Native American Program Student And Family Advocate

Spring Lake Park Schools
Welcome to Spring Lake Park Schools! We are a vibrant school community serving about 6,200 students from the suburbs of Blaine, Fridley, and Spring Lake Park, in the northern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Our district purpose - "High expectations, high achievement for all. No excuses." - provides our focus to meet the unique and varied needs of each student.
Spring Lake Park Schools is recognized for our commitment to personalized learning, creating a culture of innovation and creativity through human-centered design thinking. We are working to create a system - a culture with a methodology and set of processes - where teachers and staff have the freedom, flexibility, and invitation to design new ways of learning centered around deepening student engagement to continuously improve student success.
Position Overview
A successful Native American Program Student andFamily Advocate candidate will be responsible for:

• Building positive relationships with Native American students and support their needs by collaborating with other student support staff to develop academic or social, emotional and/or behavioral support plans as necessary.
• Organizing and facilitating Native American student affinity groups, including content and materials.
• Organizing and facilitating the Native American Parent Advisory Committee, in accordance with the American Indian Education Aid (AIEA) grant through the Minnesota Department of Education, including content and materials.
• Planning and participating in cultural events for Native American families with the parent committee such as, but not limited to: evening family meal events, winter storytelling events, and End of the Year celebrations.
• Communicate with families regarding what students are learning and doing in the program, available resources, and upcoming school and Native American community events.
• Raising awareness and coordinate programming for important days in the Native American community.
• Coordinating field trips for Native American students.
• Collaborating with district staff to collect data regarding Native American students and experiences in Spring Lake Park Schools to determine needs.
• Representing district in trainings or groups such as  Metro Indian Education Gatherings (quarterly), MDE Dream Catcher Program, MIEA conference or other as assigned
• Other Duties as assigned by Supervisor

• All student can and will learn, and that their learning can be directly influences by focusing in factors over which we have control;
• In the need to work interdependently with teachers, school, and district leaders, throughout the system, aligning the work of adults improving student learning by meeting the needs, interests and aspirations of students;
• In the need to work in partnership with staff to continuously improve practices to enhance students and Family engagement, creating the conditions for equity, excellence and student success, and
• In personalizing learning for students, meeting academic, social, and emotional needs and aspirations so that each student feels valued and has a sense of belonging, leading to academic success.

 
Preferences:
We strongly prefer candidates who have experience working with youth of a variety of ages and a strong knowledge of Native American history, tribal government, culture, and ways of knowing. Indigenous language knowledge is preferred, but not required. Demonstrated experience in working effectively in collaboration with colleagues and families is desired. Candidates with experience working in a diverse community are preferred.
 
Must have reliable transportation as travel between school buildings across the district is required.  Must also have the ability to maintain regular work attendance, including completing an assigned day or evening event.  Must be physically working in the building or on-site. 
Qualifications
Candidates with a bachelor's degree in education, youth development, multicultural studies, or related fields are preferred, not required. The successful candidate must be a high school graduate with applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in this role. Additional demonstrated qualifications include commitment to the equitable education of all students; creative planning and organizational skills; highly effective interpersonal skills.
 
How to Apply
Position will remain open until filled. Individuals who wish to be considered for this position must apply online. Please direct inquiries to Sandra Saucedo-Falagan, District Coordinator of Culturally Proficient Practices, ssauce@district16.org
Equity is a priority for Spring Lake Park Schools and is essential to our goal of putting children first to ensure college and career readiness. A diverse workforce fuels innovation and allows us to better understand, communicate with, and educate our students.  Spring Lake Park Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual preference, disability, or status with regard to public assistance.