10/22
