Diné Language and Culture Teacher

Dził Ditl'ooí School of Empowerment, Action & Perseverance (DEAP) Job Description — Diné Language & Culture Teacher PO Box 156

• Navajo, NM 87328
• (505) 777-2053
• mwilson@deapschool.org
• www.

deapschool.org About DEAP Dził Ditl'ooí School of Empowerment, Action & Perseverance (DEAP) is a public charter school serving 72 Diné students in grades 6-12 on the Navajo Nation in Navajo, New Mexico. DEAP's mission is to empower students to use their cultural, vocational, and academic skills to transform their community and world — living healthy, balanced lives rooted in Diné identity, land stewardship, and community leadership. At DEAP, Diné language and culture are not electives or additions to the curriculum — they are the foundation of everything we do. We believe that a Diné student who knows who they are, where they come from, and what their people have always known is a student who can take on the world. This position exists to make that belief real every single day. We are looking for someone who carries the language, lives the culture, and is ready to pass it on — with discipline, love, and purpose.

Position Overview Position title:

Diné Language & Culture Teacher Reports to: Director of Education Employment type: Full-time, exempt

Schedule:

Monday - Friday, school year calendar

Location:

Navajo, NM (on-site; travel required for school trips, sacred site visits, and community events) DEAP is seeking a passionate, knowledgeable, and culturally grounded Diné Language & Culture Teacher to teach Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) and Diné cultural knowledge to students in grades 6-12. This teacher will serve as a living bridge between the wisdom of DEAP's community and the futures our students are building — embedding language, ceremony, traditional ecological knowledge, land stewardship, and Diné values into daily instruction and school life. This is not a position for someone who teaches about Diné culture from a textbook. This role calls for someone who has lived it, continues to live it, and is committed to helping the next generation do the same. Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesDiné Language Instruction Deliver daily Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) instruction to students in grades 6-12 using communicative, immersive, and culturally grounded teaching methods Design lessons that develop student language proficiency across the four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Diné Bizaad Use oral tradition, storytelling, songs, prayers, and cultural context to make language instruction meaningful, memorable, and alive Assess student language proficiency using culturally appropriate and developmentally relevant tools; track and document student progress Differentiate instruction for students at varying levels of language proficiency — from students with limited exposure to those with stronger home language skills Integrate Diné Bizaad into school-wide routines, morning gatherings, announcements, and events to create an immersive language environment beyond the classroom Diné Cultural Education Teach Diné cultural knowledge including but not limited to: Diné Bikéyah (the Navajo homeland), the four sacred mountains, clans, the Diné lifeway and values (Hózhó, K'é, Sa'ah Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóón), traditional ecological knowledge, seasonal practices, and community leadership Connect cultural teachings to DEAP's land-based learning program — including agriculture, sacred site visits, harvest activities, plant knowledge, and traditional food systems Develop and lead student microcredential projects rooted in Diné Culture, Community Action & Leadership, Land-Based Learning, and Wellness in alignment with DEAP's charter mission goal Facilitate sacred site visits, cultural ceremonies, and community-based learning experiences in collaboration with elders, knowledge keepers, and community partners Serve as a cultural resource and guide for the entire school community — supporting other teachers in integrating Diné cultural knowledge appropriately and respectfully into their content areas Land-Based & Outdoor Learning Lead and actively participate in outdoor and land-based learning experiences including hiking, planting, harvesting, and traditional land stewardship practices Connect students to the land of Dził Ditl'ooí and the broader Navajo Nation through direct, hands-on experience Facilitate culturally grounded field experiences that deepen student understanding of their relationship to the land, the seasons, and the living world around them Model respect for the land, the language, and the people in every outdoor learning experience Accompany students on school trips and community excursions as a cultural guide and supervisor Student Support & Enrichment Build deep, trusting, culturally grounded relationships with students that affirm their identity and inspire pride in who they are as Diné people Lead or co-facilitate at least one student club or enrichment activity rooted in Diné language, culture, arts, or traditional practices Provide after-school tutoring and language support for students who need additional time and encouragement with Diné Bizaad Support student social-emotional wellness through the lens of Diné values — promoting Hózhó (balance and beauty) and K'é (kinship and respect) in daily interactions Collaboration & Professionalism Collaborate fully with the instructional team; participate in all staff meetings, professional development, and school events Partner with the Director of Education and school leadership to ensure Diné language and culture are authentically and consistently integrated across all content areas and school programs Communicate respectfully and proactively with parents, grandparents, and families about student language progress and cultural engagement Submit lesson plans, progress reports, and required documentation on time and without reminders Demonstrate initiative — see what needs to be done and do it; work until the work is done Uphold DEAP's values, community relationships, and professional standards at all times Maintain a positive, solution-focused attitude; model the values you teach Minimum Qualifications Demonstrated fluency in Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) — oral and written proficiency is required; this is a non-negotiable qualification for this position Deep knowledge of Diné culture, history, values, and traditional practices including clan system, sacred geography, seasonal lifeways, and traditional ecological knowledge One of the following NM licensure credentials (required or in process): NM Instructional License 520 — Native American Language and Culture Teacher License, issued by

NM PED NM

Level 1 Teaching License with commitment to progress toward full licensure Candidates who do not yet hold one of the above licenses must demonstrate active pursuit of licensure and provide a timeline for obtaining it upon hire Ability and willingness to work outdoors regularly — including hiking, gardening, sacred site visits, and land-based learning in varied weather and terrain Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, elders, and community members Dependable, punctual, and able to maintain consistent attendance throughout the school year Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Navajo Language Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, or a related field Experience teaching Diné Bizaad or another Indigenous language in a school or community setting Experience with language revitalization methods, immersion programs, or Master-Apprentice language learning models Familiarity with NM Indian Education Act requirements and Navajo Nation Division of Diné Education (DODE) educational priorities Experience with project-based learning , portfolio assessment, or competency-based education models Relationships with elders, knowledge keepers, and community organizations on the Navajo Nation who can support DEAP's cultural programming Experience leading outdoor education, land-based learning, or traditional ecological knowledge programs CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) Valid NM driver's license (preferred for school trip transportation support) Working Conditions This position requires regular outdoor work as an essential function of the job. The Diné Language & Culture Teacher must be physically able and willing to: Hike on uneven terrain during school trips, sacred site visits, and outdoor learning experiences Work in gardens, fields, and traditional land-based environments Participate in seasonal and ceremonially appropriate outdoor activities alongside students and community partners Travel with students on school trips and community excursions (some overnight trips may be required) Work occasional evenings or weekends for cultural events, school performances, or community activities DEAP is located on the Navajo Nation at the foot of Dził Ditl'ooí (Roof Butte) in Navajo, New Mexico. This position requires deep respect for and active engagement with the land, the community, and the protocols of the Navajo Nation. Compensation & Benefits Salary commensurate with New Mexico educator salary schedule and experience Benefits per DEAP policy (health insurance, retirement, paid leave) Support for licensure coursework and testing per DEAP policy (if applicable) Ongoing professional development opportunities including language revitalization training A deeply mission-driven, community-rooted, and supportive school family How to Apply Submit the following to mwilson@deapschool.org with the subject line "Diné Language & Culture Teacher Application" : Letter of interest describing your language background, cultural knowledge, and vision for this role at DEAP Current résumé Copy of NM 520 License, NM Level 1 Teaching License, or documentation of active licensure pursuit Three professional references — at least one from a community member, elder, or cultural organization (name, title, phone, email) DEAP is an equal opportunity employer. This position is designed to serve and strengthen the Diné community. We strongly and specifically encourage applications from Diné and other Indigenous candidates. Fluency in Diné Bizaad is required. Dził Ditl'ooí School of Empowerment, Action & Perseverance

• Navajo, NM 87328
• mwilson@deapschool.org
• www.

deapschool.org

Pay:

$60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

Teaching:

1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

Level 1 NM Teaching License (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Navajo, NM 87328 (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person