This position is for the 2026-27 School Year
GROUP: Certificated
SALARY: Certificated Salary Schedule
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
WORKDAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 180
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SUMMARY: The Elementary Teacher provides standards-based instruction that supports the academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth of K–5 students. This position creates a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment that fosters student engagement, curiosity, and a love of learning. The teacher uses differentiated instruction, data-informed practices, and positive behavior supports to meet the diverse needs of students. This role collaborates with staff, families, and the community to promote student success and integrates culturally relevant perspectives, including Native American values, into instruction where appropriate.
ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS: Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
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Plan and deliver standards-based instruction aligned to Washington State learning standards
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Create a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment that supports student engagement and positive behavior
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Differentiate instruction to meet the academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs of diverse learners
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Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions
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Implement research-based instructional strategies in literacy, mathematics, and core content areas
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Establish clear learning objectives and communicate expectations to students
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Foster students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills
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Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and promote positive student relationships and self-regulation
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Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, behavior, and learning goals
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Collaborate with general education staff, specialists, and support personnel to meet student needs
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Participate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) processes, including intervention planning and progress monitoring
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Identify students in need of additional support and refer appropriately for specialized services
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Supervise students in classroom and non-classroom settings to ensure safety and appropriate behavior
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Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and school improvement efforts
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Maintain accurate records, grades, and documentation in accordance with district expectations
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Integrate culturally relevant content and instructional practices, including Native American perspectives, into the curriculum
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Perform other duties as assigned
This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed, while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education or a related field
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Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with appropriate elementary endorsement(s)
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Demonstrated knowledge of standards-based instruction and classroom management practices appropriate for elementary students
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Basic proficiency in technology, including word processing, data systems, email, and instructional technology tools
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Evidence of successful teaching experience or completion of student teaching/practicum in an elementary setting
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Two or more years of successful elementary teaching experience
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Experience working with diverse student populations, including Native American students or other historically underserved communities
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Training or experience in culturally responsive teaching practices
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Experience implementing MTSS, differentiated instruction, and intervention strategies
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National Board Certification or advanced degree in education or a related field
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful criminal background clearance
Successful and/or clear drug screening
KNOWLEDGE OF:
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Best practices in elementary instruction, including literacy and mathematics development
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Child development, including academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth
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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and data-informed instructional practices
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Classroom management strategies that promote student engagement and positive behavior
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Culturally responsive teaching practices and strategies for diverse learners
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Assessment practices and the use of student data to guide instruction
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School policies, procedures, and educational standards
ABILITY TO:
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Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment
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Deliver effective, standards-based instruction that meets diverse student needs
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Manage classroom behavior using proactive and positive strategies
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Build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues
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Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
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Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support student success
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Use assessment data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes
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Integrate culturally relevant practices into teaching and learning
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Maintain confidentiality and professional ethical standards
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Organize and manage time, materials, and instructional resources effectively
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Building Principal or designee
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made though the interactive process
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Employee must be able to sit and stand for long periods.
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Frequent reaching, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and fine motor manipulation are required.
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Must regularly lift/move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 75 pounds (anything exceeding weight limits should be done as a two-person lift or with a mechanical lift).
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is primarily indoors with moderate noise levels.
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Employees may work near visual displays and classroom learning environments.
SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY NOTICE:
Employment with Chief Leschi Schools is subject to the sovereign immunity of the Puyallup Tribe and does not create an employment contract. Nothing in this job description should be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity.
INDIAN PREFERENCE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
In accordance with the Indian Preference Act, preference in hiring will be given to qualified American Indian/Alaska Native candidates.
Chief Leschi Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. Non-Native applicants will be considered under standard Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies.
