Elementary Education Teacher

Endazhi-Nitaawiging Charter School

About The Position

Our mission is to prepare each student for college with an enhanced knowledge of the Ojibwe language, culture, leadership, and environmental stewardship. The ultimate goal of the educational program at Endazhi-Nitaawiging is to create a school where our students can see themselves in all that they are learning. Endazhi-Nitaawiging will foster a learning environment for young people grounded in Anishinaabe culture that focuses not just on instruction in academics but also on social-emotional well-being. We are firm believers in the Indigenous genius that exists among our people. The educational philosophy and school culture at Endazhi-Nitaawiging will be grounded in the Seven Values that inform the school’s Vision and Mission: Manaaji’idiwin (respect) Nibwaakaawin (wisdom) Zoongide’ewin (courage) Enigok izhichigewin (commitment) Mashkawi’ayaawin (resilience) Bagosendamowin (hope) Niigaaniziwin (leadership) We will teach our students to enjoy that natural curiosity about the world and to love learning about their place in the world. Our purpose as a school is to help all of our students learn their true inherent identities through a lens of Ojibwe language and culture and to build on a sense of who we are as a revitalized and thriving Red Lake community. Our teachers will be expected to know each of their students as a learner and to encourage them to be curious and challenge them to excel. Endazhi-Nitaawiging will challenge every educator at the school to develop a thoroughly indigenized pedagogy, a way of teaching that reflects Ojibwe ways of knowing and that employs the Ojibwe language as the medium of instruction as much as possible. Our teachers are expected to learn how to integrate land-based learning and environmental learning experiences into their instruction.

Requirements

2+ years professional teaching experience, preferably in American Indian focused educational program
In-depth knowledge and experience working with the Minnesota Indian community including families/students, elders, and community organizations
Demonstrated commitment to Native language revitalization and academic excellence for Indian children
Respect for and uplifting of diverse cultural elements of language, tradition, citizenship status, customs, attitudes, migration stories, and humility as core values of the organizational culture
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, superb interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills
Ability to maintain good working relationships with staff, partners, volunteers, parents, and others
Knowledge and facility with various computer and educational software programs
Ability to travel in and out of state, obtain a valid MN driver’s license, and obtain current auto insurance
Must successfully pass pre-employment drug testing and State, Federal or International Background checks

Nice To Haves

Minnesota Teaching License; Experience in teaching at the elementary school level
Knowledge of land-based learning and experiential learning
Mediation and restorative justice skills
Experience teaching Social Emotional Learning

Responsibilities

Create and implement an effective, high-quality, rigorous program that builds bi-literacy skills and multicultural appreciation via a variety of instructional techniques
Establish a culture for learning that is positive, inclusive and challenging environment of respect, exploration and perseverance
Provide for the individual learning needs of all students
Develop curriculum using research-based best practices which meets MN state standards
Evaluate each student's progress in comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in relationship to the age and ability of students in both English & of the Ojibwe o Assessments in language reflect ACTFL, SOPA/COPE & Boyd-Batstone, listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiency descriptions
Work collaborative and cohesively with specialists and grade level teachers
Communicate with parents, counselors and administration on student progress and concerns
Attend parent teacher conferences, staff professional development, and other required meetings
Articulate orally and in writing
Maintain required program and student records
Demonstrate knowledge of Endazhi-Nitaawiging policies and practices