Anishinaabe Language Instructor

SUMMARY:

Instruct the Anishinaabe Language for the return, use, and preservation of the Language to the Anishinaabe People of all ages, using oral, written, visual teaching methods and incorporating the double-vowel writing system. Teach the Language Instructors at an advanced level, including immersion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess the abilities to be an effective instructor and mentor of the Anishinaabemowin Language.
• Ability to teach the Anishinaabe Language, using reading, writing, and speaking methods of instruction.
• Working knowledge of the computer, to prepare lesson handouts/materials.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Report to work within the context of a 40-hour work week, dependant on program activities/classes.
• Be in compliance with all GTB policies and procedures.
• Maintain attendance records for each class or presentation/workshop, including handouts/materials given. Copies shall be maintained in the program office.
• Ensure that all classes/presentations/activities are held as scheduled, (with reasonable cause allowed), by teaching own scheduled events, or substituting for the other Instructors, when necessary.
• Allow time each week for additional Language instruction to the Language Instructors, at an advanced level, including immersion, proper sentence structure, root word translations, legends, songs, etc., to help them become conversational/fluent.
• Meet with the Elder's of the Grand Traverse Band within the 6-County Service Area on a regular basis, learning the way Anishinaabemowin is spoken in this area and incorporating this into the lessons presented at all levels.
• Teacher will use and encourage tribal members and employees to use the Anishinaabe Language in the workplace, at community functions and at home.
• Teach the Anishinaabe Language to the GTB membership, community and employees, (ages: infants to Elder's), where there is an interest, in the 6-County Service Area.
• Develop and provide Language resources/materials for those interested appropriate for the age-level seeking assistance.
• Work towards developing, reproducing, and maintaining the Anishinaabe Language through video, audio (cassettes), and written lessons for eventual access at the GTB Libraries, in an effort to preserve the Language.
• Plan and participate in the Annual GTB Family Language Camp.
• Continue to develop additional words as each year progresses, expanding the root words learned per year.
• Work with program staff to continue to periodically update the Language portion of the Life-Long Learning Department Website.
• Teach and/or substitute Anishinaabe Language Classes at the GTB Benodjenh Headstart Program up to four (4) days per week or a comparable schedule.
• Teach and/or substitute Anishinaabe Language Classes at the GTB Camp Alden.
• Upon request, Teach and/or substitute Anishinaabe Language Classes at Homework Labs and any other function that deal with GTB Youth in the 6-County Service Area.
• Provide evening Anishinaabe Language Class(es), lunchtime class(es) and any other scheduled Language classes for members, community, and employees, where there is an interest to learn.
• Work with various outside organizations or educational institutions as an advocate of the Anishinaabe Language at all levels.
• Offer Language Presentations/Workshops or conduct classes within the Departments of the Grand Traverse Band, upon request.
• Upon request, offer Language Presentations/Workshops or conduct classes with outside organizations that deal or work with GTB tribal members.
• Responsible for creating his/her own Language materials.
• Translate common stories, words, legends, prayers, and songs into Anishinaabemowin, suitable for all ages upon request.
• Provide experiences and activities, which support the parental role as the principle influence in their child's education and development of learning and bringing back the Anishinaabe Language to the Anishinaabeg people.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work openly and cooperatively in a "team" approach, for planning, scheduling, decision making, and problem solving, etc.
• Advocate for saving, learning and preserving the Anishinaabe Language.
• Ability to relate and effectively communicate to all age levels (infants to Elder's) and maintain an orderly class.
• Develop a working relationship and communicate effectively with all GTB membership, community, GTB employees, Anishinaabemowin students and parents of students for basic language translations (Anishinaabemowin to English / English to Anishinaabemowin), and related language issues.
• Attend all meetings, trainings and workshops, as deemed necessary, in a variety of areas: Language, computers, teaching, management, video editing, etc.
• General knowledge in computers, Microsoft Windows operating system, Microsoft Office Suite, Print Master Program and other computer software.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, typing accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Must maintain professional confidentiality, including salary information, employee records, student records, and students' family and health information disclosed, except for mandatory reporting requirements as described in the GTB Personnel Policy.
• Have knowledge of the general history of the Anishinaabe Language and can effectively teach/present the Anishinaabe Language to those interested in learning.
• Have knowledge of the general history of the Anishinaabe Culture, some Legends, Medicine Wheel Teachings, 7-Grandfather Teachings, etc., and be able to effectively teach/present these Teachings to those interested in learning.
• Must be familiar with the double-vowel writing system and will need to write Anishinaabemowin using the double-vowel system.
• Other duties as directed or assigned. Duties, responsibilities and expectations pertaining to this job are subject to change as needed.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Life-long first language fluent speaker of Anishinaabe or equivalent.
• Possess the abilities to be an effective instructor and mentor of the Anishinaabemowin Language.
• Ability to teach the Anishinaabe Language, using reading, writing, and speaking methods of instruction.
• Working knowledge of the computer, in order to prepare lesson handouts/materials.
• Five to ten years of teaching experience, at any level, is recommended.
• Any higher education/college training/classes for Native Language instruction preferred.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.
• Must have reliable transportation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

General office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners, internet, typewriter, laminating machines, copiers, fax, telephone systems, video camera and editing equipment.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work requires sitting, reaching, standing, walking, manual dexterity and some lifting. Reasonable expectations encountered in a classroom atmosphere. Must be able to drive a car/van. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:

Ability to tolerate normal noise levels associated with child-related Language instruction and activities. Some deadlines are involved, so there is time pressure on occasion. Constantly requires the ability receive detailed information through verbal communication. Constantly requires verbally expressing or exchanging ideas of important instructions accurately, loudly, or quickly. Effectively manage decisions concerning teaching, scheduling, and planning. Decide what lessons and material to use during teaching. Ability to do Language Translations. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables, including breakdown of the Anishinaabe Language grammar structure.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Primarily indoors in a general office and classroom environment. Occasionally exposed to tobacco smoke, fumes, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually normal to moderate. Travel within the local service area is regularly required. Travel outside the state is occasionally required. Address basic Language Translations, and other Language related issues that may arise from community members, students, elders, and employees beyond the night classes and lunch time class's week of (M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Position requires driving to specified locations within the GTB's 6-County Service Area to teach, dependant on schedule.

COMMENTS:

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through motion with Tribal Council approval. The job description is not a contract for employment. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Anishinaabe Language Instructor Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians