Lead Teacher - Ojibwe Immersion Classroom

The Family Partnership•Minneapolis, MN

3d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Partnership is seeking a Lead Teacher for their Ojibwe Immersion Classroom at their Four Directions Family Center. This is a full-day therapeutic education and care program for children aged 6 weeks to 11 years of age. The program partners with Wicoie Nandagikendan to provide an Ojibwe language immersion classroom, supporting Indigenous language revitalization, identity development, and culturally rooted teaching practices.

Requirements

Hold a CDA or equivalent (minimum 24 child development college credits).
At least 6 months of experience in a childcare or early education setting.
Experience working with diverse and/or Indigenous communities and demonstrate cultural humility.
Knowledge of child development from infancy through school age.
Commitment to learning or deepening Ojibwe language use in the classroom (support provided).
Demonstrate positive, developmentally appropriate behavior guidance skills.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds (to lift children and/or equipment as needed) and participating in active play with children.
Ability to communicate respectfully with families representing many cultures, languages, and identities.

Responsibilities

Supporting and implementing Ojibwe language immersion practices in collaboration with Wicoie language instructors.
Integrating Ojibwe language, stories, songs, values, seasonal teachings, and cultural activities into daily routines.
Creating a classroom environment that reflects and honors Indigenous identity, community history, and traditional knowledge.
Participating in ongoing learning to strengthen Ojibwe language use.
Providing a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate classroom aligned with DHS licensing rules and CACFP standards.
Developing weekly lesson plans that blend early childhood curriculum with culturally sustaining practices.
Implementing the curriculum and completing child assessments three times per year.
Adapting activities to support individual developmental needs, strengths, and learning styles.
Working with onsite occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, mental health clinicians, and program specialists to support individualized goals.
Including parents and caregivers in assessment, goal setting, and progress updates.
Participating in family conferences and assisting with appropriate referrals.
Ensuring continuous supervision of children in compliance with DHS standards.
Maintaining accurate documentation, including daily notes, attendance, assessments, and required records.
Maintaining cleanliness and safety of classroom spaces through daily sanitizing and safety checks.
Participating in field trips, cultural events, community gatherings, and outdoor activities.

Benefits

$1,000 hiring bonus after 3 months of employment
Generous paid time off, plus 10 paid holidays
Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) and options for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Long-term disability insurance – the employer pays the premiums
Employer-paid basic life insurance with the option for additional coverage paid by the employee
Voluntary benefits: Accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, short-term disability insurance
TFP sponsors a retirement plan with a tiered vesting schedule based on years of service, plus a 2% employer contribution after one year of service.
Discounted tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs at St. Mary’s University
Professional development opportunities at St. Mary’s University
Access to advancement (internships, job placement, field practice) at St. Mary’s University