Stein Valley Nlakapamux School
Employment Opportunity
Grade 1 Teacher 2026–2027 School Year
Stein Valley Nlakapamux School (SVNS) in Lytton, British Columbia, is seeking an enthusiastic, caring, creative, and student-centred Grade 1 Teacher to join our school community for the 2026–2027 school year.
SVNS is a K–12 Independent School serving approximately 150 students, along with an Adult Diploma Program. We are a growing and innovative First Nations school that weaves Nlakapamux culture, language, land-based learning, and community knowledge together with the BC curriculum.
We are looking for a teacher who is passionate about working with young learners and who understands the importance of creating a safe, welcoming, culturally responsive, and engaging classroom environment.
The successful candidate will support Grade 1 students in developing strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, communication, social-emotional learning, and positive relationships with their peers, teachers, families, and community.
About Stein Valley Nlakapamux School
SVNS is an innovative school that strives to provide students with meaningful and authentic learning experiences connected to who they are, where they come from, and where they want to go.
Our school community values
- Nlakapamux language and culture
- Indigenous ways of knowing and being
- Land-based learning
- Student wellbeing and belonging
- Community and family partnerships
- Hands-on and experiential learning
- Outdoor education
- Student voice and leadership
- Academic growth and success
- Strong relationships between school, family, and community
We believe young children learn best when they feel safe, valued, connected, and supported. Position Responsibilities The successful candidate will:
- Teach a Grade 1 classroom in accordance with the BC Curriculum.
- Develop a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment.
- Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Build strong foundations in early literacy, reading, writing, oral language, and communication.
- Develop foundational numeracy and mathematical thinking skills.
- Support students' social-emotional development and self-regulation.
- Teach students how to build positive relationships and resolve conflicts appropriately.
- Provide opportunities for inquiry, play-based, hands-on, and experiential learning.
- Incorporate Nlakapamux culture, language, stories, community knowledge, and land-based learning where appropriate.
- Provide opportunities for students to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
- Support students with diverse learning needs through differentiated and inclusive instruction.
- Work collaboratively with Educational Assistants, support staff, administration, and other teachers.
- Develop positive relationships with parents, guardians, Elders, and community members.
- Communicate regularly with families regarding student learning, wellbeing, and progress.
- Assess and document student learning in accordance with BC curriculum and school expectations.
- Use assessment information to guide instruction and support individual student growth.
- Establish consistent classroom routines, expectations, and procedures.
- Encourage curiosity, confidence, independence, creativity, and a love of learning.
- Participate in school events, professional development,
staff meetings, and community activities.
- Support the overall academic, social, emotional, physical, and cultural wellbeing of students.
Early Learning and Literacy A strong foundation in Grade 1 is essential to a student's long-term success. The successful teacher will support students in developing:
- Phonological and phonemic awareness.
- Letter and sound knowledge.
- Early reading skills.
- Reading fluency and comprehension.
- Vocabulary and oral language.
- Writing and communication skills.
- Numeracy and number sense.
- Problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.
- Confidence and independence as learners.
The teacher should be comfortable using a variety of instructional approaches and adapting instruction to meet the developmental and learning needs of individual students. Indigenous and Land-Based Education
SVNS is committed to providing education that recognizes students as whole people and supports their identity, culture, relationships, wellbeing, and academic development.
The successful candidate should be willing to learn from and work respectfully with Nlakapamux Elders, families, community members, and staff.
The teacher will be encouraged to incorporate:
- Nlakapamux language and culture.
- Local stories and teachings.
- Traditional knowledge.
- Land-based learning.
- Outdoor learning.
- Community experiences.
- Local history and place-based learning.
- Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and connecting.
Experience working in a First Nations or Indigenous school is an asset, but we are also interested in applicants who demonstrate a genuine willingness to learn, listen, and build respectful relationships with the Nlakapamux community. Working With Educational Assistants and Support Staff The Grade 1 teacher will work collaboratively with Educational Assistants and other support staff to ensure students receive appropriate academic, behavioural, social, emotional, and developmental support.
The successful candidate should value collaboration and understand that supporting students is a shared responsibility.
Employment Qualifications The successful applicant will ideally have:
- Valid BC Teacher Certification or eligibility for certification with the BC Teacher Regulation Branch.
- A Bachelor of Education or equivalent teaching qualification.
- Experience teaching primary or elementary-aged students.
- Strong knowledge of early literacy and numeracy development.
- Knowledge of the BC Curriculum.
- Robust classroom management and student engagement skills.
- Robust organizational and planning skills.
- Ability to create an inclusive and engaging learning setting.
- Ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- A commitment to student wellbeing and success.
- A willingness to work respectfully with Indigenous students, families, Elders, and community members.
- Experience working in a First Nations or Indigenous school is an asset.
- Experience with land-based or outdoor learning is an asset.
- A clear Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable populations is required.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is
- Caring, patient, and compassionate.
- Student-centred and relationship-focused.
- Positive and approachable.
- Creative and innovative.
- Organized and dependable.
- Passionate about early childhood and elementary education.
- Committed to literacy and numeracy development.
- Comfortable working collaboratively with colleagues and support staff.
- Respectful of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing.
- Willing to learn from Elders, families, students, and community members.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Committed to creating a classroom where every student feels that they belong.
- Passionate about helping young students develop confidence and a love of learning.
What SVNS Offers SVNS provides employees with a supportive and collaborative working environment.
Depending on eligibility and applicable employment terms, SVNS provides:
- Teaching compensation based on the local public school wage grid.
- Full group health advantages, including pension and life insurance.
- Dental benefits.
- Subsidized rental housing.
- Moving loan subsidy.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities for land-based and outdoor learning.
- A collaborative school and community environment.
- Opportunities to develop innovative and culturally responsive programming.
Our unique school year begins in the summer and is organized around seasonal learning opportunities and semesters.
Location
Stein Valley Nlakapamux School is located in Lytton, British Columbia, in the Fraser Canyon. Lytton is approximately:
- 3 hours from Vancouver.
- 3 hours from Kelowna.
- 2 hours from Kamloops.
The area provides excellent opportunities for outdoor education, land-based learning, hiking, community activities, and place-based education. How to Apply The position is open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit:
- Cover letter.
- Resume.
- Copy of BC Teacher Certification or eligibility documentation.
- Copy of current TQS Card, if applicable.
- A minimum of three recent professional references.
- Criminal Record Check, or willingness to obtain one.
Please submit your application to:
Ashton Janvier
Principal
Stein Valley Nlakapamux School PO Box 300
Lytton, BC
V0K 1Z0
Phone: (phone hidden) Email:
[email protected] Website:
Please indicate “Grade 1 Teacher” in the subject line of your application.
Stein Valley Nlakapamux School thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Join Our Team
At SVNS, we believe that education is about more than academics. Our youngest learners are beginning an important journey of developing their identity, confidence, relationships, knowledge, and connection to their community.
We are looking for a teacher who will nurture that journey and help Grade 1 students build the strong foundations they need for future success.
If you are passionate about early learning, Indigenous education, literacy, numeracy, relationships, land-based learning, and helping young children thrive, we would love to hear from you.
Come join the Stein Valley Nlakapamux School community and help our students learn, grow, and thrive.
📌 Grade 1 Teacher (Lytton)
🏢 Secpwepemc St’atl’imc Nlaka’pamux
📍 Lytton