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Dakota Culture and Language Teacher - 1.0 FTE - Shakopee High School

Shakopee Public Schools · Shakopee, MN · 2 mo ago
Education$52k–$127k/yrFull-time

Job Summary

The Dakota Language Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering high-quality instruction in the Dakota language while centering Dakota culture, identity, and ways of knowing. This role plays a critical part in language revitalization efforts by creating engaging, culturally grounded learning experiences for students.

Key Responsibilities

  • Instruction & Curriculum Design and delivery of standards-aligned Dakota language instruction for 9-12 students

  • Developing culturally relevant curriculum that integrates Dakota history, traditions, values, and contemporary perspectives

  • Using a variety of instructional strategies to support language acquisition (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)

  • Differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs, including multilingual learners and students with varying levels of prior exposure

  • Supporting the preservation and revitalization of the Dakota language through authentic, community-connected practices

  • Integrating Dakota cultural teachings, storytelling, and land-based learning into instruction

  • Collaborating with Dakota elders, cultural advisors, and community members to ensure authenticity and respect

  • Promoting student identity development and cultural pride

  • Monitoring and assessing student progress in language proficiency using a variety of formative and summative assessments

  • Providing timely, meaningful feedback to students and families

  • Using data to inform instruction and support continuous improvement

  • Collaborating with colleagues to align curriculum, share practices, and support interdisciplinary learning

  • Participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and ongoing professional development

  • Serving as a resource for staff on culturally responsive and sustaining practices

  • Engaging families and community partners in supporting student learning

  • Creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment rooted in relationship-building

  • Establishing clear expectations that promote student engagement and responsibility

Qualifications

  • Fluency in the Dakota language (speaking and listening; reading/writing preferred or willingness to develop)

  • Valid MN teaching license or eligibility to obtain licensure (state-specific requirements may vary) in Dakota or American Indian Language and Culture

  • Knowledge of Dakota culture, history, and community practices

  • Commitment to culturally sustaining pedagogy and educational equity

Preferred Experience

  • Teaching Dakota language or other Indigenous/heritage languages

  • Experience working with Indigenous students and communities

  • Familiarity with language revitalization frameworks and immersion or proficiency-based instruction

  • Experience developing curriculum and assessments

Core Competencies

  • Cultural humility and responsiveness

  • Strong relationship-building skills

  • Effective communication and collaboration

  • Instructional design and adaptability

  • Commitment to equity and Indigenous sovereignty in education

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and move books and materials

  • Must be able to spend extended periods standing or sitting

Pay & Benefits

  • Health Insurance

  • Dental Insurance

  • Vision Insurance

  • HSA & VEBA options

  • Flexible Spending & Dependent Care options

  • Accidental Injury & Critical Illness Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) Plan + district contribution

  • 403(B) plan + district contribution

Schedule

1.0 FTE

Benefits

  • Salary ranges from $52,020 to $126,971 depending upon education level and experience

Application Procedure

Substitutes must complete the external application. Apply online at http://www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/ under posting 6587.

Selection Procedure

Applications will be reviewed until position is filled. Those selected for interview will be contacted.

Our Mission

Shakopee Schools, in partnership with our community, will educate lifelong learners to succeed in a diverse world.

District Information

The Shakopee district serves approximately 8,000 students in Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, and the Jackson, Louisville, and Sand Creek Townships. We offer a myriad of programs and activities that give our students of all ages, backgrounds and interests the chance to learn, share, explore and expand their knowledge, talents, skills and abilities in academics, arts, athletics, community service and so much more. We also offer a variety of high potential classes at all grades as well as programs at the high school that can earn students college credits. The Shakopee School District is committed to providing the best opportunities for our students. We are dedicated to helping them excel and achieve their educational goals and teaching them to be good citizens of our community, our nation and our world.

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