Lakota Language Teacher Apprentice Sicangu CDC
Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci is seeking motivated individuals who are passionate about preserving and revitalizing Lakota language and culture through education.
This position is a full-time paid employment opportunity combined with a structured teacher apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship is designed to prepare participants to become certified Lakota Language Teachers through hands-on classroom experience, mentorship, professional development, and certification support.
Participants will work alongside experienced educators while developing the instructional, cultural, and language skills necessary to become future Lakota language teachers and community leaders.
The apprenticeship program is designed as a two-year training pathway leading toward Lakota Language Teacher certification.
Employment Details
● Full-time position
● Monday through Friday
● 40-week work year
● Annual salary: $44,000
● Paid educational leave provided to support required coursework and certification activities
Regular attendance, professionalism, and participation in training activities are required.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
● Hold a High School Diploma or GED
● Pass a criminal background check
● Complete a program interview
● Demonstrate commitment to Lakota language revitalization
● Demonstrate willingness to learn and actively use the Lakota language
Applicants do not need to be fully fluent Lakota speakers at the time of hire. However, participants must demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and using the Lakota language as part of the certification pathway.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to applicants who have:
● Existing Lakota language knowledge or speaking ability
● Experience working with youth or schools
● Strong communication and teamwork skills
● Interest in becoming a certified Lakota language teacher
● Experience in cultural, educational, or community-based work
Essential Responsibilities
Participants will:
● Assist teachers with classroom instruction and student learning
● Support Lakota language and cultural education activities
● Work with students individually and in small groups
● Participate in classroom observation and co-teaching
● Assist with lesson preparation and classroom management
● Participate in mentorship, training, and professional development
● Support Lakota language revitalization efforts within schools and communities
● Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and positive working relationships
Nothing in this position description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
Apprenticeship Training Structure
Year 1 – Readiness and Observation
Participants will focus on:
● Classroom observation
● Small-group instructional support
● Co-teaching opportunities
● Lesson-planning support
● Teaching foundations and classroom routines
● Cultural pedagogy and language immersion strategies
Year 2 – Training and Increased Responsibility
Participants will focus on:
● Leading instruction under supervision
● Curriculum and lesson development
● Classroom leadership
● Student assessment and instructional practice
● Increased teaching responsibility and independent instruction
Mentorship and Professional Support
Each apprentice is paired with an experienced Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci teacher who provides:
● Instructional coaching
● Classroom support
● Lakota language guidance
● Professional feedback and evaluation
Participants will also receive:
● Professional development to become classroom teachers
● Certification guidance for South Dakota Lakota language teacher certification
● Educational support and paid educational leave for coursework
● Teaching resources through Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci partners and educational programs
Required coursework will be completed with program support. Additional details regarding scheduling, tuition assistance, and educational expectations will be provided during onboarding.
Certification Pathway
The apprenticeship program prepares participants to apply for the South Dakota Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Language and Culture teaching permit.
Certification requirements include:
● Demonstration of Lakota language proficiency
● Lakota language proficiency examination provided through Sinte Gleska University
● Completion of required coursework, including:
○ Lakota Language I, II, and III
○ Methods of Teaching Lakota Language
○ South Dakota Indian Studies
● Tribal recommendation provided through Sinte Gleska University or appropriate tribal authority
Participants are expected to make satisfactory progress toward certification requirements throughout the apprenticeship.
Commitment to Community
Participants selected for the program are expected to support long-term Lakota language revitalization efforts within Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci schools and communities.
This apprenticeship is designed for individuals who are committed to becoming future Lakota language educators and preserving Lakota language and culture for future generations.
Mission
Wakaƞyeja Ṫokeyaḣci Wouƞspe Ti (WT), or the Children First Learning Center, is an innovative elementary school committed to individualized student-led learning, project-based learning within a cultural context, and an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving.
WT supports the holistic development of students through four interconnected focus areas:
● Academic Preparedness
● Holistic Wellness and Leadership
● Lakota Language and Culture
● Indigenous Identity
These areas are grounded in the Lakota concept of wotakuye — kinship and interrelatedness.
WT is committed to preparing students who are academically prepared, culturally grounded, healthy, confident in their identity, and committed to the future of the Lakota people and nation.
WT also believes that education involves the entire community. Students, families, staff, and relatives all contribute to a shared process of learning, growth, leadership, and cultural revitalization.
Program Values
The Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci program is grounded in:
● Respect for Lakota language and culture
● Community responsibility
● Intergenerational knowledge transfer
● Excellence in teaching and learning
● Cultural integrity and accountability
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci is committed to culturally grounded education and equal opportunity employment.
Indian Preference
In accordance with applicable federal law, including the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. § 5307) and other relevant regulations, Sicangu Co applies Indian Preference in employment. Qualified Native American candidates will be given preference in hiring.
Pay: $44,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
