Background of the Native American Community Academy (NACA) - Inspired Schools Network (NISN)

NISN currently provides teaching and learning support to nine existing schools in New Mexico, Colorado, and South Dakota, all of which have missions that center on holism, identity development, community, and academic relevance. NISN schools continually seek teaching staff to support the schools’ unique whole child-centered and community-led mission. The NISN project aims to ensure its network of schools has access to teachers who can impact students positively by delivering quality teaching in a culturally-responsive manner. NISN website: https://www.nacainspiredschoolsnetwork.org/

Scope of Work for the Diné Language Mentor and Apprentice Program 

NISN’s work is to increase the number of Diné language teachers in the State of New Mexico. The team will work collaboratively to recruit Diné language teacher candidates to mentor apprentices at network schools (Native American Community Academy in Albuquerque, Dream Diné in Shiprock and Six Directions Indigenous School in Gallup). The mentor with a current 520 certification oversees the apprentices. The apprentice to obtain New Mexico's 520 Native American Language and Culture certification. Throughout the program, the apprentice learns the Navajo Nation Diné content standards, how to write lesson plans, read and write instructions, be creative in lesson plans, and participate in community-led events. We are looking for team members who can help us coordinate a prep workshop in June 2024. The program is funded by the New Mexico Public Education - Indian Education Divison’s Indigenous Language Initiative - RFA 22-92400-00008. 

Contract Terms

• Date of signed contract from March 2024-June 2024. 
• Possible permanent position after June 2026.
• Compensation includes travel.
• Track hours, provide produced work, and submit invoice(s).
• All work under the contract must be completed by June 30, 2024 . 

Deadline for resume and cover letter includes a proposal by February 29, 2024 before 5:00 pm (MTN) . 

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.

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.

Proposal criteria to include the following:

• Submit your proposal with your best contact information and deliverables to the expected timeline of completion. Up to a five-page limit. 
• A quote that you will charge to assist the NISN Dine’ language apprentices to obtain the 520 Native American Language and Culture Certification. Please, provide a detailed proposal quote should not exceed $25,000.00. 
• Please include the dollar amount (and any New Mexico gross receipts tax if you charge this).

Please submit a resume and cover letter includes your proposal on bamboo.