Paiute Language Specialist

Position: Paiute Language Specialist (40 hrs/wk, 260 days/yr)
Education support professionals - esp/classified - other

job number

start date

open date 10/20/2025

closing date

paiute language specialist

summary description

under general supervision of title vi specialist & the classroom teachers, assists in creating and delivering language and cultural instruction for the purpose of paiute language and culture revitalization; and performs other duties as required. paiute language specialist positions are assigned to high schools where designated paiute language classes are offered for credit. Paiute language instructor duties and responsibilities normally require a high percentage of time in more complex interpreting situations such as presentations, which require simultaneous interpretation of complex conversations.

exemplary duties/responsibilities

the paiute language specialist is responsible for maintaining 9-12th grade instruction for beginner-level 1-4 paiute language classes. The specialist provides a culturally appropriate learning atmosphere that maintains a safe, physical environment for good instruction and learning and works with students and teachers on developing hands-on paiute language lessons that align with nevada academic content standards. The specialist is responsible for collaborating with the cooperating certified classroom teacher, other language instructors, curriculum & instruction's world language coordinator as well as local tribal governments and tribal elders on course design and development to ensure teaching materials and evaluation measures are appropriate to achieve program objectives.

Ability to participate in professional development and training opportunities. Assist with linguistic documentation and archiving projects, utilizing questioning and discussion techniques in alignment with current recommended teaching practices. Ability to participate in regularly scheduled professional development and teacher training opportunities. Provide language presentations for educational and cultural outreach events. Collaborative with other tribes' language program staff to develop and nurture relationships and partnerships.

Demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.

employment standards

education/experience: any combination equivalent to education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills in qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

a bachelor's degree, and /or associate's degree or college courses completed in education, linguistics, human development and family sciences, sociology, counseling or other related courses to education, native studies, equity or cultural studies

and/or

three (3) years of teaching paiute language

demonstrated a strong proficiency as a speaker of the paiute language, as well as previous success in the delivery of language and cultural sharing and teaching events.

knowledge of: the incumbent must have knowledge of principles, concepts, and methodology which has been supplemented by skill gained through job experience to permit an independent performance of recurring assignments or supplemented by expanded professional or administrative knowledge gained through relevant education and experience that has provided skill in carrying out assignments, operations and processes that are significantly more difficult and complex.

grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and equipment; familiarity with computers. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication in the english and "paiute" language or comparable language and or dialect.

skill at: working with students 9th-12th grades; excellent communication and organizational skills; experience with lesson development strongly preferred; passion for inspiring students to learn the paiute language; experience with zoom and microsoft teams preferred. Presentations, communication, and interpersonal skills; and the ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions. The ability to reflect on one's own teaching; respond to feedback and adjust and improve one's own teaching as experience is gained.

Ability to incorporate the traditional customs in a course of study. Strong teamwork, and willingness to work a flexible schedule per school determined to schedule.

licenses/certificates: be able to obtain nac 391.233 endorsement to teach great basin native american language; exception to teach without endorsement (nrs 391.019).

special considerations: must be able to work a flexible schedule, which may include mornings, afternoons, or evening hours. Must be able to speak, read, write and interpret the paiute language.

this job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.

the washoe county school district is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning and working…