Ojibwe Language and Culture Coordinator

Join the Duluth Public Schools team, where we work to inspire every student to achieve their potential and prepare students to lead productive, fulfilling lives. 

Summary:
The Ojibwe Language and Culture Coordinator position is a districtwide leadership position for the programming and curriculum for Ojibwe language which includes Oshki-Inwewin, the Misaabekong Immersion program and Ojibwe Language courses in the Duluth Public Schools. This position is responsible for the expansion, coordination, and alignment of American Indian Language and Culture initiatives and efforts  pre-K-12.  This position will develop and monitor schedules for all program staff and participate in teacher observations and evaluations; in collaboration with site Principal(s); will develop and implement culturally-based learning opportunities across all grades, will supervise consistent Family Engagement activities, and will provide information to families to ensure family involvement. This position will also serve as a lead staff member for programming and communications, as well as provide supports for program staff, including the facilitation of Professional Development workshops in the area of Objibwe language and culture, serve on leadership teams to assist in making program decisions, developing program policies, and communicating with administration on program progress and needs, and will collaborate with other district and program leaders to secure funding, assist in Tribal consultation, and improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students.

This position will aid in the district and program goal areas of increasing enrollment, providing a safe and welcoming culturally-rich school environment, reduction in behavior referrals and suspensions, and high attendance rates of all students participating in Ojibwe language programs or courses.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, American Indian studies, Ojibwe language, or a closely-related field and at least three (3) years of experience as an educational leader or in a leadership position.
• Experience working with school-age children and adolescents in an educational setting.
• Experience working in an Ojibwe or other American Indian immersion environment. 
• Experience teaching in or administering an Ojibwe or other American Indian Language immersion program.

Skill Requirements:

• Demonstrated leadership skills, especially regarding cross-cultural interaction. 
• Ability to facilitate various size groups, including conflict resolution.  
• Demonstrated effective management and organizational skills.  
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to identify barriers in school or departmental systems, and the development and implementation of action plans.  
• Demonstrated effective staff development, planning, and facilitation.  
• Successful grant writing experience.  
• Dealing with tension and stress in heightened situations.
• Flexibility in the role and environment of Ojibwe Language Immersion. 
• Progress Monitoring of student success and implementation of Indigenous immersion practices.
• Maintain professional composure while dealing with a variety of personalities and situations.
• End-user skills with internal computer database systems such as Skyward and Infinite Campus 
• Show initiative and function as a self-starter.
• Develop and integrate Ojibwe culture and technology into curriculum, instruction, and daily tasks.
• Develop effective and positive working relationships with students, staff, administrators, parents, and the community.
• Effectively navigate different communication styles to exchange or convey information.
• Negotiate, compromise, and manage conflict.
• Exercise professionalism when dealing with sensitive, complex, and confidential issues and situations.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Proficiency in the Ojibwe language (preferred “Intermediate – Advanced” rating under the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines).
• Understanding of diversity issues, including recruitment and retention of a diverse staff.
• Learning theory, program planning, curriculum development, and management.  
• Best practices for teaching and learning.
• Evolving research in Indigenous immersion education.
• Grammar and construction of the Ojibwe language.
• Ojibwe cultural values and practices. 
• Fiscal management and budgets.
• Attaining resources for grants. 
• District organizational structure, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Principles and techniques of budgeting and financial management.
• Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware related to the development and delivery of professional development and training material.

In addition to rewarding career opportunities, Duluth Public Schools offers an excellent benefit package to employees who are hired into positions scheduled to work 24 hours/week or more. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
 
Medical/Prescription Drug Plan with Health Reimbursement Arrangement

• Single Coverage – District pays 100% of premium (FREE) + contributes $2,612.50 into HRA annually
• Family Coverage – District pays 75% of premium (25% employee contribution) + contributes $5,225.00 into HRA annually

Dental Plan

• Single Coverage – District pays 100% of Basic premium (FREE)
• Family Coverage – District pays 25% of Premium

Life Insurance    

• District provides minimum of $50,000 of life insurance at no cost, employee may purchase supplemental life insurance

 Long Term Disability

• District-provided at no cost to employee

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employees may elect to contribute on a pre-tax basis to Health Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Accounts

Retirement

• The District contributes 7.25% of your total salary in the Public Employees Retirement Association) pension plan.
• Employees may also elect to participate in Tax-Shelter Annuity options.

Time Off

• Each bargaining unit contract defines time off provisions such as holidays, sick/personal leave, vacation, etc. 

Contact Information:
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resource at 218-336-8722 or email noncerthr@isd709.org