GROUP: Certificated

SALARY: Certificated Salary Schedule

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

WORK DAYS PER FISCAL YEAR:  Estimated 12 weeks (November 2024 - February 2025)     

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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 Associate's degree from an accredited university or college

First People's Certificate from Washington States Office of Superintendent OSPI

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.