Native Language and Culture Kindergarten and Preschool Teacher

Navajo Language and Culture Kindergarten/ Preschool Teacher

Status:
Full-time

BECC:
Bloomfield Early Childhood Center:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Navajo Language/Culture Teacher (Early Childhood) Job Description

We believe every Native American student deserves an educational experience that honors their language, culture, identity, and limitless potential. Through authentic partnerships with families, tribal communities, and educators, we cultivate learning environments where students experience belonging, academic excellence, and pride in their heritage. Our work extends beyond compliance; it is rooted in a commitment to serving students with integrity, respect, and cultural responsiveness.

Students are at the heart of everything we do.

The Navajo Language and Culture Teacher is responsible for providing engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction that promotes Navajo language acquisition while fostering cultural identity, respect, belonging, and a lifelong appreciation for Diné heritage among young learners. Through language immersion, storytelling, traditional teachings, music, movement, art, and hands-on learning experiences, the teacher creates an inclusive learning environment where students develop an appreciation for Diné language, history, values, traditions, and contemporary culture.

The teacher collaborates with classroom teachers, families, tribal communities, and district staff to ensure Navajo language and culture are integrated throughout the educational experience while supporting the district's commitment to culturally and linguistically responsive education.

• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction in Navajo language and culture for PreK and Kindergarten students.
• Develop annual curriculum maps, unit plans, daily lesson plans, and formative assessments aligned with New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines and district curriculum.
• Incorporate Navajo oral traditions, storytelling, songs, games, arts, cultural practices, and seasonal teachings into daily instruction.
• Foster students' listening, speaking, vocabulary development, and cultural understanding through meaningful language experiences.
• Utilize instructional strategies that engage young learners through play-based, inquiry-based, and experiential learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the developmental, linguistic, and academic needs of individual students.
• Monitor student growth and maintain appropriate records of student progress.

• Serve as a cultural resource for the school by promoting understanding and appreciation of Navajo language, history, traditions, and values.
• Support school-wide activities that celebrate Native American heritage and promote culturally responsive educational practices.
• Collaborate with staff to integrate Navajo language and cultural perspectives across content areas whenever appropriate.
• Promote respect for Diné culture while honoring the diverse backgrounds of all students.
• Support the preservation and revitalization of the Navajo language by creating authentic opportunities for students to use Diné in meaningful classroom interactions.

• Build positive relationships with families through regular communication regarding student learning and cultural activities.
• Encourage family participation in classroom events, cultural celebrations, and language learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with Navajo elders, cultural experts, community members, and tribal organizations to enrich instructional experiences.
• Serve as a liaison when appropriate to strengthen partnerships between the school and the Native American community.

• Maintain a positive, safe, and culturally responsive classroom environment.
• Develop a schedule collaboratively with leadership.
• Participate in professional learning focused on early…