About this role
This position is for the 2026-27 School Year GROUP: Substitute SALARY: Substitute Salary Schedule FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt WORKDAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: On-call SUMMARY: The Guest Teacher provides high-quality instructional continuity when classroom teachers are absent by implementing lesson plans, fostering a safe and engaging learning environment, and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with students. Guest Teachers support academic progress while reinforcing school expectations, encouraging student engagement, and ensuring classrooms remain productive and welcoming throughout the school day. As an instructional partner, the Guest Teacher demonstrates flexibility, professionalism, and sound classroom management while adapting to a variety of grade levels, subject areas, and student needs. Successful Guest Teachers are dependable educators who can quickly establish rapport with students, collaborate effectively with school staff, and contribute to a positive school culture. 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 been funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
• Implement lesson plans and instructional activities provided by the classroom teacher while maintaining continuity of learning.
• Create a safe, respectful, and engaging classroom environment that supports student learning and well-being.
• Establish positive expectations for student behavior and manage the classroom using respectful, consistent classroom management practices.
• Supervise students throughout the instructional day, including classrooms, hallways, lunch, recess, arrival, dismissal, and other assigned duties.
• Take attendance and maintain accurate classroom records in accordance with school procedures.
• Follow established classroom routines, schedules, emergency procedures, and school expectations.
• Adapt instruction and classroom management strategies to meet the diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs of students.
• Utilize instructional technology and classroom resources as directed.
• Collaborate professionally with administrators, teachers, paraeducators, and support staff to ensure smooth school operations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, and staff in accordance with district policy and applicable laws.
• Leave timely and accurate notes for the regular classroom teacher regarding lesson completion, student participation, attendance, and any significant events.
• Model professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and respectful interactions with students, families, colleagues, and community members.
• Support the district's commitment to culturally sustaining educational practices and the success of Native students.
• Perform other related 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 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Washington State teaching certificate or eligibility to serve as a substitute teacher under Washington State requirements.
• Ability to successfully work with students in a classroom setting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Previous K-12 teaching or guest teaching experience.
• Experience working in culturally diverse educational environments.
• Experience serving Native American or Tribal communities.
• Experience with restorative practices, trauma-informed education, culturally responsive teaching, and evidence-based instructional practices.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Successful criminal background clearance Successful and/or clear drug screening KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Effective instructional practices appropriate for K-12 learners.
• Classroom management and positive behavior support strategies.
• Child and adolescent development.
• Culturally responsive and trauma-informed educational practices.
• District curriculum resources and instructional technology appropriate to the assignment.
• School safety procedures, emergency protocols, and student supervision practices.
• Applicable school policies, procedures, and professional ethical standards.
ABILITY TO:
• Quickly establish a positive, productive classroom environment.
• Implement lesson plans effectively while adapting to changing classroom needs.
• Build positive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Maintain effective classroom management using respectful, restorative practices.
• Adapt to different grade levels, content areas, instructional styles, and school environments.
• Exercise sound judgment and remain calm in fast-paced or unexpected situations.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, administrators, and families as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, paraeducators, and support staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Demonstrate cultural humility and work effectively within a diverse educational community while honoring the traditions, values, and culture of Chief Leschi Schools.
• Learn new procedures and technology quickly.
• Report classroom information accurately and objectively.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Building Principal 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.