We are looking for someone to join our volunteer program as a Social Studies teacher to teach the senior class government and economics.
Red Cloud Volunteers serve as educators, teachers' aides, and support staff at Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Red Cloud Indian School is a Lakota Jesuit Catholic school system that serves approximately 600 K-12 students from the local community.
All Red Cloud Volunteers earn a class B commercial driver's license in order to assist with school transportation needs. Volunteers also serve as coaches, mentors, and work with after-school programs.
Volunteers are part of the Red Cloud Volunteers Program, whose pillars are Justice, Community, Spirituality, and Simplicity. Volunteers live in 1 of 3 volunteer houses with 6-9 fellow volunteers and share meals and regular prayer with their community. While volunteers do not need to be Catholic or religious, all community members are asked to be open to Catholic and Lakota spiritual practice and to growing in their own spiritual walk.
Volunteers participate in monthly all-volunteer dinners, attend 3 retreats a year, committing to a habit of reflection and sharing of experience.
Service Activities
Teaching, instructional support, after-school programs, coaching, mentoring, bus driving, student supervision, support of Lakota cultural activities
Community Need Addressed
Red Cloud Volunteers provide vital educational and transportation support services to the students and organization of Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota
Position Outcomes
Students will receive transportation between home and school and to sporting events and cultural activities. Students will receive classroom-based instruction and academic support that will enable them to progress in their education. Students will receive moral support and mentorship through their relationships with the Red Cloud Volunteers.
Benefits
College Credit, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Opportunity to take courses at Oglala Lakota College, opportunity to learn the Lakota language, professional development activities, opportunities for spiritual mentorship and prayer, opportunities to participate in Lakota cultural events, proximity to the world class Badlands National Park and the Black Hills, opportunity to serve for up to 3 years with a possible option to be hired on.
Skills you will gain
Increased ability to assimilate and deliver academic content, classroom management skills, time-keeping and organization, bus driving, community living skills, first-aid, ability to reflect on and share one's experience with others, cultural competency, awareness and knowledge of Lakota culture, spiritual depth
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment