Secondary Social Studies 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 Social Studies Teacher provides standards-based instruction that develops students’ critical thinking, civic engagement, and understanding of history, government, geography, and culture. This position creates a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes inquiry-based learning. The teacher integrates culturally relevant content, including Native American history, sovereignty, and contemporary issues, to support student identity and engagement. This role uses data-informed instruction, collaboration, and meaningful learning experiences to prepare students to be informed, responsible members of their communities.

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:

• Plan and deliver standards-based Social Studies instruction aligned to Washington State standards
• Design and implement engaging, inquiry-based lessons that promote critical thinking, analysis, and discussion
• Integrate diverse perspectives, including Native American history, tribal sovereignty, and contemporary Indigenous issues, into the curriculum
• Create a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment that encourages student voice and respectful dialogue
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction
• Teach and support skills in reading, writing, research, and analysis within the Social Studies context
• Facilitate student learning around civic responsibility, government systems, and community engagement
• Communicate regularly with students, families, and staff regarding student progress
• Collaborate with colleagues, specialists, and support staff to support student success
• Participate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), including intervention planning and progress monitoring
• Identify students in need of additional support and refer appropriately for services
• Supervise students in classroom and non-classroom settings to ensure safety and appropriate behavior
• Participate in professional development, staff collaboration, and school improvement efforts
• Maintain accurate records, grades, and documentation
• Serve as a positive role model and contribute to a respectful and inclusive school culture
• Perform other duties as assigned

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

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Social Studies, History, or a related field
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with appropriate Social Studies endorsement(s)
• Demonstrated knowledge of standards-based instruction and classroom management practices appropriate for secondary students
• Basic proficiency in technology, including word processing, data systems, email, and instructional technology tools
• Evidence of successful teaching experience or completion of student teaching/practicum in a secondary setting

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two or more years of successful secondary Social Studies teaching experience
• Experience implementing inquiry-based or project-based learning approaches
• Experience integrating culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum and instruction
• Experience working with Native American students or other historically underserved populations
• Knowledge of or experience teaching Native American history, tribal sovereignty, and culturally relevant curriculum
• National Board Certification or advanced degree in Social Studies or a related field 

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

Successful criminal background clearance

Successful and/or clear drug screening

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Best practices in Social Studies instruction, including inquiry-based and project-based learning
• Washington State Social Studies standards and frameworks
• Culturally responsive teaching practices and strategies for diverse learners
• Native American history, tribal sovereignty, and culturally relevant curriculum (or willingness to develop this knowledge)
• Adolescent development, including social-emotional and behavioral needs
• Assessment practices and the use of data to guide instruction
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• School policies, procedures, and educational standards

ABILITY TO:

• Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment
• Facilitate critical thinking, discussion, and analysis of complex topics
• Deliver standards-based instruction that meets diverse student needs
• Build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Integrate culturally relevant content and perspectives into instruction
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Use assessment data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional and ethical standards
• Organize and manage time, materials, and instructional resources effectively 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:  Building Principal 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.

SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY NOTICE:

Employment with Chief Leschi Schools is subject to the sovereign immunity of the Puyallup Tribe and does not create an employment contract. Nothing in this job description should be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity.

INDIAN PREFERENCE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

In accordance with the Indian Preference Act, preference in hiring will be given to qualified American Indian/Alaska Native candidates.

Chief Leschi Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. Non-Native applicants will be considered under standard Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies.

Salary : $62,334 - $144,973