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Start Your Online Application Now Bilingual Paraprofessional - Hmong Language and Culture Specialist This position will be for the 2026/2027 School Year HOPE Community Academy is an accredited, public co-educational charter school comprised of primary, intermediate, middle, and high school levels. The entire school community seeks to provide a safe and trusting learning environment where each student is valued and challenged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. The mission of HOPE Community Academy is to inspire students to achieve high academic success while embracing Hmong language and culture. As a vital part of the total learning community, HOPE Community Academy is called to educate students in an atmosphere enriched by shared Hmong and American values . . . peace, justice, and respect for one another. The school recognizes that a child''s healthy development is dependent upon learning and living out those values. Position Overview At HOPE, language and culture are not add-ons to the school day ? they are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission to inspire students to achieve high academic success while embracing Hmong language and culture is only possible when we have dedicated, passionate people in the building who live that mission every single day. For HOPE to deliver on the cultural and linguistic commitments we have made to our scholars and families, we need educators and specialists who understand that identity and learning are inseparable. The Bilingual Paraprofessional ? Hmong Language and Culture Specialist is a role that sits at the intersection of language, culture, and community. This is not a supporting role in the background ? it is a vital, visible, and deeply meaningful position within HOPE''s Bilingual Department. The person in this role will bring the Hmong language to life in the classroom, strengthen scholars'' connection to their cultural heritage, and serve as a trusted bridge between students, families, and educators. Reporting directly to the Bilingual Department Manager, this specialist will work alongside classroom teachers to support language instruction, reinforce cultural education, and ensure that every Hmong-speaking scholar feels seen, valued, and proud of who they are. This role is central to HOPE''s Hmong Language and Culture strategic priority ? directly contributing to our goal of bringing rigor and richness to our bilingual program by 2028. The ideal candidate is someone who carries the Hmong language and culture not just as a professional qualification, but as a personal source of pride and purpose. This person understands the profound responsibility of being one of the adults in our building who helps our youngest scholars understand where they come from ? and inspires them to carry that identity forward with confidence, joy, and excellence. Responsibilities Instructional & Behavioral Support: Under the lead of the Bilingual Department Teachers in the classroom, provides behavioral, instructional and interventional support with emphasis on Hmong language and culture education Assists Hmong language teachers with classroom instruction, lesson preparation, and student activities Supports students in developing Hmong language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills) Works with students at varying levels of Hmong language proficiency, from beginners to heritage speakers Assists with managing student behavior using culturally responsive approaches Helps prepare and organize materials for Hmong language and culture lessons Coordinates and supports cultural education activities including traditional arts and dance, storytelling, and cultural celebrations Translation & Interpretation Services: Provides oral interpretation during parent-teacher conferences, meetings, and school events Makes parent telephone contacts in Hmong to ensure clear communication Interprets during classroom instruction as needed to support student comprehension Reviews and edits Hmong language materials for accuracy and cultural appropriateness Classroom & Supervision Duties: Maintains and modifies the physical space for various program activities, such as setting up work stations, inspecting equipment for safety issues, and sanitizing tables Supports the Bilingual Department''s instructional goals and cultural programming initiatives Assists with cultural events, performances, and community celebrations Helps support Hmong language and culture field trips and activities Professional Development: Participates in staff meetings Completes staff development hours and other required professional learning Attends training related to bilingual education, language instruction, and cultural competency Performs other duties of a comparable level or type Professional Accountabilities Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings, and other professional activities, particularly those focused on bilingual education Participates in various school events, staff meetings, and extracurricular activities Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal, Bilingual Department Manager, or other appropriate administrator Serves as a role model for promoting effective instruction, bilingual education, and professionalism Maintains confidentiality of student and family information Qualifications Required: Obtained an associate''s degree OR completed two years of study (60 semester credits) at an institution of higher education OR demonstrate competency through a formal state exam Full proficiency in the Hmong language Full fluency in English language General knowledge of child development Ability to work cooperatively with teachers, administrators, support staff, and parents Preferred: Experience working in Hmong language instruction or cultural education settings Deep knowledge of Hmong culture, traditions, customs, history, and community values Experience working with diverse student populations, including heritage language learners Understanding of ACTFL language standards Previous experience in translation and interpretation Familiarity with Hmong language and literacy instruction methods Ability to incorporate cultural teachings into educational activities Experience with Hmong traditional arts and dance, music, or storytelling Working Environment Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment; school building is a multi-level building that has an elevator and is accessible Position requires extensive interaction with children of all ages and families from diverse cultural backgrounds Duties may occasionally be performed on field trips away from school Duties may occasionally be performed in outdoor environments, such as athletic fields or playgrounds Duties may occasionally be performed in varying weather conditions, such as hot or cold weather Possible exposure to loud and noisy locations (e.g., loud classrooms or cafeterias; children speaking or laughing loudly) Regular use of computer and technology for translation work Note: Nothing in this job description restricts school''s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. It does not alter the "at will" employment relationship between the school and the employee. EEO Statement: HOPE Community Academy is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and have equal opportunities for advancement. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Hope Community Academy (District) uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online