Equitable Solutions for the Indigenous Samoan Language Specialist Remote · Part time Company website

Apply for Samoan Language Specialist

This initiative is focused on advancing Samoan language proficiency among youth (ages 5–25) through culturally rooted, arts-based learning. By integrating traditional music, dance, and visual arts with modern language framework benchmarks, the project aims to deliver engaging, multi-domain instructional resources and rubrics across pilot programs and community workshops.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Curriculum & Resource Development

• Design Learning Resources: Draft four comprehensive arts-based language learning resources across all project modules, including lesson plans, vocabulary lists, reading and writing exercises, and step-by-step performance activity instructions.
• Author Teaching Manuals: Draft the project’s Instructor Guide & Teaching Manual to support program delivery.
• Review & Refine: Develop feedback forms for Samoan community members and cultural practitioners, gather input, and revise draft resources accordingly.
• Final Editing & Publishing: Lead final proofreading, formatting, and publishing of all four arts-based language learning resources.

2. Assessment Frameworks & Proficiency Rubrics

• Benchmark Analysis: Co-research established Native/Indigenous language proficiency frameworks (e.g., ACTFL or immersion rubrics) and adapt a benchmark scale (Novice Low through Intermediate) customized for Samoan language learners aged 5–25.
• Arts-Based Rubric Design: Co-develop multi-domain rubrics measuring Speaking, Reading, and Writing in arts contexts (e.g., evaluating spoken Samoan through traditional songs, reading performance scripts, writing about visual art).
• Assessment Integration:
• Co-draft Pre- and Post-Assessment templates within the project’s technology platform.
• Build a crosswalk matrix aligning assessment prompts directly with learning resources and project growth targets.
• Co-author the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual for administering assessments during field testing.

3. Instructor Training, Facilitation & Peer Learning

• Instructor Training Delivery: Partner with project leaders to co-facilitate and deliver initial and ongoing training for instructors across American Samoa and virtual environments.
• Monthly Peer Learning Sessions: Host and facilitate regular monthly peer learning and professional development sessions with instructors to review teaching practices, share feedback on arts-based resources, address instructional challenges, and build a collaborative learning community.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

Must-Haves

• Samoan Language Fluency: Native or professional fluency in written and spoken Samoan, with deep understanding of grammar, orthography, and cultural expressions across traditional arts contexts.
• Curriculum & Instructional Design: Proven experience developing educational resources, lesson plans, vocabulary guides, and teaching manuals for youth (ages 5–25).
• Facilitation & Community Building: Demonstrated ability to lead engaging peer learning sessions, group discussions, and professional workshops for educators or cultural instructors.
• Cultural Responsiveness: Demonstrated ability to engage authentically with Samoan community members, elders, and educators, incorporating cultural feedback into learning materials.
• Editing & Publishing: Strong attention to detail with proofreading and formatting capabilities for publishing final instructional materials.

Nice-to-Haves

• Proficiency Frameworks: Experience working with language proficiency frameworks such as ACTFL or Indigenous language immersion rubrics.
• Digital Facilitation Tools: Familiarity with online educational platforms, video conferencing, and digital collaboration tools for remote training and peer sessions.