Overview:

Alaskaʼs Educational Resource Center (SERRC), in partnership with Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), is seeking individuals to serve as Assistant Culture Instructors for Raven Writes Traditional Native Foods Writing Summer Camp. The Assistant Culture Instructors will support daily lessons and activities in the professional teaching kitchen, while Writing Instructors work with students on writing strategies in the classroom next door. This camp is grounded in local cultural traditions for food harvesting and preparation, and is intended to inspire the writing of personal stories around experiences with food, medicine, and family. We strive to model and infuse in our teaching Southeast Traditional Tribal Values. The camp runs for two separate 2-week sessions, Monday through Friday. The first session runs July 6-17, 2026, and is with intermediate elementary students, entering grades 3-5. The second session, July 20-31, is for primary students entering K-2.

This role is well suited for educators, paraeducators, cultural educators, or individuals interested in supporting culturally-grounded writing instruction in a collaborative camp setting. 

Job Summary:  

Camp staff bring enthusiasm for igniting and nurturing each childʼs exploration of their Southeast Alaskan culture, and for written expression. These assistants support Lead Culture Instructors in implementing activities and curriculum infused with culturally relevant materials and learning experiences. Assistant Instructors will reinforce Tlingit vocabulary as they instruct whole and small groups of students to create foods, medicines, and other useful products from materials native to Tlingit Aáni. They will support a demonstration of learning in partnership with the classroom side of camp. They will generate a positive and safe learning environment, encourage pride in Family, Clan, and Tradition, and foster a harmonious atmosphere by encouraging participation and peaceful resolution of conflicts, as well as the use of basic Restorative Practices. 

Before and after camp, assistants will participate in pre-camp meetings, training sessions, and set-up, as well as post-camp follow-up, camp breakdown, and clean-up. During camp, they will participate in daily check-ins to debrief, address student needs, and prepare for the following day, as well as support the creation of a small showcase event for the last day of each session.

Reports to:  

Camp Director & Raven Writes Program Coordinator at SERRC, Terra Stark, terras@serrc.org; 907-433-7256

Minimum Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in elementary classrooms; B.A. or B.S. preferred

• Current Alaska Teacher Certificate preferred

• Interest in, or basic/classroom knowledge of, Tlingit language

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of the importance of building relationships with students

• Demonstrates respect for and values local history, culture, and traditions

• Knowledge of Alaskaʼs content and cultural standards preferred

• Excellent communication, interpersonal awareness, and organizational skills

• Ability to solve a wide variety of problems independently

• Ability to work with culturally diverse groups of students

• Ability to take direction

• High attention to detail

Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work will be considered.

Typical Duties:

• See Job Summary Above

• Coordinate with other Camp Assistants & Camp Director to prepare, serve, and clean up snack.

• Supervise students, including during arrival, snack breaks, lunch, and departure. 

• Escort students to/from the bus.

• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions: 

Support participants and staff in a hands-on, engaging culture and language camp. Work as a team to make camp run smoothly. Attend and participate in meetings with the camp team. Effectively and respectfully communicate with students and parents. Participate in and contribute to SERRC’s mission and vision. Demonstrate the ability to be on time, on task, and function effectively. Use appropriate technology to support the work.

Physical/Mental Demands:  

The physical demands of this position require frequent sitting, standing, walking, speaking, and hearing. The employee may be required to use a computer and keyboard (or equivalent technology). The employee is regularly required to reach, feel, and lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. The employee is regularly required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Fingerprints: 

This position may require a Criminal Justice Fingerprint and Background check.

Position Location: 

SHI; Indigenous Science Building

105 Municipal Way; Juneau, Alaska

Work Schedule:  

Up to 25 contract days, no more than 37.5 hours/week. Regular work hours are from 8:00am-4:00pm AKST, totaling 7.5 hours daily. Compensation begins at $40/hour, not to exceed 187.5 total hours.

Benefits: 

SERRC offers an excellent benefits package including State of Alaska retirement plans (TRS/PERS), health benefits, annual/personal leave and sick leave depending on the length of the employment contract. Employees who work 173 days or more during the contract year are eligible for full-time benefits.  Employees who work between 115-172 days are eligible for pro-rated health benefits.  Hourly employees who are scheduled to work 15 hours per week or less are not eligible for benefits.

SERRC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, SERRC will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Executive Director or Director of HR.