Language Apprentice

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k)

Reports To: Language Apprentice Program Manager Effective: 07/02/2025

Salary (Grade): $18.71/hour (G13-E) Status: Reg., Full-time
(Non-Exempt)
Location: Ho-Chunk Renaissance Office in Winnebago, NE

Closes: 07/12/2026

Job Purpose & Position Overview
This purpose of this position is for the Language Apprentice to become a fluent speaker or advanced speaker of the Ho-Chunk language. The Language Apprentice will engage in all language learning opportunities to speak and teach the unique tribal language. The Language Apprentice will also assist in the planning and implementing language revival activities as a part of the program team while enthusiastically participating in program activities, supporting fellow staff, and assisting in fulfilling any grant requirements awarded to the program.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribes core mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstrate effective communication, decision-making, leadership, critical thinking, analytical research information, computer literacy, strategic planning, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Learn the use of evaluation to make judgments and draw inferences to improve language instructional learning.
• Learn methodologies and strategies for language learning.
• Learn a variety of assessments by selecting or developing assessments that further language learning.
• Assist with the development of curricula, materials, and teaching aids suitable for preschool to adult learner levels.
• Learn to speak the Ho-Chunk language by building vocabulary, phonology, and syntax.
• Participate and complete oral and written language evaluations to measure language proficiency.
• Responsible for learning to read and write the Ho-Chunk language utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and English phonetic alphabet adopted by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
• Responsible for completing all available curriculum assessments, learning platforms, & oral evaluations for eligibility for promotion to Language Instructor.
• Complete all duties and assignments in the internal Language Apprentice Pathway(s) assigned by Language Apprentice Program Manager.
• Responsible for assisting in arranging language learning opportunities or settings under the direction of the Language Apprentice Program Manager.
• Learn teaching fundamentals and tasks including, but not limited to, planning lessons, designing tasks, online resources or activities, and classroom management.
• Determine and focus on the appropriate setting for utilize language teaching (i.g classroom teacher, early childhood instructor, outdoor cultural instructor)
• Assist in classroom instruction and with classroom management. Duties may also include being an occasional teacher substitute for absent instructor(s).
• Participate in events to encourage community involvement in the language project.
• Collaborate with other staff in language-oriented projects focused on revitalizing the Ho-Chunk language.
• Participate in opportunities that include cultural-related social activities, classes on creating material culture, offsite language activities, and other appropriate activities and aspects of Ho-Chunk culture.
• Responsible for dealing with the general public, students, and other tribal employees with tact, courtesy, respect, objectivity, and maturity.
• Submit required reports in a timely manner
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or Program director.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in teaching capacity preferred.
• Must be willing to submit a background check as mandated by the Tribal Policies and Procedures of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
• Must have intimate knowledge of tribal values, social customs, material culture, and other aspects of Ho-Chunk culture.
• Basic knowledge of curriculum design from preschool through post-secondary levels or willing to learn.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in the IPA writing system will be considered a plus.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Possess the ability to work efficiently with a wide variety of people in any environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Training Requirements:

• Must attend all department training and meetings as required by Curriculum Coordinator and/or the Program Director.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

• All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

Physical Requirements:

• Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
• Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.
• While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

Mental Requirements:

• Reading, writing, calculating
• Above average social interaction skills
• Reasoning/Analysis
• Works with minimal to no supervision

Language Requirements:

• Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
• Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.
• Responsible for completing all Novice-Low & Novice-Mid curriculum assessments & oral evaluations for promotion to Language Apprentice II.