Assistant Professor of Dine Studies

Purpose of this position

This position provides direct instruction to students and related services in the subject area of Navajo Traditions, Language, and Cultural Practices. The Professor will prepare undergraduate and graduate students to successfully complete the Navajo language, and cultural teaching requirements for the Bachelor of Art and Master of Art degrees in Diné Culture, Language & Leadership programs. In addition, the Professor will commit to doing community services actively and regularly presenting and conducting traditional/cultural public presentations. The Professor will work under the supervision and in cooperation with School of Diné Studies Department Chair and Graduate Dean.

Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities of a person occupying this position are Instruction:

• Subject to review and approval by the Department Chair, plan, evaluate, implement and revise as necessary a written classroom management plan for the assigned subject area(s) including an annual Syllabi and Course Descriptions reviews and daily Lesson Plans in a form usable by a substitute, if absent,

• Organize and instruct classes in the following subject area(s) of Navajo traditions, language, culture and cultural practices, and other theories closely relating to the field of Diné Studies.

• Knowledgeable of the history, language, tradition/contemporary culture of the Navajo people.

• Participate in curriculum planning, college committees, program reviews, assessment and development of pertinent classes, Teach all courses assigned, maintain expertise in current Navajo topics for assigned classes,

• Teach all courses in accordance with the approved schedule of classes and the approved course descriptions,

• Evaluate student performance systematically and create, and maintain accurate, confidential student performance records,

• Integrate the Diné Educational Philosophy into course curricula to the maximum extent feasible,

• Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge of the assigned subject area(s),

• Actively seek ways to improve instruction and to update, and/or revise course content and teaching methodology in order to maintain currency and relevance,

• Use a variety of instructional techniques and methodologies, including such things as:

• Stimulating vigorous class discussions,

• Laboratory activities using technical equipment and instrumentation,

• Field trips and action research projects,

• Audiovisual equipment, computerized instruction, outside presenters, long and short term assignments, student teams, library research, and other current materials and methods appropriate to the courses taught,

• Maintain familiarity with current texts, materials, and teaching aids techniques in the assigned subject area(s) and recommend their adoption when appropriate,

• Subject to budget limitations and approvals, select and requisition textbooks, learning materials supplies, tools, and equipment as necessary to support instruction and maintain a current inventory thereof,

• Provide advice and/or assistance to associate faculty in regard to course content and instructional materials,

• Maintain general knowledge of University degree requirements, programs, and course transfer information,

• Maintain regular office hours,

• Advise students on academic curricula, and act as an advisor to student organizations as a community service portion of teaching requirement,

• Refer students as needed for guidance counseling and/or alcohol and substance abuse counseling,

• Work with students on one-to-one based on their special needs to learn properly and consistently as all students.

• Mentor a set of students to prepare them for graduation.

• Conduct research work while teaching to enhance topic knowledge.

• Publish research work with one periodical article every year and a book volume every four years.

• Participate in your professional organization for up-to-date topic knowledge.

• Conduct community service in your own community or in a community close to or next to the University.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master degree with a specialization in culture-related topics, social sciences, humanities, and others.
• Thorough knowledge of Navajo Culture Creation Stories and keenly aware of how they are related to current contemporary Navajo life experiences,
• Fluent speaker of the Navajo language is preferred.
• Able to conduct public speaking in Navajo Language or be willing to learn Navajo.
• Experience and knowledge in the conduction of traditional Navajo ceremonies.
• Have a minimum of two (2) years of documented experience in teaching the Navajo language and culture.

Sufficient knowledge, skills or abilities to perform the duties of this position in the assigned subject area:

In addition to the above,

Able to teach four/five Navajo-related topic courses at a University level.

Have a higher educational institution teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Formal Navajo Traditional Education and Training:

• Keen knowledge of the roles of traditional Navajo men and women within the culture,
• Must converse with Navajo elders solely in the Navajo language,
• Have in-depth knowledge of Navajo Creation Stories and the Navajo traditional way of life.
• Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in two (2) of the above.

Professional Credentials and Memberships:

• Ph.D., earned in a cultural related study at a research university.
• Possess memberships in a regional/national associations of teaching subject area,
• Assessed and endorsed as a Professor/Practitioner in the assigned subject areas,
• Participant in an ongoing professional development activities

Demonstrated knowledge, skills, or abilities in the following areas:

• Knowledge of learning theory - motivational, perceptual, and emotional forces present in the learning process and the conditions which affect individual learning and change,
• Knowledge of time and resource management techniques,
• Ability to deal in a fair and courteous manner with a variety of individuals,
• Ability to convey ideas effectively to others in a group or one-on-one situation,
• Skills in researching information, identifying relevant facts, and deriving logical conclusions,
• Ability to maintain restraint and calmness when faced with emotional or angry individuals,
• Ability to present self and the College in a positive and professional manner.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is a Professor/Practitioner in the University BA/MA degree programs (soon the Ph.D. program will be added) and is paid on the faculty range of the University Consolidated Salary Scale based on documented and community recognized acknowledgment and practices as a Navajo traditional cultural practitioner, in addition, possession of a Western educational institution degree.