Iñupialgusisa Program Apprentice

About the Role

The Iñupialgusisa Program Apprentice participates in a full-time, intensive Iñupiaq language fluency and educator-development program. The program aims 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. 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.

Key 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Work Year

• Year Round

Salary Range

• Grade 19: $33.21 - $52.02 (based on experience)