About the NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN)
The NACA Inspired Schools Network is building schools of excellence and relevance in Indigenous communities. Based on a community-led school development model, NISN seeks to support schools that build on community strengths and center student learning in community, holism, identity development, and academic relevance.
NISN seeks talented individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We are especially interested in self-starting individuals with a growth mindset, practicing vulnerability, deeply believing in engaging communities, and genuinely wanting to see transformation in Indigenous communities.
NISN Diné Bizaad Bee Na'nitin Yíhooł'aah Mentor + Apprentice Program
In 2022, the Native American Community Academy - Inspired Schools network (NISN) was awarded the NMPED-IED Indigenous Language Fellow and the NISN Diné Bizaad Bee Na'nitin Yíhooł'aah Mentor + Apprentice program was implemented to develop to increase the Diné language teachers in network schools include NACA and Saad Ki Dilyí in Albuquerque, Six Directions Indigenous Schools in Gallup and Dream Diné in Shiprock. Also, the program established an agreement with the Navajo Nation-Department of Diné Education (DODE) Office of Standards, Curriculum & Assessment Development (OSCAD) to administer the assessment in Albuquerque twice a year in December and June. The program prepared the potential Diné language teachers to obtain the 520 Native American Language and Culture Certificate by taking the OSCAD Diné Language and Culture Assessment which measures the proficiency of the speaker's language and comprehension of written and reading a lesson plan in Diné Bizaad.
NISN Diné Bizaad Bee Na'nitin Yíhoołaah Mentor + Apprentice Program is seeking a Diné Strategic Program Planner and Evaluator. The position supports the Diné language speakers to become certified Diné language teachers, thereby obtaining New Mexico's 520 Native American Language and Culture certification. The Diné Strategic Program Planner and Evaluator will collaborate with the program team to prepare potential teachers through professional development training to take the language assessment administered by the Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education (DODE). The program strategic planner will assist the program team and stakeholders in engaging and participating in efforts to increase Diné language use in schools and communities. Be available to the program staff, attend scheduled meetings, and share recommendations with site partners.
Scope of Work:
Continue to support existing site partners while recruiting, onboarding, and supporting additional partner sites.Provide professional development to strengthen knowledge of 520 certification standards and effective practices for teaching language and culture.
Desired Qualifications:
Five years or more experience with strategic planning and program evaluation is preferred. Familiarity with Tribes and Native Nations in the State of New Mexico is desired. The minimum qualification is the knowledge of the Navajo Nation communities.Knowledge of the lifeways of Diné language and culture.Experience in process of the New Mexico 520 Native American Language certification through the DODE and New Mexico Public Education State Licensure Department.Familiar with second language acquisition, bilingual literacy development, and community-based education. Experience within a K-12 classroom language setting.Extensive research background towards an outcome to develop a comprehensive report includes qualitative alignment with listening sessions and quantitative includes survey and track progress. Familiar with computer applications such as Email, Calendar, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Dropbox, and Google Drive.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Strategic planning supports the program by planning, analyzing training outcomes, and monitoring project strategy, and internal budget management. Facilitate the team with a mission on growth of Diné speakers who are interested in teaching Diné language at schools. Assist to organize community-based language learning for families within the budget. Collaborate on recommendations, goals and objectives with the team for each cohort. Knowledge of marketing and recruiting educators specifically for Diné language teachers. Assist to strategize on budget, integrate culture-centered functions, and problem solve. Assist the team to assess the program through listening sessions, and breakdown the survey analysis put into a comprehensive report including presentation. Communicate clearly and be detail oriented. Must use computer applications to meet work deliverable outcomes such as Email, Calendar, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Dropbox and Google Drive.
Part-Time Term Limited:
Date of the signed acceptance letter to June 2026. Opportunity for Part-Time Term Limited renewal upon funding.Due to term-limited, employee benefits are not included with this position.Position compensation includes travel.Track hours describing produced work.Telework via zoom and phone including in-person meetings/training.
Salary Band: Min $17,117.10 - Max $24,453.00.
B. TIMELINE FOR APPLICATION PROCESS (subject to change)
PROCESS
ACTION BY:
SUBMISSION BY:
A. Job Announcement
NISN
July 8, 2025
B. Application Materials
Candidate
October 1st, 2025, before 5:00 pm (MTN). Date & Time Subject to Change
C. Interview Candidate
NISN/Candidate
October 8th, 2025
D. Onboarding
NISN/Candidate
October 8th, 2025
E. Orientation
NISN
October 8th, 2025
Requirements for a Final Selection
Announcement
NISN will post job opportunity announcements on NISN website, social media, and the designated recruitment network. If NISN does not identify a final candidate by the application material deadline, NISN will repost until hired.
Application Materials
The candidate must upload application materials to the NISN Human Resources platform on Rippling. Upload the following:
Cover letter
Resume includes a timeline of experience of up to five years.
References
Interview Candidate
Depending on the experience and qualifications aligned with the roles and responsibilities, NISN will reach out to candidates and schedule interviews. The interview committee will interview to ensure the candidate is comprehensive in the Diné language. Based on the rating, the candidate will be selected for the onboarding process. For those not selected for the position, the candidate will be informed by NISN to send the candidate a letter of notification.
Onboarding
Upon completion of the interview, the NISN will send a letter of acceptance to the finalized candidate. The finalized Part-Time employee will receive an onboarding packet that includes a W-9, code of conduct, and all essential materials to begin their employment with us.
Orientation
The Diné Language Program Coordinator will schedule a program orientation for all hired program part-time/term limited employees and contractors during the second week of October 2025.
We look forward to reviewing your application materials. If you have any questions, please contact Chael Moore, Diné Language Program Coordinator, at 505.803.7360 or chael@nacainspiredschoolsnetwork.org.
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