Alternative Program Teacher

Position Summary

The Seabird Island alternate education program will focus on the social, cultural, educational, mental, and emotional needs of students who need a different approach to learning to be successful. The goals of the program are that all students achieve a certificate of graduation and successfully transition to post-secondary training and / or employment.

We are looking for a caring teacher who believes in every student’s capacity to learn and who knows that relationship building is key to student success. The staff will spend extra time encouraging and supporting students’ efforts to overcome barriers to learning.

This is a term contract position that is from August 26th, 2024 - June 30th, 2025.

Work that Matters

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

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Benefits and perks

• Extended health and dental benefits.

• Accrued vacation and sick time.

• Pension plan with matching employer contributions.

• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement.

• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.

• Equitable hourly rates.

• Casual dress code.

What you’ll do

• Design and implement a culturally relevant and engaging curriculum that meets the educational needs of at-risk students.
• Utilize Land Based learning techniques to help engage students, focusing on relationship building, and experiential instruction.
• Establish trusting, respectful relationships with students to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Actively participate in Education Jurisdiction implementation.
• Attend meetings with administration as required to address any emerging issues.
• Abide by all policies of Seabird Island, Seabird Island Community School, the BC Ministry of Education, Independent Schools Branch and ensure compliance with the Teacher Code of Conduct.
• Conduct regular assessments to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly, with an understanding students voice will be guiding the programming.
• Serve as a mentor, providing guidance and support to help students navigate academic, social, and personal challenges.
• Incorporate First Nations cultures, languages, and traditions into the classroom and curriculum.
• Liaise with alternate departments to complete referrals and provide guidance to students.
• Engage with families to build strong, collaborative relationships and support student success at home and school.
• Collaborate with other educators, support staff, and community organizations to create a comprehensive support network for students.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by your Manager, Director, Executive Director/Chief Administrative Officer, or Chief & Council.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or higher, and current practicing British Columbia (BC) Certified Teacher qualifications OR Eligible for B.C. Certification and seeking teacher training and practicum at an Elementary or High School. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

• At least 2 years of relevant experience working within Indigenous communities, focusing on Education.

• A creative thinker who is flexible and able to adjust programming rapidly

• A belief that anyone can learn (staff and students)

• A competency-based approach to teaching and learning

• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• The ability and energy to work with multi-age groups and meet the needs of students with a range of learning styles and abilities using a variety of teaching strategies.

• The ability and desire to work closely with colleagues in a team-oriented approach to teaching and learning.

• Strong interest in innovation and inquiry.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.

• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.

• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.

• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.

• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage with and support families in our community and the communities we serve.

• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to:

Director of Education

Pre-employment screening

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Education. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.