Indigenous Elders Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION: Part-time, .2 FTE Indigenous Language and Culture Teacher position available for the 2026-2027 school year.

LOCATIONS: John Marshall High, Mayo High, Century High, ALC High (each .2 FTE available)

WORK CALENDAR:  Click link to view calendar with work days.

2026-2027 REA Calendar

SALARY: Prorated based upon hire date.

Based on level of education and full years of licensed teaching experience.

Click link below to review the 2025-2027 REA Contract containing salary schedule.

REA Contract 2025-2027

QUALIFICATION:  Current Minnesota PELSB license in appropriate area required.  Dakota Language

RPS makes an effort to hire teachers with a full standard license in the assigned subject and/or grade level.

Hiring Manager: Guthrie Caposella, Coordinator of American Indian Education

If you have questions regarding a job posting, contact the Office of Human Resources @ 507-328-4253 or email kyla.androli@rochesterschools.org

Job Summary:

The Indigenous Language and Culture teacher will deliver a culturally responsive curriculum that fosters an appreciation for Indigenous languages, traditions, and histories. This role will work to integrate Indigenous cultural practices, history, and values into the classroom, and may include teaching the Dakota language. The teacher will work closely with students, families, and the community to ensure the respectful and accurate representation of Indigenous cultures. The successful candidate will inspire students to connect with and deepen their understanding of Indigenous heritage, while promoting intercultural understanding within the school community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development: Implement a culturally relevant curriculum focused on Dakota languages that incorporates the Minnesota Native American Essential Understandings.
• Language Instruction: Provide high-quality instruction that incorporates Indigenous pedagogies and Dakota language, including visual literacy, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
• Cultural Education: Integrate traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and Indigenous perspectives into lessons, encouraging students to appreciate and understand Indigenous histories and ways of knowing.
• Student Engagement: Create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity, respect, and an inclusive space for students to explore cultural identity and heritage.
• Community Involvement: Collaborate with local Indigenous leaders, elders, and community members to ensure the program reflects authentic practices and perspectives.
• Support and Advocacy: Advocate for the importance of Indigenous language preservation and cultural revitalization within the school and the broader community.
• Assessment and Reporting: Use a variety of assessment methods to evaluate students’ progress in language acquisition and cultural understanding, and provide regular feedback to students, families, and administrators.
• Professional Development: Stay current on best practices in Indigenous education and language preservation by participating in relevant professional development opportunities.
• Restorative Practices: Apply restorative principles to build positive relationships, mediate conflicts, and encourage a respectful, community-centered classroom environment.

Qualifications:

• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, or a related field. Community members with life experience or who speak the Dakota language preferred. 
• Teaching License: Valid Minnesota teaching license or eligibility for a teaching license in the state of Minnesota. Indigenous language teaching certification (if applicable) is a strong asset. Minnesota American Indian Language, History, and Culture license, Dakota Language license, or Dakota History and Culture license preferred.
• Cultural Knowledge: Understanding of Indigenous cultures, history, and traditions, particularly those relevant to local Minnesota tribes. 
• Skills: Excellent communication, organizational, and classroom management skills. Ability to create a culturally inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in curriculum development focused on Indigenous education.
• Familiarity with restorative practices and their application in school settings.
• Participation in community-based language revitalization or cultural preservation programs.
• Strong ties to Indigenous communities and demonstrated ability to collaborate with elders and community members.
• Prior teaching experience in a K-12 setting, preferably with Indigenous youth or in a culturally diverse environment.
• Experience in taking Dakota classes.

Personal Qualities:

• Passionate advocate for Indigenous language preservation and cultural revitalization.
• Culturally sensitive and committed to promoting intercultural understanding.
• Flexible, creative, and responsive to student needs and community input.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, with standard school hours and additional responsibilities for planning, meetings, and community engagement.
• Opportunity to collaborate with district educators and Indigenous community members on cultural and language initiatives.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary based on experience and district pay scale.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a statement of teaching philosophy, with a focus on culturally responsive education. Applications should be submitted through the district’s online application system.

Commitment to Equity:

Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.

https://www.rochesterschools.org/equity-statement

Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions 

Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.

District Information:  To learn more about Rochester Public Schools, visit www.rochesterschools.org.