Hybrid Kindergarten Teacher bei Pokagon Band

This is a year-round position

Position Summary: 

The Kindergarten Teacher serves as the lead educator responsible for designing, implementing, and delivering a culturally grounded, developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with both Pokagon Band and State of Michigan learning standards. This role is essential in creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment that fosters the social, cultural, emotional, and academic growth of young children. As the primary classroom leader, the teacher mentors and supports teacher assistants and classroom volunteers, ensuring a cohesive and collaborative teaching team. Additionally, the teacher works closely with an interdisciplinary team to provide holistic and individualized support for each child’s learning and development.

Essential Functions:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging lesson plans and instructional materials that foster active learning and student participation.
• Plan and deliver instruction aligned with Michigan’s Academic Standards, utilizing evidence-based strategies to support student achievement
• Integrate relevant technology to enhance instruction and differentiate learning to meet diverse student needs
• Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom environment that promotes student learning, growth, and well-being
• Regularly assess and evaluate student progress using diverse assessment methods to inform instruction and support learning outcomes
• Maintain consistent communication with parents and guardians to provide updates on student progress, behavior, and academic needs
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities to continually enhance instructional skills and stay current with educational best practices
• Incorporate the Potawatomi language into daily classroom activities and interactions to promote cultural awareness and language preservation
• Attend and actively participate in all language training sessions to support continued language development and instructional effectiveness
• Integrate PBOPI language, Tribal knowledge, and cultural understandings into curriculum and daily lessons to support holistic and culturally responsive education
• Acquire knowledge of PBOPI culture, customs, resources, and traditions, demonstrating a strong willingness to learn and engage with the community
• Collaborate with educational partners to enhance lesson delivery and create engaging, real-world learning experiences for students
• Work collaboratively with relevant staff to develop and refine school curriculum that meets educational goals and standards
• Assist with Ke Gbéshmen Summer Camp, as needed
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director

Non-Essential Functions:

• Maintain a consistent and reliable on-site work schedule
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Work independently and cooperatively with students, parents, content specialist, educational partners, and staff

Equipment:

• Standard office equipment  
• Systems used: MS Office Applications

Position Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Education from an accredited college or university is required. 
• Endorsement with a valid Michigan teaching certificate (K-5 All Subjects, ZC, ZG, or ZO) is required. 
• Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree who are committed to obtaining Michigan teaching certification may be considered. If hired without certification, the candidate must achieve certification within one (1) year of employment. 
• One (1) year of successful teaching experience is required.
• Experience working with tribal communities preferred.

A core goal of the elementary program is to integrate the Potawatomi language into every aspect of the daily classroom experience. Teachers are encouraged to learn and actively use the language throughout the day with students. As an incentive, staff who demonstrate growth in their Potawatomi language knowledge and usage will be eligible for incremental wage increases tied to their proficiency and application of the language.

Indian Preference

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies

Physical Requirements:

• Positions in this class typically require finger dexterity, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Incumbent may be subjected to stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, climbing, and balancing. 

Work environment:

• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Competencies:

• Collaboration
• Inspiring Others
• Fostering Learning & Development
• Adaptability
• Creativity & Innovation