Transitional Teacher (Elementary) - Make a Difference in Kayenta, Arizona

Are you a passionate educator looking for a rewarding opportunity to shape young minds in a unique cultural setting? The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is seeking a dedicated Transitional Teacher (Elementary) to join the Kayenta Boarding School in Kayenta, Arizona. This position offers a chance to be part of a vital mission to provide quality education to Native American students, fostering their academic, personal, and cultural growth. If you are committed to making a tangible impact and are eager to embrace a role with deep community ties, this opportunity might be the perfect fit for your career.

About the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) operates under the Department of the Interior and is dedicated to providing quality educational opportunities from early childhood through life for Native American students. The BIE's mission is rooted in respecting the diverse needs and cultural identities of Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages, ensuring that education supports both cultural well-being and economic advancement. The BIE strives to consider the whole person—spiritual, mental, physical, and cultural—within their family and tribal contexts. By working with the BIE, you become part of an organization committed to empowering students and communities through education.

Job Responsibilities

As a Transitional Teacher (Elementary) at the Kayenta Boarding School, your primary role will be to serve as a classroom teacher, delivering instruction at a professional level. You will be instrumental in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional activities that align with established guidelines. This includes:

• Curriculum Development: Preparing yearly instructional outlines and detailed daily lesson plans that cover relevant units of study, specifying objectives, activities, and assessment methods.
• Instructional Delivery: Selecting, developing, adapting, and implementing appropriate instructional methods and techniques, utilizing available resources to promote academic achievement.
• Student Development: Providing learning experiences that foster the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills appropriate to the needs and interests of all students.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Continuously evaluating individual and group academic progress through various methods, including criterion-referenced tests, standardized tests, oral assessments, and other relevant instruments.
• Individualized Support: Using alternative instruction methods to meet individual student needs and ensure no student is left behind.
• Communication: Providing progress reports to parents and conferring with parents and other concerned individuals regarding student development.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining required student records in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Classroom Management: Maintaining control of the assigned class and handling discipline independently, escalating chronic or extreme behavior problems as necessary.
• Student Counseling: Counseling individual students within established guidelines, using background information to support an effective learning cycle related to student behavior and progress.

This position is part of a SCHOOL YEAR CONTRACT per Public Law 95-561 and requires annual renewal. It is a critical, on-site role with no provisions for telework or remote arrangements.

Requirements

To be considered for this impactful role, candidates must meet the following essential requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Education: A Bachelor's Degree (or higher) from an accredited educational institution is required. Proof of enrollment in a local State's alternative teaching licensure/certificate program within 90 days of the start date is mandatory. This enrollment must be for the appropriate endorsement/subject field in the state where the position is located.
• Alternative Licensure: Willingness to enroll in and maintain participation in an Alternative Licensure program to obtain and keep a valid Teacher licensure/certification in the state and specialty field.
• Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required, as incumbents may occasionally operate government-owned or leased vehicles.
• Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register under the Military Selective Service Act.
• Background Investigation: A background security investigation and favorable adjudication are required for all new hires.
• Indian Preference: Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit Form BIA 4432, completed by the appropriate official of their federally recognized tribe.

Note: Applicants with DODEA certification may be eligible for reciprocity licensure and may not need to enroll in an alternative program, depending on state requirements.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $36.23 to $64.52 per hour. The exact pay rate will be determined after selection, based on the applicant's qualifications, degree level, and any creditable experience up to 17 years. It's important to note that the per-hour rate is subject to modification based on the school calendar, known as a Modified Hourly/Date Rate (MHR/MDR). Pay setting is limited to Pay Level 14.

Pay Level Requirements:

Pay Level	Minimum Educational Requirement
11	Bachelor's Degree
12	Bachelor's Degree + 15 grad. hrs
13	Bachelor's Degree + 30 grad. hrs
14	Master's Degree

Note: Education must be in coursework related to the subject being taught or general teaching methodologies.

Benefits

Choosing a career with the U.S. government, and specifically the Bureau of Indian Education, comes with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support federal employees and their families. While specific details vary, typical federal benefits often include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus paid federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career advancement.
• Bargaining Unit: This position is covered by the Federation of Indian Service Employees, American Federation of Teachers Local 4521.
• Housing: Government quarters may be available.
• Direct Deposit: Mandatory for salary payments.

Travel and relocation expenses will NOT be paid.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out and receives full consideration, follow these essential tips:

• Craft a Detailed Resume: Your resume is critical. Ensure it clearly lists all significant jobs held, duties performed, dates (month/year), and total hours worked. For part-time roles, annotate the hours to allow for experience proration. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages, use a minimum 10-point font, and maintain 0.5-inch margins. Do not include photos.
• Be Specific and Thorough: Provide comprehensive, concise, and accurate information in your resume and supporting documents. The evaluators will not make assumptions about your experience or qualifications.
• Submit All Required Documents: Upload legible copies of college transcripts clearly listing the school name, student name, degree conferred, and date of conferral. If claiming Indian Preference, ensure Form BIA 4432 is fully completed by the appropriate tribal official.
• Review Carefully: Before submitting, thoroughly review the entire 'How to Apply' and 'Required Documents' sections of the announcement. Errors or omissions can affect your eligibility and qualifications.
• Contact for Issues: If you encounter any technical difficulties during the online application process, reach out to La Donna Sloan at 505-431-2680 or via email at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the salary for this position? A: The hourly pay range is $36.23 to $64.52. The specific rate is determined post-selection and may be modified based on the school calendar.

Q2: What are the minimum qualifications for this role? A: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and proof of enrollment in a state's alternative teaching licensure program are required.

Q3: Is remote work an option for this position? A: No, this position requires on-site work at the Kayenta Boarding School and is not eligible for telework or remote arrangements.

Q4: What is the contract length? A: This is a school-year contract position that requires annual renewal.

Q5: Do I need a state teaching license to apply? A: You need to be enrolled in an alternative licensure program in the state where the position is located. Existing DODEA certification might allow for reciprocity.

Q6: How will my application be evaluated? A: Applications are evaluated based on education and licensure, a structured resume review assessing competencies, and the completeness of your submitted documentation.

The Transitional Teacher (Elementary) position with the Bureau of Indian Education in Kayenta, Arizona, offers a unique and fulfilling career path for dedicated educators. By joining the BIE, you contribute to a vital mission focused on empowering Native American students through quality education. If you meet the requirements and are passionate about making a difference in a supportive community, we encourage you to submit your application by the deadline. Embrace this opportunity to grow professionally and personally while enriching the lives of students.