Classroom Teacher - Stólo History, Halq’eméylem Language, Story & Culture

The Mission Public School District is located on the traditional, ancestral, unsurrendered, and shared territories of Stó:lo people, of Leq'á:mel, Semá:th, Máthxwi, Sq'éwlets and Qwó:ltl'el First Nations, stewards of this land since time immemorial.

Halq'eméylem is the language of this land and of Stó:lo ancestors. The place from where Halq’eméylem (Upriver dialect) originates is Leq’á:mel. The language comes from the land, and it has been this way since time immemorial.

We invite applications for the position of:

School:  Hatzic Middle School and Heritage Park Middle School

Position:  Stóːlō History, Halq’eméylem Language, Story & Culture

FTE: 1.0

Grade: 7

Status: Temporary

Start/End Date: ASAP to June 30, 2025

Hiring preference for this position will be given to qualified applicants with Indigenous ancestry (as per Special Program exemption with the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner).  Applicants should clearly indicate their ancestry/status on their application.

To provide instruction in Stó:lo history, story, and culture and to embed the Halq’eméylem language into the course from various sources including, but not limited to Halq’eméylem-speaking Knowledge Holders and the First Voices website. This educator will work closely with the District Principal and Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education.

Qualifications:

• A valid BC teaching certificate
• Bachelor of Education degree with coursework in First Nation History, Story, Culture and Language (Halq’eméylem) and/or First Nations/Indigenous Education
• Comprehension and ability (reading, writing and speech) in the Halq’eméylem Language is preferred
• Previous related experience in working with students learning an Indigenous language in a school setting is an asset
• Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of local Stóːlō history, traditional stories and cultures
• Experience, knowledge and willingness to embed Stóːlō land-based practices and teachings, including learning from the land and on the land, into the course
• Knowledge, understanding and sensitivity of the effects and impacts of historical educational experiences of Indigenous peoples, including transgenerational trauma
• Deep understanding of authentic Indigenous literature and local Stóːlō stories
• Ability to cultivate and nurture positive relationships with learners and families of Indigenous ancestry
• A thorough understanding of the curriculum, specifically the Core Competencies and the connections with Indigenous worldview and perspectives
• An understanding of BC Special Needs Ministry Designations, including eligible services for designated learners
• Demonstrated ability to be a good communicator with parents, learners, educators, and support staff
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse classroom settings and with various age groups

General Duties:

• Collaborate with School and District Personnel, and the community to ensure a common direction for the Stóːlō history, story, language and culture curriculum
• Collaborate and consult with the District Indigenous Mentor Teacher and Indigenous Department Staff, specifically the Halq’eméylem speaking Indigenous Liaison Worker
• Collaborate and consult with local Elders and Knowledge Keepers
• Embed the Halq’eméylem language into the course, with support from the Halq’eméylem speaking liaison worker
• Develop, prepare, present, and assess appropriate materials for use in the classroom
• Engage in open communication with parents, students, educators, and support staff
• Provide reports and participate in school, District and community meetings as required
• Provision of services as required

To provide instruction in the following:

Day 1 – Hatzic Middle School

Stóːlō History, Halq’eméylem Language, Story & Culture / entrepreneurship/art/careers media arts (1 block)

Please note: there is 1 block of a mixed rotation including: Art 7, Career Media Arts 7/Entrepreneurship 7 ​

Stóːlō History, Halq’eméylem Language, Story & Culture (3 blocks)

Day 2 – Heritage Park Middle School

Stóːlō History, Halq’eméylem Language, Story & Culture 7 (2 blocks)

Stóːlō History, Halq’eméylem Language, Story & Culture 8 (2 blocks)

Teaching Competencies:

All teachers are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to consider and respond appropriately to the needs, feelings and capabilities of others in a tactful, compassionate and respectful manner.
• Organization & Planning: Ability to plan and organize for effective instruction, differentiation and assessment
• Classroom Management: Create and maintain an optimal learning environment for each learner while managing student behavior and classroom dynamics.
• Facilitation & Engagement: Ability to capture and maintain learners’ interest, effort, participation and enthusiasm for both the content and the process of learning
• Assessment & Coaching: Utilize balanced assessment and feedback to improve student learning including the use of formative and summative assessment strategies.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Collaborate with others to achieve group goals and objectives
• Caring & Inclusiveness: Create and maintain an environment that is caring, inclusive and supportive of all learners
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility in our ability to adjust and adapt to changing circumstances

For your application to be considered, all required documents must be included with your application which include:

• resume
• cover letter
• recent teaching reports and/or practicum reports
• copy of BC Teaching Certificate and/or TQS card or information on current status

The starting annual salary for this position ranges from $57,972-$106,217, with placement on the range based on length of service, FTE and qualifications in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Please be sure that you have received a confirmation from Make a Future that you have applied to a specific posting. Without this confirmation your application will not have been submitted.

Why the Mission School District?

We are a medium-sized district with rural and urban schools. We are large enough to provide a variety of programs and services, and small enough to build meaningful relationships with our students, parents, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

The school district is focused on following the school's strategic plan which sets the direction for the organization and supports student learning. Click here  to learn more about the strategic plan and related priorities. We are committed to forming safe and inclusive workspaces and schools. To learn more, review our policy for Respectful Schools and Workplaces .

About Mission

Mission is nestled on a southern coastal mountain slope, overlooking the lush valley of the mighty Fraser River. Ideally situated, Mission is located an hour east of Vancouver and 20 minutes from Abbotsford. Mission was originally inhabited by the Sto:lo First Nations people, and today this rapidly growing and dynamic centre is home to a population of some 38,000 residents. Come see why Mission is "the Jewel in the Valley".

What opportunities do we offer?

• District Mentorship/ Leadership Groups
  
• In-house training, online training, leadership training, and professional development opportunities
• A great place to live that is relatively affordable compared to other lower mainland cities
• Access to wellness resources    
  

Thank you for your interest. Please note only short-listed applicants will be contacted. 

Accommodations/adjustments are available for interviews and in the workplace. If selected for an interview Human Resources will provide information on how to request accommodation/adjustments.