Assistant Superintendent of Native Education and Tribal Relations

Assistant Superintendent of Native Education and Tribal Relations

This position oversees, supervises, and leads a team of individuals at the state level, ensuring educators and others receive ongoing technical assistance, training, and information to school districts and tribal communities. The role ensures that districts and tribes remain current with Native American curriculum and that Native American students have equal access to educational programs and opportunities. Additional responsibilities include oversight and implementation of federal and state policies, budget oversight, and compliance related to Native Education in Washington State.

The position serves as an OSPI liaison for the State Superintendent to the Tribes, Tribal Compact Schools, Tribal communities, and the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. The role also leads efforts to advance the Center for the Improvement of Student Learning, focusing on math and English achievement for Native students and other underserved groups. The incumbent promotes evidence‑based instructional strategies, data‑driven decision‑making, culturally responsive practices, and oversees a centralized resource hub, professional development, and continuous evaluation of programs to scale effective practices and reduce achievement gaps.

• Provide leadership, technical assistance, and advocacy to meet the educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students.
• Provide assistance to school districts in meeting the educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of curricula and instructional materials in Native languages, culture and history, and tribal sovereignty pursuant to RCW 28A.320.170.
• Assist districts in acquiring funding to develop curricula and instructional materials in partnership with native language practitioners and tribal elders.
• Coordinate technical assistance for public schools serving Native students.
• Secure funds to develop support services such as recruitment and retention, academic transition programs, academic financial support, teacher preparation, teacher induction, and professional development for education staff serving Native students.
• Facilitate inclusion of native language programs in school district curricula.
• Work with relevant agencies and committees to provide accurate, disaggregated data on Native students.
• Prepare reports for OSPI, the governor, the legislature, and the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs on Indian education status and legislative implementation.
• Prioritize cost‑effective strategies that advance math and English achievement, providing evidence‑based instruction, data monitoring, and culturally responsive practices.

• Connect the team to OSPI’s broader vision and maintain collaborative relationships.
• Lead and manage Office of Native Education staff: set clear expectations, monitor progress, conduct performance reviews, recruit and hire staff, provide coaching and mentoring, and foster a professional work environment.
• Oversee training and professional development statewide.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility: monitor and audit budgets monthly and align to provisions.

• Work with relevant agencies and committees to highlight the need for accurate, disaggregated data.
• Lead the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC).
• Maintain strong relationships with key educational partners, particularly tribes and tribal communities.
• Advise and consult school boards, administrators, educators, and teachers on engaging Native families and community members.

• Bachelor of Arts in Education, Business Administration, or related field; or four (4) years of educational or leadership experience in tribal or public schools serving federally or state funded Native student populations.
• Five (5) years of educational or leadership experience with Native people in Washington State, including tribal and urban communities and American Indian organizations.
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of:
  Legislative history of ONE;
  State and Federal treaties;
  Tribal Sovereignty;
  Laws…