Required Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in education or related field with 3 or more years of related professional experience, or a masters degree with proven ability to perform the role.
- Experience in early childhood education settings.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple partners from diverse communities.
- Experience in Indigenous communities, Tribal Nations, or Tribal Colleges.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of Indigenous languages (Ojibwe preferred).
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in early childhood education or child development.
- Experience developing educational programs.
- Fluency in Ojibwe or other Indigenous languages (verbal and written).
Position Overview
The Indigenous education program specialist is a content specialist within Indigenous education, particularly early childhood education, and applies relevant subject matter knowledge with a focus on Indigenous scholarship, knowledge, and practices in child development and early childhood education.
Such knowledge and practices may include the ability to engage in identification of appropriate curricular content, instructional design, needs analysis, use of communications technologies, education program delivery techniques, student motivation, and program evaluation.
The Indigenous education program specialist will work independently with guidance from the early childhood education program lead, the director of the Institute of Child Development (ICD), and the associate dean for undergraduate education, diversity, and international initiatives.
In collaboration with faculty and staff in ICD, this position is primarily designed to:
- Support the implementation of an Ojibwe culture and language pathway in the individualized studies track of the B.S. in Early Childhood degree, offered by the Institute of Child Development.
- Aid students in developing a supporting program in Ojibwe culture and language, or related domains.
- Develop various templates that students can refer to when selecting university-wide courses for a supporting program.
A key responsibility of this position is to actively support and advance the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This position will support the Institute of Child Development’s commitment to anti-racism.
The position is a 50% time, 12-month position for a two-year period in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work-life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Much of the responsibilities for this position can be achieved primarily remotely from within Minnesota, with occasional meetings or gatherings on campus.
Job Responsibilities
Program Development (50%)
- Support the efforts of ICD faculty and staff to identify and include Indigenous scholarship, knowledge, and practices in core early childhood courses; collaborate with course developers and instructors, to the extent possible to achieve this goal.
- Support faculty and academic staff in designing and incorporating instructional materials and assessment resources.
- Work closely with faculty, staff, students, and community members to develop and deliver effective academic support programs and resources in the individualized studies track of the B.S. in Early Childhood.
- Coordinate with American Indian Studies to support access to introductory Ojibwe language courses for students with that need and interest.
- Coordinate with Tribal College and Tribal Nation leadership to ensure program suitability and supports to prevent duplication or interference with other ongoing programs and initiatives at the Tribal Colleges.
Early Childhood Liaison to Tribal Colleges and University Partners (50%)
- Develop supporting program templates for students to select from, by coordinating with various programs on campus that will provide options for coursework and scholarship.
- Coordinate with early childhood advising staff to address student inquiries and to develop a supporting program in Ojibwe language, Indigenous Language and Culture, and other domains relevant to the student’s interest.
- Engage with Tribal Colleges, CEHD Students Services, and University transfer admissions staff to support student access to the program.
- Build connections to aid in promoting the Ojibwe culture and language pathway in early childhood education to Indigenous and broader communities, increasing visibility, and attracting new students to the program.
Department Overview
The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children’s development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to “give away” child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
College Overview
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the fourth largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That is why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check
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