SALARY: Based on level of education and full years of licensed teaching experience. Click link below to review the 2023-2025 REA Contract containing salary schedule. REA Contract 2023-2025
QUALIFICATIONS: Current Minnesota PELSB license in appropriate area preferred and/or required: K-12 American Indian Language and Culture, Dakota History and Culture, Indigenous language teaching certification (if applicable) is a strong asset. RPS makes an effort to hire teachers with a full standard license in the assigned subject and/or grade level.
BENEFITS: Benefits available for teaching positions .5 HTE (Half Time Employment) and higher. Contact Employee Services @ 507-328-4280 for detailed benefits information. Please reference the exact job posting
If you have questions regarding a job posting, contact the Office of Human Resources @ 507-328-4253 or email kyhopper@rochesterschools.org
Job Summary: The Indigenous Language and Culture Teacher will develop and deliver a culturally responsive curriculum that fosters an appreciation for Indigenous languages, traditions, and histories. This role involves teaching Indigenous languages (Ojibwe, Dakota, etc.) and integrating Indigenous cultural practices, history, and values into the classroom. The teacher will work closely with students, families, and the community to ensure the respectful and accurate representation of Indigenous cultures. The successful candidate will inspire students to connect with and deepen their understanding of their Indigenous heritage, while promoting intercultural understanding within the school community.
Responsibilities:
Curriculum Development: Design and implement a culturally relevant curriculum focused on Indigenous languages (e.g., Ojibwe, Dakota) and cultural studies.
Language Instruction: Provide high-quality instruction in an Indigenous language, incorporating reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Cultural Education: Integrate traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and Indigenous perspectives into lessons, encouraging students to appreciate and understand Indigenous histories and ways of knowing.
Student Engagement: Create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity, respect, and an inclusive space for students to explore their cultural identity and heritage.
Community Involvement: Collaborate with local Indigenous leaders, elders, and community members to ensure the program reflects authentic practices and perspectives.
Support and Advocacy: Advocate for the importance of Indigenous language preservation and cultural revitalization within the school and the broader community.
Assessment and Reporting: Use a variety of assessment methods to evaluate students’ progress in language acquisition and cultural understanding, and provide regular feedback to students, families, and administrators.
Professional Development: Stay current on best practices in Indigenous education and language preservation by participating in relevant professional development opportunities.
Restorative Practices: Apply restorative principles to build positive relationships, mediate conflicts, and encourage a respectful, community-centered classroom environment.
Qualifications:
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in an Indigenous language (e.g., Ojibwe, Dakota) and ability to teach the language at the high school level.
Cultural Knowledge: Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, history, and traditions, particularly those relevant to local Minnesota tribes.
Experience: Prior teaching experience in a K-12 setting, preferably with Indigenous youth or in a culturally diverse environment.
Community Engagement: Strong ties to Indigenous communities and demonstrated ability to collaborate with elders and community members.
Skills: Excellent communication, organizational, and classroom management skills. Ability to create a culturally inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Demonstrates continued professional development through course work, research, peer collaboration, and/or job-embedded staff development.
Working knowledge of the subject matter, classroom management techniques, current researched best practices and strategies, as well as students' learning styles and needs, both academic and affective.
Preferred Qualifications:
Passionate advocate for Indigenous language preservation and cultural revitalization.
Culturally sensitive and committed to promoting intercultural understanding.
Flexible, creative, and responsive to student needs and community input.
Commitment to Equity: Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community. https://www.rochesterschools.org/equity-statement
Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.
District Information: To learn more about Rochester Public Schools, visit www.rochesterschools.org.
All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.