Secondary Music/Drum Teacher

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 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 composition
• Teaches foundational and advanced skills in rhythm, performance, music literacy, and creative expression using a variety of instructional strategies
• Incorporates culturally relevant and responsive teaching practices, including Native and Indigenous music traditions, into instruction
• Establishes clear learning objectives for lessons, units, and projects, and communicates these objectives to students
• Differentiates instruction to meet the diverse academic, cultural, and social-emotional needs of students
• Creates and maintains a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports student voice, identity, and belonging
• Uses effective classroom management strategies to promote a positive learning environment
• Assesses student learning using formative and summative methods; maintains accurate records and provides timely, meaningful feedback
• Communicates regularly with students, families, and caregivers regarding student progress and program opportunities
• Organizes and directs performances, showcases, and music-related events that support student learning and community engagement
• Encourages and supports student participation in performances, assemblies, and extracurricular music opportunities
• Collaborates with teachers, paraeducators, and other staff to support student success
• Participates in professional learning communities, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development
• Assists in maintaining music equipment, instruments, and program materials
• Supervises students in classroom and school-sponsored activities

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:

• Bachelor's degree in Education
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with applicable endorsement
• Successful teaching and/or student teaching experience at the secondary level

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) or more years of successful secondary music teaching experience
• Experience directing instrumental ensembles (e.g., band, drumline, percussion) and organizing performances
• Experience implementing inquiry-based, project-based, or performance-based learning
• Experience integrating culturally responsive teaching practices, including work with Native American students or other historically underserved populations
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a music program, including student engagement and community involvement
• Experience differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including students with IEPs
• Experience using data to inform instruction and collaborating with staff, families, and community partners
• National Board Certification and/or advanced degree in Music Education or related field

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful criminal background clearance
• Successful and/or clear drug screening

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and best practices of secondary music education, including band, percussion, and composition instruction
• Rhythm pedagogy, performance techniques, and music literacy development
• Culturally responsive teaching practices, particularly incorporating Native and Indigenous music traditions
• Student engagement strategies that support creativity, identity, and belonging in the classroom
• Differentiated instruction methods to meet diverse academic and social-emotional student needs
• Classroom management strategies that foster a positive and inclusive learning environment
• Formative and summative assessment practices and data-informed instruction
• School board policies, procedures, and educational standards
• Use and care of musical instruments, equipment, and program materials
• Strategies for family and community engagement through performances and events

ABILITY TO:

• Design and implement a comprehensive, standards-aligned music program including band, drumline, and composition
• Teach and model foundational and advanced music skills, including rhythm, performance, and creative expression
• Integrate cultural knowledge and Indigenous perspectives authentically into music instruction
• Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports diverse learners
• Differentiate instruction to meet varying student skill levels and learning styles
• Effectively manage classroom behavior to maximize instructional time and student success
• Assess student progress, maintain accurate records, and provide meaningful feedback
• Organize and direct performances, showcases, and school/community events
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and staff both verbally and in writing
• Collaborate with colleagues, paraeducators, and administrators to support student outcomes
• Build positive relationships with Native students, families, and community members while serving as a role model
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional and ethical standards

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:  Building Administrator or designee

PHYSICAL 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.

Salary : $62,334 - $144,973