Dakota Culture and Language Teacher - 1.0 FTE - Shakopee High School

Dakota Culture and Language Teacher

Shakopee Public Schools is searching for a 1.0 FTE Dakota Culture and Language Teacher at Shakopee High School to teach one block of Dakota language and culture daily. This person is in charge of the daily delivery of instruction and assessment of student learning. They will use this role to contribute directly to the preservation and growth of the Dakota language and culture, empowering students to develop linguistic skills, cultural identity, and a strong sense of belonging.

The Dakota Language Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering high-quality instruction in the Dakota language while centering Dakota culture, identity, and ways of knowing. This role plays a critical part in language revitalization efforts by creating engaging, culturally grounded learning experiences for students. The teacher fosters a classroom environment that honors Indigenous knowledge systems and builds student pride, proficiency, and connection to the Dakota language and community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Instruction:
  Design and deliver standards-aligned Dakota language instruction for 9-12 students.
• Curriculum:
  Develop culturally relevant curriculum that integrates Dakota history, traditions, values, and contemporary perspectives.
• Language Revitalization:
  Support the preservation and revitalization of the Dakota language through authentic, community-connected practices.
• Assessment:
  Monitor and assess student progress in language proficiency using a variety of formative and summative assessments.
• Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum, share practices, and support interdisciplinary learning.
• Classroom Environment:
  Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment rooted in relationship-building.

Qualifications:

• Required:
  
  Fluency in the Dakota language (speaking and listening; reading/writing preferred or willingness to develop), valid MN teaching license or eligibility to obtain licensure in Dakota or American Indian Language and Culture, knowledge of Dakota culture, history, and community practices, commitment to culturally sustaining pedagogy and educational equity.
• Preferred:
  Experience teaching Dakota language or other Indigenous/heritage languages, experience working with Indigenous students and communities, familiarity with language revitalization frameworks and immersion or proficiency-based instruction, experience developing curriculum and assessments.

Core competencies include cultural humility and responsiveness, strong relationship-building skills, effective communication and collaboration, instructional design and adaptability, and commitment to equity and Indigenous sovereignty in education.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift and move books and materials. Must be able to spend extended periods standing or sitting.

Pay and benefits information:
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, HSA & VEBA options, Flexible Spending & Dependent Care options, Accidental Injury & Critical Illness Insurance, Life Insurance, Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) Plan + district contribution, 403(B) plan + district contribution. Salary ranges from $52,020 to $126,971 depending upon education level and experience.

Application procedure:
Substitutes must complete the external application. Apply online at . Selection procedure:
Applications will be reviewed until position is filled. Those selected for interview will be contacted.