Overview:

Alaskaʼs Educational Resource Center (SERRC), in partnership with Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), is seeking individuals to serve as Lead Culture Instructors for Raven Writes Traditional Native Foods Writing Summer Camp. Lead Culture Instructors partner in teaching daily lessons and activities in the professional teaching kitchen, while Writing Instructors support students with writing strategies in the adjacent classroom. 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, and will run in conjunction with our Raven Writes Summer Writing Seminar.

Job Summary:  

Camp staff bring enthusiasm for igniting and nurturing each childʼs exploration of their Southeast Alaskan culture and written expression. These instructors will make recommendations on specific aspects of the planning, and implement a curriculum infused with culturally relevant materials and learning experiences. Lead Culture 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 collaborate with classroom instructors to create a final demonstration of learning. 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, instructors will participate in pre-camp meetings, scheduled training sessions, and set-up, as well as post-camp follow-up and camp breakdown and clean-up. During camp they will participate in daily check-ins to debrief, address student needs, and prepare for the next day, as well as help organize the creation of a small showcase event for the last day of each session.

Reports to:  

Terra Stark; Raven Writes Program Coordinator and Camp Director at SERRC; 

terras@serrc.org; 907-433-7256

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. required; M.A. preferred

• Current Alaska Teacher Certificate required

• Basic or classroom-level knowledge of the Tlingit language preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of the importance of building relationships with students

• Demonstrated leadership in valuing local history, culture, and traditions

• Knowledge of Alaskaʼs content and cultural standards

• 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 lead and supervise Camp Assistants

• 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

• Teach students stories, language, and songs to support the work they are doing with natural materials.

• Create food and medicine with the students.

• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions: 

Collaborate with groups of people. Teach kids in a hands-on, engaging culture and language camp.  Attend in-person meetings with the camp team. Effectively communicate with clients of all ages and abilities, with parents, and with students. 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 develop tools and 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 35 contract days, no more than 37.5 hours/week. Regular work hours are from 8:00am-4:00pm AKST, totaling 7.5 hours per day, including breaks. Compensation begins at $70/hour, up to 262.5 hours total.

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.