Job: Lushootseed Language Program Developer (Washington State)

[Scott G. McGINNIS]

Given the 30 June deadline date for applications, this 
position may already be filled -- but FYI nonetheless...



THE TULALIP TRIBES
JOB DESCRIPTION

We are a Tribal heritage language program with the 
responsibility for preserving and revitalizing a language 
whose only speakers are our staff members.  All of us have 
learned what we know of Lushootseed as adults in an academic 
and workplace setting, and the task we now face is 
developing our own spoken fluency. 

Our program employs eight teachers, an internet media 
developer, and a director.  We teach classes at the levels 
of preschool through Grade 5, community conversation classes 
and a series of 100- and 200-level classes under the 
auspices of  Northwest Indian College.  We have the written 
skills to originate Lushootseed  texts, and we do 
translations of stories from and into Lushootseed. At this 
point, we are looking for someone to help us become better 
speakers and to increase our success in producing speakers.  

The position involves both administrative and teaching 
duties.  Our situation is unique, because we have no 
community of speakers in which to immerse ourselves and from 
whom to receive correction by example.  We have the dual 
tasks of preserving a standard and transcending that 
standard when we have to in order to achieve spoken fluency.

The Tulalip Reservation is located about thirty miles north 
of Seattle.  Drive time is about forty-five minutes, and 
both coming and going the trip is in the direction opposite 
to rush-hour traffic.
 

JOB TITLE:  Lushootseed Language Program Developer

TRIBAL DEPARTMENT:  Lushootseed Program

EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY:  Work with Lushootseed Program administration 
to provide staff training in language teaching methods and 
curriculum development, both through classes and through 
individual advising based on observation of teaching.  
Assist in implementing Washington State First People's 
Language and Culture certification program.  Assist in 
language planning for the community, for Marysville School 
District schools serving Tribal children, and for the growth 
of the Lushootseed Program.  Assist with academic advising 
for staff development.

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO:  Lushootseed Program Director


EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR POSITION:  M.A. in TESOL/Applied 
Linguistics/Adult Education/Curriculum and Instruction or 
closely related field.




SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITIONS:

1.   Documented experience in educational administration or 
teacher training

2.   Documented experience teaching foreign or second 
language at any level from early childhood to adult.


3.  Documented experience in curriculum development working  
with Washington State Education codes (EALRs, GLEs).


OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

Valid Washington State driver's license, proof of automobile 
insurance, dependable vehicle for traveling within the state.


 
SPECIFIC DUTIES PERFORMED: 

1.  Assist program administration in developing strategies 
to help staff members improve their Lushootseed fluency.

2.   Work with staff to improve their Lushootseed teaching 
(instruct in teaching methods, observe teaching and advise).

3.  Work with staff to improve curriculum design and to 
document fulfillment of State codes.

4. Assist in creating professional development plans for 
staff members.

5.  Assist program director in working with State Board of 
Education and First Peoples' Language Committee to monitor 
teacher certification progress; assist in reporting process.

6. Assist program director in work with Marysville School 
District and local principals on Lushootseed Program concerns

7.  As directed, conduct studies on program effectiveness, 
language acquisition and other concerns.

8.  Assist in grant application preparation. 

9.  Attend classes in Lushootseed.

10.  Comply with Lushootseed Program SOPs:  maintain 
excellent attendance and punctuality, excellent management 
of work time, cordial relations with staff.    


 
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  2080 hours per year (40 hours a week, 
12 months a year). One-year renewable contract. The job may 
involve evening and occasional weekend activities and travel 
out of town for conferences and training.



 
PAY RANGE:  negotiable according to experience and 
expertise, in the range of  $23.96 to 26.43 per hour.


 
BENEFITS:   Health and dental coverage through Tribal health 
plan; 401K plan, sick leave on accrual basis; all national 
holidays plus two weeks' paid annual leave.


 
TO APPLY:  By June 30, 2005, submit resume and names of 
three references to:

Program Developer Search
c/o Dr. Toby Langen
Tulalip Lushootseed Program
6700 Totem Beach Road
Tulalip, WA 98271