LANGUAGE / CULTURE TRAINEE

VACANCY ANN:      STOI-26-035

TITLE:                       LANGUAGE/CULTURE TEACHER TRAINEE 

DEPARTMENT:        LANUGAGE/CULTURE

SUPERVISOR:         LANGUAGE/CULTURE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

LOCATION:              WELLPINIT, WA

STATUS:                  REGULAR FULL-TIME (GRANT FUNDED TO 6/20/2028)

RATE OF PAY:        $19.65-$25.73

OPENING DATE:     May 6, 2026

CLOSING DATE:     May 20, 2026

INTRODUCTION:

The goal of the Tribal Language/Culture program is to revitalize the language, culture and history of the Spokane Tribe. Our main goal is to ensure that the language and culture are being passed down from generation to generation. The Language/Culture Teacher Trainee will learn the Spokane Language and assist the efforts to revitalize the Spokane Language and Culture.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

This position will have regular contact with and/or control over children as part of their job duties.

Will train to teach Spokane Salish to students from pre-K aged children to adults and substitute as needed.

Will train to teach Spokane cultural ethnobotany to pre-K aged children to adults.

Assist in culturally based curriculum development that addresses and meets the Mission, Vision, Purpose and goals of the Language/Culture Program.

Adopt the Tribal values and teach with the values infused in the lessons and curriculum.

Be able to model the Tribal values in every aspect of your job duties.

Supervise and monitor children at all times.

Participate in scheduled collaborative team meetings.

Must learn the language and culture of the Spokane Tribe.

Train to teach the Spokane Language in oral and written form.

Train to teach Spokane cultural ethnobotany.

Train to teach using several language teaching methods.

Train to teach the language through stories, songs and games.

Train to teach children in outdoor settings and implement cultural field trips.

Train to teach language and culture in Immersion School, Daycare, Head Start and Grade School (after Training).

Must be willing to continue education/training in culturally relevant classroom management, culturally relevant teaching methods, effective teaching, strategies for teaching Native American students, Spokane cultural ethnobotany, Immersion school Training.

Assist in the development and operation of the Back to the Heart Immersion School.

Develop and implement a regular schedule, which includes learning stations, student led learning, choice time, music, cultural activities, and language development.

Assist to develop and utilize appropriate curriculum plans, which reflect the language, culture, and ethnobotany of the Spokane Tribe, and promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of not only Native American children but all children.

Use culturally relevant classroom management skills.

Take children outdoors and promote exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice time through traditional guided learning.

Establish short-term and long-term goals that promote individual and group educational plans which embrace language and cultural ways of knowing.

Prepare classroom materials to support developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum/lesson plans; create and change appropriate learning stations.

Train to communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding each child's progress.

Assist with setting up class times for parents/guardians to learn the language/culture for them to communicate with their children.

Assist in planning and implementation of routine parent meetings with teaching staff.

Document all significant classroom issues.

Assist with breaks, monitoring, and another classroom needs as requested.

Attend meetings, training, and on the job development activities.

Monitor and report child abuse.

Other duties/trainings as requested or assigned.

After completion of training, the Trainee will commit to 3 years of teaching in the classroom(s) as assigned.

Work respectfully with all Language/Culture staff and Elders.

Support the successful execution of cultural events by helping with event setup, on‑site assistance, and post‑event breakdown/clean-up.

Maintain a clean, organized, and professional office environment.

Other duties as assigned. Knowledge of community programs providing youth services

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have a valid WA State Driver’s License, and meet Tribal insurance requirements

Must complete a course in Issues in Child Abuse and Neglect (upon hire)

Must be a positive role model for students and community

Must study to become fluent in Spokane Salish

Interest in ethnobotany and traditional knowledge

Will be required to apply for and receive a Tribal and First People’s Language, Culture and Oral Traditions (state) Certification

Must have excellent interpersonal skills, will work respectfully with Elders and other culturally knowledgeable people and students

Must be able to pass required federal and tribal background checks

CPR Training (can be obtained upon hire)

Food handlers training (can obtain upon hire)

Must be self-motivated

Great communication skills

High School Diploma or GED

Must be able to lift 20lbs

Knowledge of Spokane specific culture and traditions preferred

*Safety Sensitive Background – Requires a higher standard of performance and behavior. 

*Indian Preference Applies – Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible for regularly monitoring their e-mail for interview notifications.

Contact : HR FRONT DESK

(509) 458-6527

E-mail:   [email protected]

Applications Must Be Received in The Human Resources Department No

Later Than 4:30 p.m. on the Closing Date

The Spokane Tribe Reserves the Right to Hire According to Its Indian Preference Policy

Applicants May be Subject to A Pre-Employment Drug Test Positions

All Positions with The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation