Secondary Music/Drum Teacher

This position is for the 2026-27 School YearGROUP: CertificatedSALARY: Certificated Salary ScheduleFLSA STATUS: ExemptWORKDAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 180__________________________________________________________________SUMMARY: The Secondary Music Teacher plans, develops, and implements a comprehensive, standards-aligned music program that engages students in performance, creation, and appreciation of music. The teacher provides instruction in rhythm, percussion, music literacy, and creative expression using culturally responsive practices, including Native and Indigenous music traditions. Through differentiated instruction, performance opportunities, and collaboration with staff, families, and the community, the teacher fosters student growth, engagement, and a positive, inclusive learning environment.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:Plans, develops, and implements a standards-aligned secondary music program, including courses such as band, drumline, percussion, and music compositionTeaches foundational and advanced skills in rhythm, performance, music literacy, and creative expression using a variety of instructional strategiesIncorporates culturally relevant and responsive teaching practices, including Native and Indigenous music traditions, into instructionEstablishes clear learning objectives for lessons, units, and projects, and communicates these objectives to studentsDifferentiates instruction to meet the diverse academic, cultural, and social-emotional needs of studentsCreates and maintains a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports student voice, identity, and belongingUses effective classroom management strategies to promote a positive learning environmentAssesses student learning using formative and summative methods; maintains accurate records and provides timely, meaningful feedbackCommunicates regularly with students, families, and caregivers regarding student progress and program opportunitiesOrganizes and directs performances, showcases, and music-related events that support student learning and community engagementEncourages and supports student participation in performances, assemblies, and extracurricular music opportunitiesCollaborates with teachers, paraeducators, and other staff to support student successParticipates in professional learning communities, staff meetings, and ongoing professional developmentAssists in maintaining music equipment, instruments, and program materialsSupervises students in classroom and school-sponsored activitiesThis list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Chief Leschi Schools reserves the right to assign or modify duties consistent with operational needs. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's degree in EducationValid Washington State Teaching Certificate with applicable endorsementSuccessful teaching and/or student teaching experience at the secondary levelPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSTwo (2) or more years of successful secondary music teaching experienceExperience directing instrumental ensembles (e.g., band, drumline, percussion) and organizing performancesExperience implementing inquiry-based, project-based, or performance-based learningExperience integrating culturally responsive teaching practices, including work with Native American students or other historically underserved populationsDemonstrated ability to build and sustain a music program, including student engagement and community involvementExperience differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including students with IEPsExperience using data to inform instruction and collaborating with staff, families, and community partnersNational Board Certification and/or advanced degree in Music Education or related fieldCONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:* Successful criminal background clearance* Successful and/or clear drug screeningKNOWLEDGE OF:Principles and best practices of secondary music education, including band, percussion, and composition instructionRhythm pedagogy, performance techniques, and music literacy developmentCulturally responsive teaching practices, particularly incorporating Native and Indigenous music traditionsStudent engagement strategies that support creativity, identity, and belonging in the classroomDifferentiated instruction methods to meet diverse academic and social-emotional student needsClassroom management strategies that foster a positive and inclusive learning environmentFormative and summative assessment practices and data-informed instructionSchool board policies, procedures, and educational standardsUse and care of musical instruments, equipment, and program materialsStrategies for family and community engagement through performances and eventsABILITY TO:Design and implement a comprehensive, standards-aligned music program including band, drumline, and compositionTeach and model foundational and advanced music skills, including rhythm, performance, and creative expressionIntegrate cultural knowledge and Indigenous perspectives authentically into music instructionCreate a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports diverse learnersDifferentiate instruction to meet varying student skill levels and learning stylesEffectively manage classroom behavior to maximize instructional time and student successAssess student progress, maintain accurate records, and provide meaningful feedbackOrganize and direct performances, showcases, and school/community eventsCommunicate effectively with students, families, and staff both verbally and in writingCollaborate with colleagues, paraeducators, and administrators to support student outcomesBuild positive relationships with Native students, families, and community members while serving as a role modelMaintain confidentiality and adhere to professional and ethical standardsREPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Building Administrator or designeePHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy.* Employees may be required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks involving reaching, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and fine motor coordination.* This position may require regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, with appropriate assistance or equipment as needed.WORK ENVIRONMENT:Work is primarily performed in an indoor educational environment with moderate noise levels. Employees may work in and/or proximity to classrooms, students, and standard office or instructional equipment. Conditions may vary based on program needs.SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY NOTICE:Chief Leschi Schools operates under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment is governed by Tribal law and policy and does not create a contract of employment. Nothing in this job description or related materials shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity.INDIAN PREFERENCE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:Chief Leschi Schools is an equal opportunity employer operating under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment decisions are made in accordance with Tribal law, including applicable Indian preference requirements. Chief Leschi Schools provides employment opportunities without unlawful discrimination as defined by Tribal policy and aligns with applicable federal requirements where expressly required under law or the State-Tribal Education Compact. Nothing in this statement shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity.