About this role
Navajo Language and Culture Kindergarten/ Preschool Teacher Status: Full-time BECC: Bloomfield Early Childhood Center:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance
Navajo Language/Culture Teacher (Early Childhood) Job Description Bloomfield School District Native American Education Vision We believe every Native American student deserves an educational experience that honors their language, culture, identity, and limitless potential. Through authentic partnerships with families, tribal communities, and educators, we cultivate learning environments where students experience belonging, academic excellence, and pride in their heritage. Our work extends beyond compliance; it is rooted in a commitment to serving students with integrity, respect, and cultural responsiveness. Students are at the heart of everything we do. Position Title: Navajo Language and Culture Teacher (PreK–Kindergarten) Department: Bloomfield Early Childhood Center (BECC) Reports To: Building Principal Employment Status: Half-Time Position Summary The Navajo Language and Culture Teacher is responsible for providing engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction that promotes Navajo language acquisition while fostering cultural identity, respect, belonging, and a lifelong appreciation for Diné heritage among young learners. Through language immersion, storytelling, traditional teachings, music, movement, art, and hands-on learning experiences, the teacher creates an inclusive learning environment where students develop an appreciation for Diné language, history, values, traditions, and contemporary culture. The teacher collaborates with classroom teachers, families, tribal communities, and district staff to ensure Navajo language and culture are integrated throughout the educational experience while supporting the district's commitment to culturally and linguistically responsive education. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Instruction and Curriculum
• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction in Navajo language and culture for PreK and Kindergarten students.
• Develop annual curriculum maps, unit plans, daily lesson plans, and formative assessments aligned with New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines and district curriculum.
• Incorporate Navajo oral traditions, storytelling, songs, games, arts, cultural practices, and seasonal teachings into daily instruction.
• Foster students' listening, speaking, vocabulary development, and cultural understanding through meaningful language experiences.
• Utilize instructional strategies that engage young learners through play-based, inquiry-based, and experiential learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the developmental, linguistic, and academic needs of individual students.
• Monitor student growth and maintain appropriate records of student progress.
Cultural Leadership
• Serve as a cultural resource for the school by promoting understanding and appreciation of Navajo language, history, traditions, and values.
• Support school-wide activities that celebrate Native American heritage and promote culturally responsive educational practices.
• Collaborate with staff to integrate Navajo language and cultural perspectives across content areas whenever appropriate.
• Promote respect for Diné culture while honoring the diverse backgrounds of all students.
• Support the preservation and revitalization of the Navajo language by creating authentic opportunities for students to use Diné in meaningful classroom interactions.
Family and Community Engagement
• Build positive relationships with families through regular communication regarding student learning and cultural activities.
• Encourage family participation in classroom events, cultural celebrations, and language learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with Navajo elders, cultural experts, community members, and tribal organizations to enrich instructional experiences.
• Serve as a liaison when appropriate to strengthen partnerships between the school and the Native American community.
Professional Responsibilities
• Maintain a positive, safe, and culturally responsive classroom environment.
• Develop a schedule collaboratively with leadership.
• Participate in professional learning focused on early childhood education, Navajo language preservation, culturally responsive teaching, and instructional best practices.
• Collaborate with grade-level teams, instructional staff, other Navajo Language teachers, and administrators to support student success.
• Maintain accurate student records and complete all district and state reporting requirements.
• Perform student supervision duties as assigned.
• Comply with district policies, New Mexico Public Education Department regulations, and applicable federal and state laws.
Minimum Qualifications
• Valid New Mexico Teaching License appropriate for the assignment.
• Navajo Language and Culture endorsement, licensure, or qualifications as recognized by the New Mexico Public Education Department and the Navajo Nation, or ability to obtain appropriate credentials.
• Knowledge of Navajo language, history, traditions, and cultural practices.
• Experience working with young children in an educational setting preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Successful completion of required criminal background check.
Preferred Qualifications
• Fluency or advanced proficiency in the Navajo language.
• Experience teaching Navajo language and culture.
• Knowledge of culturally and linguistically responsive instructional practices.
• Experience integrating Indigenous perspectives into early childhood curriculum.
• Experience working collaboratively with Native American families and tribal communities.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and actively engage with young children throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor instructional activities.
Work Environment Work is performed primarily in an early childhood classroom serving PreK and Kindergarten students. The environment promotes language development, cultural learning, creativity, collaboration, and active engagement through hands-on experiences. The teacher may also participate in outdoor learning activities, cultural events, and community partnerships that support students' understanding of Navajo language and culture. Monthly PLC, JOM, and Equity Council meetings will be held at various district sites.