Cayuga Language Instructor

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is a unique Indigenous Institute, recognized by community, government, and institutions of higher learning, as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP offers postsecondary, secondary, trades education and training. SNP has formal partnerships with nine publicly funded Ontario Universities and Colleges and collaborates with six Ontario-based Indigenous owned and controlled post-secondary Institutes.

For more information, visit www.snpolytechnic.com

JOB PURPOSE

The Language Instructor is responsible for Indigenous education excellence in teaching, academic service, research, and innovation. Under the supervision Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University, the Language Instructor is responsible for teaching a minimum of 24 units per academic year. Additionally, the Language Instructor shares responsibility for delivering and quality assuring university programming and has responsibility for pursuing and maintaining excellence in multiple spheres of the teaching and learning community at Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP). Associated duties span teaching and academic service; research and research support; and academic administration, including the development, accreditation, and cyclic review/quality assurance of programs; as well as more general responsibilities. 

The Language Instructor is required to perform all duties consistent with the governance values and operating policies of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) while fostering positive relations with staff, students, stakeholders, and the community; contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinǫshǫ:nih/Rotinonhson:ni values of Ga’nigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Teaching & Academic Service 15%

Providing project development and management support to the Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University; 

Developing and preparing academic program portfolios for submission to accreditation bodies; 

Advising and recommending strategic initiatives relative to academic operations and policies; 

Participating in program review processes, including data collection, data analysis, and generation of recommendations and implementation plans; 

Preparing, administering, and conscientiously grading examinations, assignments, and reports; and planning for and providing make-up examinations, assignments, and reports for students experiencing extenuating circumstances; 

Making suggestions for academic resources purchases; 

Other related duties, as required

Course Delivery 75%

Teaching courses according to the SNP Academic Calendar description and in accordance with defined course outlines; 

Developing and revising course syllabi; 

Preparing activities and assignments to help students understand and engage with course content, and to grasp how individual topics integrate with the learning outcomes of the course and program overall; 

Meeting with students for consultation, on request; 

Forwarding student academic progress issues to the Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University and/or Student Success Officer in a timely fashion, and with student personal wellness and academic success as the key concern and primary motivation; 

Submitting midterm and final grades for each course in advance of the assigned date in each term; 

Fostering a learning environment that encourages student academic and personal engagement and flourishing; 

Ensuring that student course evaluations are administered per the term schedule; 

Completing and submitting student evaluations at required intervals as noted by the program schedule; 

Filing and tracking of all paperwork as it pertains to student files (e.g., student attendance, final exams and course work for year three courses and above);

Other related duties, as required.

Research & Innovation 5%

In consultation with the Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University, developing an annual work plan to include a research activity resulting in a resource for community and/or students; 

Presenting research findings or language projects at scholarly and community conferences and events; 

Staying abreast of new research by maintaining familiarity with key academic and professional publications and alternative (especially open-access and community-based) dissemination avenues; 

Other related duties, as required.

General Administration 5%

Assisting with the recruitment of other language teaching staff; 

Providing monthly reports to the Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University; 

Developing an approved annual work plan for the efficient and effective discharge of all duties; 

Participating in the inter-Unit planning and delivery of student orientation, Annual Celebration, Convocation, community events, and other events; 

Participating in staff, Board, ad hoc and ordinary committee, curriculum committee meetings, working groups, program advisory meetings, and staff training and information sessions, as required; 

Regularly undertaking professional development activities according to personal needs and certification requirement; 

Responding to information and translation requests from the Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University in a timely manner; 

Developing familiarity with and adhering to all elements of the Academic Calendar and Teaching Staff Handbook for the current academic year; 

Attending instructor orientation, mandatory training sessions, and ad hoc meetings, as communicated by the Senior Associate Dean, Indigenous Knowledge Centre and University and/or the Unit Coordinator – University; and 

Other related duties, as required

EDUCATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Completion of a formal post-secondary college or university program of three to four academic years. Bachelor’s degree, or combination of education, knowledge, and experience equivalency in the field.

EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE / CULTURE AND LANGUAGE EXPERTISE

Over 10 years and including 15 years of experience in teaching Ogwehoweh languages, Hodinǫshǫ:nih culture, and/or Hodinǫshǫ:nih history, as relevant to the specific course topic assigned.

Criminal Record Check

The successful candidate will be required to provide an original Criminal Background Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening that is satisfactory to Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) prior to the first day of work at Six Nations Polytechnic, and an Offence Declaration that is satisfactory to SNP by their first day of employment at Six Nations Polytechnic. 

At Six Nations Polytechnic, we are committed to diversity and inclusion as we continue and expand our efforts to become a more inclusive, safe and respectful workplace. Human Resources will accommodate any needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Recruitment processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities, as may be requested.

Applicants from Six Nations and other Indigenous communities will be given preference to deliver programs and services in a First Nations community. 

Full Job description is available upon request.

POSITION TYPE: Existing Vacancy

POSITION CLOSING DATE: May 27, 2026

JOB TYPE: Full-time Permanent

SCHEDULE: 37.5 hrs Monday-Friday

WORK MODEL: Hybrid

PAY BAND: 7; Core range $ $74,605.55–$87,412.29. The target hiring salary for this position is minimum (Step 1) up to 45% of the pay band. Considerations for new hire step placements include experiential knowledge and/or language and cultural expertise.

BENEFITS:

Company registered pension plan

Dental care

Extended health care

Life insurance

Paid sick and personal time