JOB SUMMARY
The Language Teacher is responsible for instructing elementary students (K5-G7) and school staff the nsyilxwcən language and cultural ways of the sqilxw/sylix people. Language and cultural teaching and activities must strengthen children’s sense of identity, culture, and history. The Language Teacher supervises a language and cultural teaching team that includes a language instructor, language assistants and language learners. The position of language teacher aims to foster a learning environment among students and school staff based on sqilxw values, culture, and traditions. The position will oversee the development of a complete language and cultural curriculum for the school’s elementary level students (K4-G7). The position works closely with the Language program’s instructor, assistants, and learners as well as with teaching staff and other support staff, practicing a team-teaching approach.
SUPPORTS NEEDED
• Provides language instruction for the school, including whole class and small groups, using a variety of strategies.
• Oversees the development of a nsyilxwcən language curriculum, rooted in traditional sqilxw cultural practices and knowledge, which creates a progressive learning pathway for all students from K4 to
G7 and places students on a trajectory to reach language fluency.
• Shares cultural knowledge and provides a variety of cultural experiences and activities for the school, whole class, and small group.
• Submits and follows a yearly overview inclusive of Land Based Learning principles.
• Develops appropriate Language and Culture (L&C) units and daily lesson plans in consultation with a designated Classroom Teacher
• Develops teaching resources in collaboration with L&C team and other school staff.
• Coordinates field trips to support L&C learning in consultation with Vice Principal
• Develops appropriate units and daily lesson plans utilizing traditional techniques such as story, song, photos, cultural activities, conversation, and participation in daily routines.
• Identifies opportunities to integrate language and culture into all aspects of classroom and landbased learning.
• Ensures there are samples of the Okanagan language throughout the school e.g. labeled pictures, labeled classroom articles, etc.
• Assists in managing classroom expectations.
• Practices respectful student/adult interactions.
• Participates in the preparation of the school annual calendar identifying dates for cultural activities, events, and cultural field trips.
• Attends workshops, seminars, conferences, and other professional development activities to keep informed of current trends in education, practices, and curriculum developments related to First Nation education.
• Provides daily language instruction to school staff in supporting their learning and on-going use of Okanagan language skills
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
• Prepares student assessments in L&C learning.
• Maintains records related to student progress.
• Evaluates student learning.
• Provides data (observations, checklists, etc.) to Classroom Teacher for reporting purposes.
• Reviews CT report and provides feedback.
• Sets expectations and provide reminders for student behaviour using our 5 Guiding Principles (respect, listen, do your best, be kind, and always be grateful)
• Communicates and collaborates with Classroom Teachers to address classroom management.
• Assists with supervision as scheduled and requested.
• Maintains confidentiality of all matters relating to the students/families enrolled at our school.
• Coordinates and sets up the L&C workspace each day.
• Maintains and safe and clean workspace each day.
• Meets regularly with the L&C planning team for Language Planning, including weekly, monthly, and yearly planning, as well as unit and lesson plans.
• Participates in yearly planning of school events, identifying opportunities for cultural activities, events, and field trips.
• Attends relevant professional development opportunities to increase knowledge with First Nations education, language instruction, and best practices for student learning and addressing challenging student behaviours.
• Supports school staff to increase their language learning.
• Attends staff and team-based meetings.
• Meet with parents at their request or during conferences.
• Collaborates with other OKIB Language and Culture programs.
• Supports the ongoing development and management of the school’s language and cultural curriculum.
• Communicates to the Vice Principal any pertinent information regarding the Language and Culture Program
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or carry a willingness to learn. You are community-minded, detail-oriented,
and an excellent communicator.
Education
▪ BC Teacher Certification and/or independent school teacher certificate and/or equivalent, including Bachelor in nsyilxwcən Language Fluency
▪ Intermediate or better fluency in the nsyilxwcən language both oral and written preferred.
▪ Knowledge of traditional Okanagan cultural practices and protocols.
▪ Familiar with a variety of language immersion delivery strategies and methods such as TPR, TPR-Story Telling, Where Are Your Keys.
▪ Knowledge and experience with OKIB or Okanagan Nation programs and service
▪ Computer and technology skills an asset.
▪ Current First Aid/CPR or willing to obtain
Experience
▪ Experience teaching or mentoring learners in a multi-level learning environment or experience mentoring students/individuals in the Okanagan Language
▪ Knowledge of traditional Okanagan cultural practices and protocols
▪ Experience collaborating with elementary aged school students and parents.
▪ Experience with curriculum development, specifically at the elementary level.
▪ Experience or willing to gain experience in developing school curriculum.
▪ Prior experience teaching nsyilxwcən 1, captíkwł 1, nsyilxwcən 2, captíkwł 2, nsyilxwcən 3, captíkwł 3 would be an asset.
▪ Community Involvement with Language and Culture
▪ Knowledge and experience with OKIB programs and services
CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$31.00 – $45.00 per hour dependant on education and experience
To apply for this job email your details to spencermooreweb@okib.web-creations.ca