Location:

Klukwan School

Position Summary

The Lingít Language Program Manager & Instructional Specialist provides leadership, oversight, and quality assurance for the school's Lingít language program serving students in Preschool through 8th grade. This position is responsible for ensuring that Lingít language instruction is delivered consistently, effectively, and in alignment with clearly defined language acquisition goals. Working closely with the classroom Lingít Language Teacher, school leadership, Elders, and community members, the Program Manager guides curriculum frameworks, establishes proficiency benchmarks, monitors instructional effectiveness, and supports implementation of a streamlined and scaffolded language learning progression. The role ensures that students are making measurable progress toward age-appropriate language proficiency outcomes and that language instruction remains culturally grounded and community-driven. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Leadership & Oversight

Lead the development and continuous improvement of the school's Lingít language program. Establish annual program goals, language proficiency targets, and student learning outcomes for Preschool–8th grade. Develop a clear scope and sequence that outlines language acquisition expectations by grade level. Ensure language instruction follows a structured, scaffolded progression from novice to advanced proficiency levels. Monitor implementation of curriculum and instructional practices to ensure fidelity and effectiveness.

Teacher Supervision & Accountability

Provide instructional coaching and professional development to the classroom Lingít Language Teacher and other classroom teachers. Establish clear performance expectations for language instruction and student outcomes.Conduct regular lesson reviews, classroom observations, and instructional feedback sessions. Support the language teacher in creating weekly and quarterly instructional plans aligned with proficiency benchmarks. Ensure language curriculum is being implemented throughout the grade levels, tracking student progress, and meeting established language learning goals. Collaborate with school leadership regarding program effectiveness and teacher support needs.

Curriculum & Instruction

Collaborate with the language teacher to refine standards-based Lingít curriculum and instructional resources. Create lesson frameworks that support consistent language exposure, repetition, and skill-building across grade levels. Integrate land-based learning, Elder knowledge, oral histories, traditional stories, and archival materials into instruction. Ensure curriculum reflects local cultural priorities and community values. Support classroom implementation through modeling lessons and co-teaching as needed. 

Assessment & Student Achievement

Design and implement language proficiency assessments aligned to program benchmarks. Establish measurable indicators of student language acquisition at each grade level. Create systems for tracking student growth in listening, speaking, comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and cultural knowledge. Analyze assessment data and recommend instructional adjustments based on student performance. Produce quarterly reports summarizing student progress and program outcomes. 

Community & Revitalization Initiatives Engage Elders, families, and community members in language revitalization efforts. Gather community feedback regarding language program priorities and effectiveness. Support community-based language learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Promote intergenerational language use and cultural engagement. 

Success Indicators

The Lingít Language Program Manager & Instructional Specialist will be evaluated on:

• Development and implementation of a documented Preschool–8th grade language scope and sequence.
• Establishment of clear language proficiency benchmarks for all grade levels.
• Consistent progress monitoring and assessment of student language acquisition.
• Demonstrated student growth toward identified language proficiency goals.
• Effective coaching and support of the classroom Lingít Language Teacher.
• Increased consistency, quality, and cultural relevance of Lingít language instruction.
• Positive feedback from students, families, Elders, and community stakeholders. 

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Lingít language.
• Experience teaching Indigenous language learners and/or leading language revitalization programs.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or coaching educators.
• Strong background in curriculum design, language acquisition, and assessment development.
• Knowledge of proficiency-based language instruction and language revitalization methodologies.
• Experience working with Native children, families, Elders, and Tribal communities.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to community-based education, cultural preservation, and language revitalization. 

10 hrs/week

9 month position - during the academic year

Questions about the position can be directed to Clara Natonabah cnatonabah@chathamsd.org or Cherish Hansen chansen@chathamsd.org