Status: Full-Time
Reports To: Head of School
Contract Days: 190
Salary: $60,000
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, welcoming 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. Teachers will build positive relationships with students and families and encourage parents to participate in classroom activities. Teachers will also invite community elders and members to share their rich cultural knowledge in oral storytelling, wisdom, and skills.
Position Summary
Teachers will organize and plan Lakota lessons with the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings woven throughout the curriculum. Lessons will have meaningful cultural relevance that engages learners. Instructional methods will include land-based learning, project-based learning, and student-centered learning, which will greatly engage and encourage students to take ownership of their academic progression. Collaborative work will be expected as this allows students to develop critical thinking skills. Teachers will foster a tiwahe classroom culture where students practice being a good relative. Teachers will create a learning environment that is inclusive, celebrates diversity, and encourages students to fulfill their academic potential.The ideal candidate will also have a background in Lakota instruction, teaching, mentoring, and working with elementary students.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Meet course and student performance goals. Work with the principal to ensure initiatives are being met. Integrate goals (foremost is Lakota fluency), and objectives into lesson plans.
- Develop and deliver culturally competent Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings lessons in Lakota;
- Utilize the Lakota Language in the classroom as much as possible and encourage students to do so as well;
- Use strength-based restorative practices that foster resiliency and success for all students;
- Build positive relationships with parents and students, creating investment in school culture and academics;
- Maintain required administrative records, such as: attendance, student progress, evaluation, and student data;
- Participate in professional development through a student-centered professional learning community;
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop an indigenized curriculum that is rigorous and engaging;
Minimum Requirements
- Has a strong understanding of developing culturally competent learning experiences;
- Preferred Lakota Language certification; (Or working towards certificate)
- Has experience in developing differentiated instruction for a wide range of learners;
- Possess a deep understanding of what it means to live as part of a marginalized group of people;
- Possess great relationship building skills and high emotional intelligence;
- Must be able to pass a background check.
Strongly Preferred Experience and Dispositions
- A love of teaching elementary students;
- Possess excellent communication skills;
- Demonstrates a deep commitment to decolonized mindsets and practices;
- Has experience in project-based learning, and student-centered learning;
- Has experience with cooperative learning environments to enhance collaboration skills in the classroom;
- Willingness to collaborate with colleagues in a Professional Learning Community;
- Demonstrate a commitment to being involved in community activities outside of regular school hours;
Oceti Sakowin Community Academy is committed to equal opportunity for al persons without regard to sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital 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 that is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment and will not tolerate discrimination and harassment of any of our employees or others present at our facilities by anyone including any Oceti Sakowin Community Academy Supervisor, co-worker, vendor, or client.
How to Apply: Fill out the attached questions and submit resume to: Mary@NDNcollective.org