Culture Teacher

GROUP: CertificatedSALARY: Certificated Salary ScheduleFLSA STATUS: ExemptWORK DAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 180SUMMARY: The Culture Teacher develops and delivers culturally grounded instruction that promotes student understanding of Puyallup history, cultural traditions, values, language revitalization efforts, and contemporary Tribal identity. This position supports the academic, cultural, and social-emotional development of students by integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, culturally responsive practices, and community-centered learning into the educational environment.The Culture Teacher designs engaging learning experiences aligned with district curriculum goals, Tribal priorities, and applicable educational standards. The position collaborates closely with students, families, elders, cultural leaders, classroom teachers, and staff to strengthen cultural connection, student identity, and community engagement through authentic and respectful instruction.The Culture Teacher serves as a cultural and educational resource within the school community and helps ensure Native perspectives, histories, traditions, and cultural teachings are meaningfully incorporated throughout the 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:Develops and delivers culturally grounded lessons and learning experiences focused on Puyallup history, cultural traditions, values, storytelling, arts, lifeways, language revitalization efforts, and contemporary Tribal identity.Creates a culturally safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment that supports student belonging, identity development, and academic success.Integrates culturally responsive teaching practices, Indigenous ways of knowing, and community-centered learning into instructional planning and classroom activities.Collaborates with teachers, administrators, elders, and cultural staff to incorporate Native perspectives and culturally relevant materials across grade levels and content areas.Assists in the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of culture and language curriculum aligned with Tribal priorities, district goals, and applicable educational standards.Facilitates student participation in cultural activities, presentations, community events, assemblies, powwows, seasonal teachings, and other school-sponsored cultural programming.Builds positive relationships with students, families, Tribal community members, and staff to strengthen school-community connections and support student engagement.Uses culturally responsive instructional strategies, storytelling, experiential learning, and other engaging teaching methods to support diverse student learning needs and developmental levels.Maintains appropriate instructional records, lesson plans, student progress documentation, and required reports in accordance with district expectations.Collaborates with classroom teachers and support staff to identify and support student academic, behavioral, cultural, and social-emotional needs.Serves as a cultural resource and instructional support for staff seeking to appropriately integrate Native content, perspectives, and culturally responsive practices into the classroom environment.Participates in professional development, staff meetings, curriculum planning, committee work, and school improvement efforts.Maintains professional, ethical, and culturally respectful practices in all interactions with students, families, staff, and community members.Supervises students in classrooms and during assigned school activities to ensure safety, appropriate behavior, and positive student engagement.Uses instructional technology, digital resources, and multimedia tools to support student learning and cultural education.Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the scope and intent of the position.This 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:High school diploma or GED.Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and cultural expertise related to Native American traditions, history, cultural teachings, language revitalization, arts, storytelling, lifeways, and/or community practices.Ability to respectfully and effectively work with Native American students, families, Tribal elders, cultural leaders, and community members.Willingness and ability to learn classroom instructional practices, curriculum implementation, student support systems, and school procedures.Basic computer skills and ability to use standard technology platforms, including email, word processing, virtual learning tools, and instructional software.Valid Washington State First Peoples' Language, Culture, and Oral Tribal Traditions certification/endorsement, or ability and willingness to obtain certification within a timeframe established by the district consistent with program and state requirements.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSRecognized knowledge, experience, or community involvement related to Puyallup Tribal history, cultural teachings, traditions, language revitalization, arts, storytelling, lifeways, and contemporary Native issues.Experience working with Native American youth, families, Tribal communities, or Indigenous-serving educational programs.Experience teaching, mentoring, presenting, facilitating, or sharing cultural knowledge in community, Tribal, educational, or youth-centered settings.Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, families, elders, cultural leaders, and community members.Experience integrating culturally responsive, identity-affirming, or Indigenous teaching practices into student learning experiences.Experience collaborating with teachers and school staff to support culturally grounded learning environments.Familiarity with project-based learning, experiential learning, storytelling, land-based learning, or other Indigenous approaches to teaching and learning.Washington State teaching certificate or eligibility to obtain applicable certification preferred, but not required at hire where permitted by law and district requirements.Prior experience working in a Tribal school, public school district, compact school, or Bureau of Indian Education-funded educational setting preferred.CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:* Successful criminal background clearance* Successful and/or clear drug screeningKNOWLEDGE OF:Native American history, cultural traditions, values, storytelling practices, arts, lifeways, and community teachings, with preference for knowledge connected to the Puyallup Tribe and Coast Salish communities.Indigenous ways of knowing and culturally responsive educational practices.Principles and practices of effective classroom instruction, student engagement, and positive learning environments.Age-appropriate instructional methods and strategies for diverse learning styles and developmental levels.Curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional resource development.Classroom management techniques and student behavior support practices.Cultural protocols, respectful community engagement practices, and appropriate handling of culturally sensitive information and materials.Educational technology, digital learning tools, and standard computer applications used in instructional settings.Applicable school policies, procedures, and student confidentiality requirements.Practices that support student social-emotional well-being, identity development, and cultural belonging.ABILITY TO:Develop and deliver culturally grounded and engaging instructional activities for students of varying ages and learning needs.Build positive, respectful, and culturally responsive relationships with students, families, Tribal elders, cultural leaders, staff, and community members.Integrate Native perspectives, cultural teachings, and Indigenous ways of knowing into classroom instruction and school activities.Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders.Facilitate learning experiences using storytelling, experiential learning, project-based learning, and other culturally responsive instructional approaches.Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that promotes student engagement and positive behavior.Collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, support staff, and community partners.Learn and apply classroom instructional practices, district procedures, student support systems, and educational technology.Maintain professionalism, cultural respect, discretion, and confidentiality in all interactions and work activities.Organize instructional materials, maintain required records, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.Adapt instruction, activities, and communication styles to meet diverse student and program needs.Work independently while contributing positively as part of a collaborative educational team.Comply with school policies, procedures, and applicable Tribal, state, and program requirements.REPORTING 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.