Job Description
This position is for the remainder of the 2025-26 School Year
GROUP: Certificated
SALARY: Certificated Salary Schedule
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
WORKDAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 180
__________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY: The Culture Teacher provides basic instruction in the teaching of Native American culture and language, utilizing teaching techniques that are consistent with school established objectives. This educator will plan, schedule and carry out classroom culture and language instruction.
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:
Communicates clearly, both orally and in writing
Researches information within the profession as it relates to the Indian Education program and the Native community for the purpose of maintaining current and accurate knowledge
Creates an effective environment for learning through positive student interactions, use of research based teaching practices and knowledge of differentiation strategies in secondary literacy
Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals; establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects; and communicates these objectives to students
Selects and requisitions books and materials, and maintains an inventory of purchased items
Works cooperatively with language/culture staff members to plan, develop and implement new culture curriculum.
Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers
Prepares lessons plans/activities and submits them weekly to the building principal
Actively participates in classroom presentations, Circle, Culture Day, Powwows and other special school events
Assist teachers in planning and integrating Native cultural materials into the regular classroom curriculum
Regularly communicates with parents and/or guardians through conferences and other means to discuss student progress
Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems
Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district, as well as professional growth activities
Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday
Refers students with special needs to appropriate staff for additional educational assistance, in accordance with requirements of Public Law 94-142
Participates in curriculum/literacy development programs as required
Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities
Works effectively with para-educators and other staff members
Performs other duties as assigned by administrator
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
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Valid Washington State Teaching Culture Certificate or ability to obtain a Washington State Teaching Certificate: First Peoples Language, Culture and Oral Traditions Certification/Endorsement
High School Diploma or GED
One year recent computer experience with word processing, spreadsheet formatting, and email
Demonstrated cultural expertise in Native American cultural traditions
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Washington State Teaching Certificate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
One year teaching experience working as a full time certificated employee
Current or recent experience working with Native Americans or other similar diverse populations
Previous experience in school individualized instructional program development, facilitation and instruction
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful criminal background clearance
Successful and/or clear drug screening
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Best practices in teaching and learning
School board policies and procedures
ABILITY TO:
Take initiative and work independently
Demonstrate commitment to the teaching profession and its code of ethics
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Manage a classroom effectively for optimum learning
Synthesize information and present it clearly and in an organized manner
Work with and relate to Native American children and serve as a positive role model
Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a diverse, multicultural environment, to include school staff and administrators, parents and community members
Demonstrate and maintain confidentiality
Integrate cultural competencies in teaching Native American students
Comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Building Administrator or designee
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand for long periods of time. The employee must frequently reach with hands and arms and is regularly required to talk or hear; stand and/or walk; bend, stoop, twist, squat, and kneel; and use hands to finger, handle, feel and perform fine motor manipulations. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Anything over the weight limits should be done as a two-person lift or with a mechanical lift.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors, occasionally working near visual displays. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Chief Leschi Schools is an Equal Opportunity /M/F/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer, except as provided under the Indian Preference Act.
GROUP: Certificated
SALARY: Certificated Salary Schedule
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
WORKDAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 180
__________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY: The Culture Teacher provides basic instruction in the teaching of Native American culture and language, utilizing teaching techniques that are consistent with school established objectives. This educator will plan, schedule and carry out classroom culture and language instruction.
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:
Communicates clearly, both orally and in writing
Researches information within the profession as it relates to the Indian Education program and the Native community for the purpose of maintaining current and accurate knowledge
Creates an effective environment for learning through positive student interactions, use of research based teaching practices and knowledge of differentiation strategies in secondary literacy
Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals; establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects; and communicates these objectives to students
Selects and requisitions books and materials, and maintains an inventory of purchased items
Works cooperatively with language/culture staff members to plan, develop and implement new culture curriculum.
Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers
Prepares lessons plans/activities and submits them weekly to the building principal
Actively participates in classroom presentations, Circle, Culture Day, Powwows and other special school events
Assist teachers in planning and integrating Native cultural materials into the regular classroom curriculum
Regularly communicates with parents and/or guardians through conferences and other means to discuss student progress
Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems
Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district, as well as professional growth activities
Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday
Refers students with special needs to appropriate staff for additional educational assistance, in accordance with requirements of Public Law 94-142
Participates in curriculum/literacy development programs as required
Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities
Works effectively with para-educators and other staff members
Performs other duties as assigned by administrator
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
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Valid Washington State Teaching Culture Certificate or ability to obtain a Washington State Teaching Certificate: First Peoples Language, Culture and Oral Traditions Certification/Endorsement
High School Diploma or GED
One year recent computer experience with word processing, spreadsheet formatting, and email
Demonstrated cultural expertise in Native American cultural traditions
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Washington State Teaching Certificate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
One year teaching experience working as a full time certificated employee
Current or recent experience working with Native Americans or other similar diverse populations
Previous experience in school individualized instructional program development, facilitation and instruction
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful criminal background clearance
Successful and/or clear drug screening
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Best practices in teaching and learning
School board policies and procedures
ABILITY TO:
Take initiative and work independently
Demonstrate commitment to the teaching profession and its code of ethics
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Manage a classroom effectively for optimum learning
Synthesize information and present it clearly and in an organized manner
Work with and relate to Native American children and serve as a positive role model
Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a diverse, multicultural environment, to include school staff and administrators, parents and community members
Demonstrate and maintain confidentiality
Integrate cultural competencies in teaching Native American students
Comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Building Administrator or designee
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand for long periods of time. The employee must frequently reach with hands and arms and is regularly required to talk or hear; stand and/or walk; bend, stoop, twist, squat, and kneel; and use hands to finger, handle, feel and perform fine motor manipulations. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Anything over the weight limits should be done as a two-person lift or with a mechanical lift.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors, occasionally working near visual displays. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Chief Leschi Schools is an Equal Opportunity /M/F/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer, except as provided under the Indian Preference Act.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Culture Teacher - 1 Year Only position is now open for candidates interested in the Education Jobs sector. This role in Puyallup offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Education Jobs is a plus.
