Status: Full-Time
Reports To: Head of School
Contract Days: 190 days
Mission Statement
The Oceti Sakowin Community Academy, offers students in the Rapid City area an inclusive and diverse education that is driven by rigorous academics grounded in the language, culture, thought and philosophy of the Oceti Sakowin. As a result of Oceti Sakowin Community Academy, the students will develop a deep sense of belonging, and increase their levels of engagement and motivation, leading to improved academic outcomes, holistic wellness, strong cultural identities and confidence and success in post high school pathways.
Our school and staff are committed to educating students in a safe, nurturing environment where all students see themselves in what they are learning, have a strong sense of belonging, and are excited to come to school each day.
As a part of the OSCA team, you will be welcomed into a community of dedicated, mission driven, and enthusiastic educators working together on the common goal of improving academic achievement for Indigenous students by developing and implementing an Indigenized curriculum. Educators will work together and have the autonomy to develop lessons that implement the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings across all academic disciplines. Curriculum will feature decolonized pedagogies, land-based learning models, student-centered learning, traditional healing informed practices, classroom management practices involving restorative justice and the woope sakowin. Staff will build positive relationships with students and families and encourage parents to participate in classroom activities
Position Summary
Culture Specialists will partner with teachers in the classrooms, and offer support where needed in the classroom. Specialists will teach cultural lessons when they are able, as well as work with students one on one. Specialists will work with the classroom teacher to foster a wotakuye classroom environment, and model for students as well as encourage students to practice being a good relative. Specialists partner with teachers to create a learning environment that is inclusive, celebrates diversity, and encourages students to fulfill their academic potential.The ideal candidate has some knowledge of the Lakota Language, has experience working and mentoring elementary students.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Serve as a model to students on the Lakota concept of kinship and the interrelatedness of all things, wotakuye.
- Work in small groups and one on one with students who need reinforcement on concepts learned in the classroom.
- Observe students in the classroom and offer additional help in the classroom if students appear to be struggling to learn a concept.
- Participate in professional development through a student-centered professional learning community.
- Provide additional support as needed.
Skills and qualifications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Partner with the teacher in classroom instruction and learning.
- Excellent teamwork skills.
- Loves to work with children.
- Excellent teamwork skills.
- Preferred experience working with children.
Minimum Requirements
- AA degree or 48 college credits. ( preferred.)
- Must be able to pass a background check
Oceti Sakowin Community Academy is committed to equal opportunity for al persons without regard to sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, maritial status, disability, or sexual orientation, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination. It is the Oceti Sakowin Community Academy’s policy to comply with all federal, state, tribal and local laws, and regulations regarding equal opportunity. In keeping with that policy, Oceti Sakowin Community is committed to maintaining a work environment tht is free of unlawful discrimination and harrassment and will not tolerate discrimination and harrassment of any of our empoyees or others present at our facilities by anyone icnlluding any Oceti Sakowin Community Academy Suprevisor, co-worker, vendor, or client.
How to apply: Fill out the attached questions and submit with a resume, to mary@ndncollective.org.