Hul’q’umi’num’ Immersion Teacher

ABOUT THE SCHOOL: Quw'utsun Hu-yi'xwule' Secondary School is a Grade 8–12 school operated by Cowichan Tribes and located within the Quw'utsun Syuw'entst Lelum (Education Department). The school provides culturally grounded educational programming that supports student success through Indigenous knowledge, language, culture, academic achievement and community connection.

Cowichan Tribes is excited to launch its first Hul'q'umi'num' Secondary Immersion Program. This position represents a unique opportunity to help shape and lead the future of Indigenous language revitalization at the secondary school level while creating meaningful educational pathways for future generations of Cowichan learners.

PURPOSE: Reporting to the Principal of Quw'utsun Hu-yi'xwule' Secondary School, the Hul'q'umi'num' Immersion Teacher is responsible for delivering language, culture and academic instruction while supporting the development of a comprehensive Hul'q'umi'num' Immersion Program.

The position is allocated approximately 70% classroom teaching and student learning responsibilities and 30% immersion program planning, curriculum development and resource creation. A key focus of this role is supporting the implementation of the first Hul'q'umi'num' secondary immersion program and preparing students, curriculum resources and instructional practices for the start of the 2027/2028 school year.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with school staff, language speakers, Elders, curriculum developers, educational partners and community members to strengthen language revitalization efforts and advance culturally grounded educational opportunities. This is a full-time term position for the school calendar year with minimal local travel as required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Cowichan Tribes offers paid sick leave, paid personal leave and professional development opportunities. Salary will be based on the applicable Teacher Salary Grid which includes the successful candidate's qualifications and experience.

Category 4: $60,954.00 to $93,160.39 Annually

Category 5: $72,741.68 to $105,888.06 Annually

Category 5+: $70,359.49 to $113,408.96 Annually

Category 6: $71,890.90 to $116,046.37 Annually

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Language and Cultural Instruction

• Provide leadership in the integration of Cowichan culture, values, teachings and Hul'q'umi'num' language throughout classroom instruction
• Prepare, instruct and deliver Hul'q'umi'num' language lessons aligned with Cowichan Tribes educational priorities and BC curriculum requirements
• Deliver culturally relevant learning experiences incorporating Cowichan history, traditions, land-based learning, visual arts, music, storytelling and cultural practices
• Promote the use of Hul'q'umi'num' as the primary language of instruction wherever appropriate
• Other related duties as required

Classroom Instruction

• Deliver engaging academic programming using inquiry-based and student-centered teaching practices
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs and abilities
• Develop yearly, unit and daily lesson plans
• Assign and assess student work, projects and learning activities
• Complete formative and summative assessments
• Maintain student records and prepare report cards
• Monitor and support student progress, attendance, development and overall well-being
• Provide social-emotional learning support and facilitate referrals to internal or external supports when appropriate
• Implement effective classroom management practices emphasizing respect, accountability, consistency and positive reinforcement
• Other related duties as required

Collaboration and Student Support

• Work collaboratively with teachers, educational assistants, Elders, language speakers and support staff
• Participate in professional development days and student support meetings
• Collaborate on the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry. We thank all applicants in advance but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Participate in parent-teacher meetings and ongoing communication with families
• Assist with school/department events, cultural activities, field experiences and community engagement initiatives
• Other related duties as required

High School Immersion Program Development

• Support planning activities required for the implementation of the Hul'q'umi'num' secondary immersion program
• Review, develop and recommend curriculum resources for secondary student learners
• Identify academic subjects suitable for immersion delivery and develop implementation strategies
• Collaborate with curriculum developers, language keepers and educational partners to enhance culturally relevant instructional materials
• Implement best practices in Indigenous language immersion education
• Other related duties as required

Curriculum and Resource Development

• Create, adapt and organize Hul'q'umi'num' teaching resources, lesson plans, assessments and language-based learning materials
• Support the development of scope and sequence documents, curriculum maps and immersion learning pathways
• Assist in the translation, adaptation and creation of educational materials that support language acquisition and fluency development
• Ensure resources align with Cowichan cultural teachings and educational standards
• Other related duties as required

Program Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Participate in immersion program planning committees and working groups as required
• Support the development of immersion teaching practices and language revitalization initiatives within Quw'utsun Syuw'entst Lelum
• Contribute to strategic planning for language revitalization and immersion education
• Collaborate with language speakers, Elders, educators and community members to support immersion program growth and sustainability
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Other related duties as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (please attach all required documents)

• Bachelor of Education Degree or equivalent preferred
• Valid BC Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch certification or willingness to obtain certification through the appropriate First Nations Language Authority process required
• First Nations Language Teacher Certificate of Qualification or willingness to obtain certification required
• Experience delivering Hul'q'umi'num' language instruction preferred
• Experience implementing curriculum, educational resources or immersion programming
• Experience teaching and planning using inquiry-based and student-centered instructional approaches
• Demonstrated experience teaching Indigenous learners required
• Experience working within an Indigenous community preferred
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated oral and written proficiency in Hul'q'umi'num'
• Thorough knowledge of Cowichan culture, history, teachings, protocols and traditions
• Ability to develop and implement culturally grounded curriculum and learning resources
• Ability to prepare student assessments, maintain student records and complete report card writing in a clear, accurate and timely manner
• Strong understanding of Indigenous language revitalization and immersion education principles
• Strong classroom management skills emphasizing respect, consistency, accountability and positive reinforcement
• Strong organizational and lesson planning abilities
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently while exercising initiative and sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professionalism in all interactions
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, educational technology platforms and other related software applications
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth, professional development and continuous learning

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants are invited to submit a current resume, a detailed cover letter and three references to Human Resources by email or in person before the deadline with the Reference No. included. If you are emailing your application, indicate the Reference No. in the subject line of your email.

Reference No. QSL-QHS-HIT-0726

Cowichan Tribes Human Resources Department

435 Trunk Road – Unit 302 (third floor)

Duncan, BC, V9L, 2P5

Email: View email address on makeafuture.applytoeducation.com

Website: Deadline: 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry.

We thank all applicants in advance but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.