Curriculum Development Specialist

Location: Albuquerque, NM, preferred

                 Remote possible if within driving range of NISN Office and NISN partner school sites.

About the NACA-Inspired Schools Network (NISN) 

The NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN) is building schools of excellence and relevance in Indigenous communities. Based on a community-led school development model, NISN seeks to support schools that build on community strengths and center student learning in community, holism, identity development, and academic relevance.

NISN seeks talented individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We are especially interested in self-starting individuals with a growth mindset, practicing vulnerability, deeply believing in engaging communities, and truly wanting to see transformation in Indigenous communities. Our people want to work on a diverse, high-energy, do-whatever-it-takes team committed to social entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities.

Scope of Work 

NISN is seeking a Curriculum Development Specialist with lived experience to join the team to support the Diné Language mentor and apprentice program by planning and implementing a program for the Diné language teacher.

The outcome of the service is to prepare the Diné language speakers to become certified Diné language teachers to obtain New Mexico’s 520 Native American Language and Culture certification. The team will prepare the potential teachers through professional development training to take the language assessment through the Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education (DODE). The Specialist will assist the mentor and apprentice cohorts develop the study guide, including video, coaching, mentoring, lesson plans, and classroom assessments. Additional training development information: NISN Diné Language Mentor + Apprentice Program  

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist the team in planning and implementing the mentor and apprentice program. 
• Facilitate the team with a mission on the growth of Diné speakers interested in teaching the Diné language at schools.
• Design and collect professional development training. Assist in organizing community-based language learning for families within the budget.
• Proficient with video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro or similar)
• Knowledge of Diné language teachers’ environments (classroom/parent-student relationships, etc.). 
• Communicate clearly and be detail oriented.  
• Familiar with computer applications such as Email, Calendar, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Dropbox, Google Drive, and third-party finance software.

Terms

• Date of the signed personnel from August 2023–June 2026
• Possible permanent position after June 2026
• Compensation includes travel 
• Track hours, provide produced work, and submit invoice(s)  

Qualifications

• The minimum qualification is to speak and write in the Diné language comprehensively.
• Experience obtaining the New Mexico 520 Native American Language certification through the Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education.
• Minimal credential Bachelor of Arts Degree. 
• Familiarity with designing learning experiences for adult language learners. 
• Knowledge of the lifeways of Diné culture and language.
• Familiar with second language acquisition, bilingual literacy development, and classroom management. 
• Flexible with the curriculum planning and implementation of the Diné language fellowship project. 
• Preferred qualifications to extensive experience working within a K-12 classroom language setting.
• Familiar with computer applications such as Email, Calendar, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Dropbox, and Google Drive. 

Application Submission

• Submit your resume and cover letter with contact information to https://nisn.bamboohr.com/careers
• Three-page limit 
• Indicate your desired salary

Benefits

NISN offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, dental, life, disability, and 401K. NISN also offers PTO, holidays, cultural, and bereavement leave.

Submit your application and resume by August 4, 2023, before 5:00 pm (MTN). If you have questions, please submit them to Ms. Cayla Arviso, NISN Office Manager, at cayla@nacainspiredschoolsnetwork.org.

**Funding Source: 2023 New Mexico Public Education Department-Indigenous Language Fellowship.