San Manuel Band of Mission Indians·Highland, California
The Serrano Language Instructor is responsible for planning and delivering immersive language lessons using the Fluency Transfer System curriculum to tribal citizens and staff. They also coordinate cultural events and maintain consistent study to advance their own language fluency.
Under the direction of the Manager, Language Programs, the Serrano Language Instructor works directly with the tribal community and education department staff.
Studies the Serrano language, engages in Fluency Transfer System (FTS) teacher training, delivers immersive lessons using the FTS curriculum, implements lessons in the after-school program, and provides individualized language classes to Tribal Citizens.
This role contributes to the Serrano Language Revitalization Project (SLRP) by supporting the Serrano language awakening efforts with the tribal community.
Essential duties and responsibilities 1.
Plans, teaches, and reflects on Serrano language immersion classes for Tribal citizens and school staff in the FTS program.
2.
Implements and enhances lesson plans (lesson preparation) and relevant instructional materials (such as realia, multimedia, etc.) across various learning platforms to provide appropriate immersion lessons for individualized language instruction and afterschool programming.
3.
Maintains a consistent and systematic study of Serrano to gain fluency.
4.
Plans and attends, and prepares activities for cultural and language events, such as California Native American Day, Waa’t, Summer Academy; Spring and Fall celebrations.
5.
Individually and as part of collaborative work, creates presentations and presents during meetings, conferences, or other events.
6.
Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum four (4) years of teaching, or learning, in an indigenous language may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.
Minimum two (2) years of experience in a teaching role, preferably in a language or related field, is preferred.
Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA Must be willing and capable to learn the Serrano language.
Experience working with students of various age ranges and abilities.
Knowledge of and experience with American Indian language(s) as well as knowledge of local Indian communities and sensitivity to Indian needs preferred.
Especially with knowledge of Serrano-speaking communities, their history, culture, and political structure.
Practical experience in tribal community settings strongly preferred.
Working proficiency with online and in-person educational platforms and technologies (i.e., Google Classroom and Smartboard, lesson planning and assessment tools, multimedia, etc.) required.
Knowledge and working capacity in a variety of computer programs in both Mac and PC environments required.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
Skill in creative problem solving, ability to analyze situations and define problems or objectives, identify relevant factors, formulate logical conclusions, and recognize alternatives.
Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills, high sense of urgency; demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple projects concurrently.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS As a condition of employment, candidates and incumbents are required to pass pre- and post-employment screening including Live-Scan, background, drug testing, and tuberculosis (TB) testing.
No Driving Responsibilities: Role does not require a driver’s license or insurance.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.
Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone.
Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.
Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.
As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees.
Join our team today!
A bachelor's degree is required, though four years of indigenous language teaching or learning experience may be substituted. Candidates must possess strong communication skills, experience with educational technologies, and a demonstrated sensitivity to the history and culture of Serrano-speaking communities.
Market context
California has ongoing demand for educators who can support Indigenous language revitalization and classroom instruction. This role is competitive because it combines language-learning commitment, prior teaching experience, and a degree requirement with a possible experience-based substitute, so candidates should show both instructional skill and readiness to learn Serrano. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to highlight language-related teaching, community connection, and any Indigenous language experience.