Do you speak Meänkieli?

Finnish, Yiddish, Meänkieli, Romani Chib, and Sami are national minority languages in Sweden. Students who belong to one of the national minorities have the right to instruction in their native language, regardless of whether it is a living language at home or not. This means that the student has the right to study the language even if it is a beginner’s language.

Umeå Municipality WANTS MORE when it comes to the development of instruction in the national minority languages, with a special focus on preschool and younger children. A long-term development project is underway, based on the goal of identifying successful language models for teaching in and of the national minority language for both first- and second-language learners.

We are now looking for someone who wants to help our students continue to develop their language, culture, and identity!

Employment Type

This is a special fixed-term position, part-time (70%), scheduled to begin on August 10, 2026, and end on June 9, 2027. The scope may be adjusted as needed.

Your Responsibilities

As a native language teacher, you will teach students from preschool through 9th grade alongside other native language teachers. Instruction comprises 120 minutes per week and follows the Swedish curriculum.

The role may include the following responsibilities:

• Planning, conducting, and following up on instruction in the relevant language
• Assessing and grading students in accordance with applicable guidelines
• Teaching students both in-person and via distance learning (as needed)
• Contribute to developing instruction based on our guiding principles: language, culture and identity
• Collaborate with colleagues within our Language Hub for national minority languages

Instruction takes place at the student’s home school from preschool through 3rd grade. Starting in 4th grade, instruction may take place at a different school—in which case we provide a bus pass as needed. Distance learning may be offered starting in second grade, particularly in remote areas.

About You

We are looking for someone who is creative, self-motivated, and flexible, and who thrives in a dynamic work environment. You are curious and have a strong desire to both contribute to development and develop yourself. As a person, you easily build good relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Furthermore, you have strong collaboration skills, are responsive, and can communicate and handle various situations in a constructive and solution-oriented manner. You take responsibility for your tasks and treat others in a courteous and respectful manner. We place great emphasis on your personal suitability.

Requirements

• Meänkieli is your native language, or you have strong and documented skills in both spoken and written Meänkieli
• Passed Swedish B/Swedish 2
• Good digital skills
• Educational training and/or teaching experience
• Valid criminal record check, in accordance with the Act on Suitability Checks

Desirable

• Knowledge of additional languages

Please attach your resume and, if applicable, a cover letter written in Swedish, as well as any teaching certification.

Together, we contribute to students’ language development—we look forward to receiving your application!

About Umeå Municipality

Umeå Municipality is the region’s largest employer, with over 13,000 dedicated employees. Our organization is divided into nine departments, and together we work to ensure that Umeå grows thoughtfully. Our core values are based on a citizen-first approach, transparency, trust, and continuous improvement. With us, you’ll work on socially important projects where you’ll help ensure that Umeå remains safe, secure, and fun.

Umeå is northern Sweden’s largest city, offering a rich variety of experiences and opportunities. We are a city of associations and culture that offers a richer Umeå life even outside of work. Here you can learn what it’s like to live in Umeå: Moving to Umeå Municipality

We’re growing, and that’s why we might be looking for you! Do you want more, too? We offer fair working conditions, great benefits, and excellent development opportunities for lifelong learning, as well as jobs that are important to everyone who lives and works here. We look forward to hearing from you.