Dakota Language and Culture Teacher

About the role

Hastings Public Schools is seeking a 1.0 FTE Dakota Culture and Language Teacher to teach Dakota language and culture at their elementary sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver standards-aligned Dakota language instruction
• Develop culturally relevant curriculum that integrates Dakota history, traditions, values, and contemporary perspectives
• Use a variety of instructional strategies to support language acquisition (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs, including multilingual learners and students with varying levels of prior exposure
• Preserve and revitalize the Dakota language through authentic, community-connected practices
• Integrate Dakota cultural teachings, storytelling, and land-based learning into instruction
• Collaborate with Dakota elders, cultural advisors, and community members to ensure authenticity and respect
• Monitor and assess student progress in language proficiency using a variety of formative and summative assessments
• Provide timely, meaningful feedback to students and families
• Use data to inform instruction and support continuous improvement
• Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum, share practices, and support interdisciplinary learning
• Engage families and community partners in supporting student learning
• Serve as a resource for staff on culturally responsive and sustaining practices
• Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment rooted in relationship-building
• Establish clear expectations that promote student engagement and responsibility
• Participates in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and ongoing professional development
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees

Requirements

• 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
• 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment
• Masters Degree in related area preferred
• Successful prior language teaching experience a plus