Community Language Teacher

Job No: TTES97

Location: Kamloops

Employment Status: Full-Time

Closing Date: 23 Jul 2024 PDT

  JOB POSTING

 

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community.  As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

 

POSITION TITLE:           Lleq̓méltens re Xqweltén Community Language Teacher              

DEPARTMENT:              C7élksten̓s re Secwépemc ne Ck̓úl̓tens ell ne Xqwelténs Language & Culture Department             

SUPERVISOR:                Élkstmens re Xqweltén es Tsetsét.s Language Coordinator   

TERMS:                            Full-Time, Permanent

REFERENCE #:                2024-061          

 

Purpose of Position:

 

This position is responsible for the overall development, implementation and coordination of Secwepemctsín educational programs and services for the TteS community - this will involve teaching the language, curriculum development and research. As well, the candidate must have the passion and commitment to participate in a TteS community language champion group to ensure the perpetuation, promotion and revitalization of Secwepemctsín through various projects, programs and marketing of the language. It is high priority for the candidate to increase the number of TteS speakers and to follow the language fluency and revitalization plan.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

• Overseeing the coordination, facilitation, creation, and implementation of language educational programs as identified by the TteS for Secwepemctsín, with a focus on the dialect of the TteS. (95%)

Strategic Leadership:

• Establish and maintain excellent rapport with colleagues and clients.
• Assist the TteS Curriculum Development Coordinator and Multi media Specialist to develop a TteS Publishing Plan to produce authentic TteS resource material to support teaching/education programs, including research.
• Promote the Language, History and Culture revitalization plan.
• Uphold the Shuswap Nation Declaration to work in unity to preserve, record, enhance and perpetuate our Secwépemc language, history and culture.
• To provide sound leadership and foster team spirit so the staff will help to continually review and update our L&C Strategic Plan.
• Promotes and enhances the integrity of the Western Dialect of the Secwepemctsín and ensure that TteS staff and members are given priority in participating in the L&C programs and services.
• Mentor under Dr. Marianne Ignace while she teaches the SFU language immersion programs.

Helps the L&C Manager liaise with internal and external agencies.

Community Relations and Outreach Activities:

• Initiate outreach activities to attract TteS language learners.
• Work with the language staff to increase the number of TteS language learners and fluent speakers of all ages.
• Participate in inter-community communication by identifying language champions and building rapport with local elders, fluent speakers, traditional knowledge holders, and cultural experts.
• Participate in TteS Opening Ceremonies and Welcoming, working with internal and external community partnerships and stakeholders.
• Work closely with and collaborate with on-site elders when developing curriculum and teaching classes.

Assist with special projects as required

 

Educating the Public:

• Mobilize the community goal of returning Secwepemctsín to everyday use and intergenerational transmission by teaching language classes.
• Coordinate and facilitate regular language classes for TteS community and staff, both informal classes and formal classes (such as language classes in which there are no rigid guidelines, learning outcomes, and reporting criteria as opposed to classes offered through an accredited University).
• Promotion of Secwepemctsín to non-indigenous groups, communities, organizations to create awareness and possible language advocates.

 

Research, Reporting and Administrative Policies:

• Develop an annual teacher plan, including measurable goals and objectives, and present to L&C Dept.
• Assist with gathering information to update the Language Status Assessment for the TteS community.
• Responsible for providing written and verbal reports, including an annual report by March 31^st – including statistics related to TteS learners and speakers.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the TteS policies, standards, and procedures, and as directed by the Language Coordinator and L&C Dept. Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the L&C Dept. and TteS business.

 

Other related duties as required. (5%)

 

 

Professional Certification, Education and Experience:

 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a First Nations Language or related field,
• high-intermediate Secwepemctsín experience,
•  Secwepemctsín Proficiency Diploma, and
• experience in curriculum development is required or planning to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in First Nations Language or related field. Experience in Teaching Secwepemctsín for all levels of language speakers.
• 5 years experience working in Indigenous Organizations
• Experience in working with fluent speakers
• Experience in ,transcribing, recording, digitizing, and creating Secwépemc resources and curriculum development an asset.
• Must be willing to continually upgrade knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Must pass Child Care Criminal Record Check.
• Must have a current valid BC Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

 

Financial Responsibility:

 

Manage and oversee a departmental budget for educational programs and services.

Provide and maintain accurate financial information for each program or special project

 

Supervision or Training Duties:

 

Follow Secwépemc cultural procedures and protocols for on-site and visiting elders to ensure their comfort and safety.  Manage any staff that are assisting with various projects and programs that are initiated by the Language Teacher

 

Skills and Abilities:

 

• Must be passionate and dedicated to the enhancement, perpetuation and revitalization of the TteS (Western) dialect of Secwepemctsín.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage concurrent activities, keeping staff and colleagues informed.
• Good oral and written communication skills in Secwepemctsín and English.
• Strong analytical, organizational, coordinating, and planning skills.
• Proven ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of Secwépemc culture, history, and lifestyle is required.
• Extensive knowledge of proper Secwépemc protocols when interacting with Elders, Fluent Speakers and Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
• Extensive knowledge on utilizing different teaching methodologies to maintain the interest of language learners (written, audio, video), such as: Online learning tools, hands-on learning tools, storytelling, etc.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong tact and diplomacy.
• Must have strong teamwork and cooperation, service orientation, problem solving and judgement skills.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings.
• Travel is a requirement.

 

 

Special Requirements:

 

A high degree of fluency, knowledge and communicative ability in Secwepemctsín is expected and a commitment to increase fluency through a time specific action plan is expected.

 

 

HOURS OF WORK:       Normal Day shifts – 7 hours. Non-normal shifts may be required.

PAY GRADE:                   $30.53-$44.89/hour depending on education & experience

 

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, it is TteS Policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

 

Deadline for the Job posting is July 23^rd, 2024 by 2:00pm

 

Submit Job Application Form, cover letter, resume, and references

online: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

or at our Human Resources office #200 – 330 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm &

closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

 

We require each applicant to fill out

an online application form which can be found at:  https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

 

Any late submissions or submissions without the job application form will not be considered.