Iñupialgusisa Program Apprentice

Summary or Purpose

The Iñupialgusisa Program Apprentice participates in a full-time, intensive Iñupiaq language fluency and

educator-development program designed to develop advanced adult Iñupiaq speakers and strengthen

the pipeline of Iñupiaq language educators, mentors, immersion staff, and cultural language leaders

serving the North Slope.

The program utilizes the Indigenous Language Fluency Transfer System (ILFTS), Group

Mentor-Apprentice Program (GMAP) methodologies, structured cultural language instruction,

immersion, engagement with Elders and fluent speakers, and applied instructional experience.

This is a full-time position. The Apprentice is expected to actively participate in the full extent of the

program. Instruction and program activities may be provided in person and through distance-learning

formats.

Successful program participants are expected to transition into approved North Slope Borough School

District (NSBSD) positions and fulfill a two-year post-program commitment pursuant to a separate

participant agreement.

● Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

● Must demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, speaking, and advancing the Iñupiaq

language through intensive, full-time language study.

● Must be self-motivated, dependable, disciplined, and willing to learn through immersion-based

methods emphasizing oral communication and listening comprehension.

● Must be able to participate fully in in-person and distance-learning activities.

● Must demonstrate an interest in Iñupiaq language education, mentorship, curriculum

development, immersion, or language revitalization.

● Must have intermediate-level proficiency with digital learning, communication, and

documentation tools.

● Must be willing to fulfill the required two-year post-program service commitment with NSBSD

upon successful completion of the program.

Preferred Qualifications

● North Slope resident.

● Previous exposure to or study of the Iñupiaq language; prior proficiency is not required.

● Knowledge of or experience with Iñupiaq culture, traditions, values, and community practices.

● Experience working with Elders, fluent speakers, students, schools, or community-based

programs.

● Experience in education, tutoring, mentorship, curriculum development, Indigenous language

revitalization, or immersion education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

● Participate fully in scheduled Iñupiaq language instruction, immersion, and cultural

language-learning activities using ILFTS, GMAP, and other approved methodologies.

● Develop Iñupiaq listening comprehension, oral communication, vocabulary, conversational

ability, and overall language proficiency through consistent immersion and practice.

● Learn directly from and work respectfully with Iñupiaq Elders, fluent speakers, language

instructors, program staff, and fellow Apprentices.

● Participate in classroom observation, job shadowing, immersion support, and other applied

instructional experiences appropriate to the Apprentice's language development.

● Apply developing Iñupiaq language skills in educational, cultural, and community-based settings.

● Establish language-learning and professional-development goals and participate in proficiency

assessments, progress monitoring, and program milestone evaluations.

● Assist with the development and refinement of Iñupiaq language curriculum, learning materials,

and resources as assigned.

● Maintain required program records and documentation demonstrating participation and

progress.

● Demonstrate regular attendance, punctuality, professionalism, accountability, active

participation, and collaboration.

● Prepare for transition into an approved NSBSD position following successful program

completion.

● Adhere to all NSBSD policies, regulations, confidentiality requirements, and professional

expectations.

● Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those encountered while

performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Program activities may occur in classrooms, offices, community facilities, cultural learning

environments, and other indoor or outdoor settings. Participants may be required to use computers,

video conferencing platforms, instructional technology, and audio/video equipment.

This job description is not an employment agreement between the North Slope Borough School

District and the employee and is subject to change by the District as the needs of the District

and requirements of the job change.

Work Year: Year Round

Range and Minimum Salary Grade: Grade 19

$33.21 - $52.02 (based on experience)