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.

About the Diné Bizaad Bee Na'nitin Yihool'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'dilyé in Albuquerque, Six Directions Indigenous Schools (SDIS) in Gallup and Dream Diné (DD) 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. 

Scope of Work

NISN Diné Bizaad Bee Na'nitin Yíhoołaah Mentor + Apprentice Program is seeking a Program Facilitator. The position plans a professional development training calendar, collaborative work sessions with the team and Diné language speakers to become certified, thereby obtaining New Mexico’s 520 Native American Language and Culture certification. The team will prepare potential teachers through professional development training to take the language assessment administered by the Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education (DODE). The specialist will assist the mentor and apprentice cohorts and communities in engaging and participating in efforts to increase Diné language use in schools and communities. The position will oversee the mentors, apprentices, facilitate training with lesson demonstrations (onsite and via zoom), and provide updates to the Program Director. The consultant will observe the apprentice’s lesson demonstration; based on feedback, the program facilitator will provide examples to the apprentice and participate in the program’s professional development training on weekends after 5 p.m. on weekdays including weekends.   

Directly support learners that include at least one mentor, a program facilitator, and up to 8 additional adult learners, to support 250+ students, their families, and community members at learning and planning events in Albuquerque, Shiprock, and Gallup.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The program facilitator will support the mentors and apprentices from NISN Network Schools including, but not limited to: Native American Community Academy, Six Directions Indigenous School, Dream Diné Charter School and Saad Kidilyé.
• To collaborate with mentors by sharing resources with the apprentices to utilize the Navajo Nation Standards (5-content areas: Government, Language, Culture, Character, and History).
• Observe the apprentices and document on progress notes with key results, train on lesson plans, and provide feedback to the mentors.
• Follow up with mentors to create agendas for each session.
• To assist and plan prep workshops and the three hours prep sessions in December 2025 and June 2026.
• To provide the coaching component recommendations to mentors.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must posses an active 520- certification in the state of New Mexico
• Must be proficient in the Diné language. This includes speaking, reading, and writing.
• Experience with teaching the language or have a background in the educational field preferred.
• Experience with the Navajo Nation five content standards and the 520 Native American Language and Culture certification process in New Mexico is preferred.

Contract Terms:

• Date of the signed contract to June 30, 2026. Upon funding, 0pportunity for FY 26-27 contract renewal possible.
• Contract compensation includes travel.
• Track hours describe produced work and submit invoice(s).
• All work under the contract must be completed by June 30, 2026

Contract rate up to: $60.00/hr; depending on experience (not to exceed $10,020.00).

B. TIMELINE FOR APPLICATION PROCESS (subject to change)

Requirements for a Final Selection 

1. Announcement 

NISN will post job opportunity announcements on its 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.

1. 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.
• Reference

1. 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.    

1. 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. 

1. Orientation

The Diné Language Program Coordinator will schedule a program orientation for all hired program employees and contractors during the first week of September 2025.