MAINE INDIAN EDUCATION
IMMEDIATE OPENING
SIPAYIK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PASSAMAQUODDY CULTURE AND LANGUAGE TEACHER
POSITION OVERVIEW
Maine Indian Education seeks a dedicated and knowledgeable Passamaquoddy Culture and Language Teacher to join our educational team at Sipayik Elementary School. This vital role will preserve, teach, and promote Passamaquoddy cultural traditions and language to elementary students. The ideal candidate will be passionate about maintaining indigenous heritage while ensuring compliance with Maine Department of Education (MDOE) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) educational standards and advocating for the cultural and linguistic needs of our students.
REPORTS TO: Principal
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop and implement a comprehensive Passamaquoddy language curriculum for elementary students
• Teach traditional Passamaquoddy cultural practices, stories, and customs
• Create engaging lesson plans that integrate language learning with cultural education
• Assess student progress in Passamaquoddy language acquisition and cultural understanding
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to incorporate indigenous perspectives across subject areas
• Organize and participate in cultural events, ceremonies, and community celebrations
• Maintain and care for cultural artifacts and teaching materials
• Work with tribal elders and community members to ensure authentic cultural transmission
• Document and preserve traditional knowledge and practices for educational use
• Provide support and resources to staff seeking to incorporate indigenous content
• Communicate with parents and families about student progress in cultural and language learning
• Participate in professional development opportunities related to indigenous education
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's Degree or higher preferred
• Fluency in the Passamaquoddy language (speaking, reading, writing)
• Deep knowledge of Passamaquoddy culture, traditions, and history
• Experience working with elementary-aged children
• Valid Maine teaching certificate or eligibility to obtain certification
• Understanding of child development and age-appropriate teaching methods
• Strong knowledge of indigenous education principles and practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Demonstrated organization and time-management skills
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES
• Ability to read, understand, and implement education policies and procedures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Passamaquoddy
• Physical ability to perform necessary job functions
• Ability to concentrate on details when there are distractions and work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Strong collaboration and team-building skills
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional practices
• Commitment to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards
• Ability to serve as a cultural liaison between the school and the community
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Elementary school environment with young children
• Ability to perform all necessary upper and lower body functions
• Standard classroom setting with some outdoor cultural activities
• Must be able to perform reaching, lifting, writing, and other physical tasks
• May require participation in community events and cultural ceremonies
• Ability to work with traditional materials and cultural artifacts
BENEFITS PACKAGE
• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience
• Full-family medical insurance
• Additional employee benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Cultural and language learning stipend
Application Process
You must provide the following either by email to Dr. Reza Namin or by mail to Maine Indian Education:
1. A Cover letter expressing your connection to Passamaquoddy culture and language
2. A completed and signed professional application form from the Maine Indian Education Website at https://www.maineindianeducation.org/page/employment
3. A current resume
4. Current letters of reference from a minimum of three people (Letters must be original, signed, and dated within the last three years)
5. College/University transcripts
6. Documentation of Passamaquoddy language proficiency
7. Examples of cultural knowledge or community involvement
Apply to:
Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent
Maine Indian Education
39A Union Street
Calais, ME 04619
Phone: 207-454-2126
Email: dr.namin@maineindianeducation.org
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
All Applications are available at: www.maineindianeducation.org/page/employment
Native American Preference/Equal Opportunity Employer
Maine Indian Education is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. We value diversity and seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students and staff of all backgrounds and abilities.