An Elementary School Teacher teaches elementary school students, usually children ages 5 - 11 who are in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade, in a public or private school. Teaches all subjects, including reading, writing, math, social studies and science, to one class throughout the school year. Plans curriculum and assesses student progress, manages student behavior and communicates with school parents. May specialize in teaching music, art or physical education, or teach students that are learning English, or work with students with learning disabilities or emotional and behavioral disorders.
Based on preparation level and experience per TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Range is $73,549 (BA+0 step 1) through $144,248 (MA+90 step 20) Union/Days per year: Teacher, 182 workdays, 10-month
Benefits:
This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.
Additional Information:
This position is a
REPLACEMENT
contract for no longer than the 2026-2027 school year or whenever the staff member on leave returns to work, whichever occurs first. Estimated dates are September 1, 2026 - December 14,2026 SUMMARY This position plans, organizes, and delivers targeted supports through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to help students reach their full potential in academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and physical development. This position involves creating and maintaining a responsive learning environment that aligns with school, district, and state policies. The role supports student achievement by implementing tiered interventions, using data to guide decision-making, and collaborating with staff and families to promote equitable access to learning for all students.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Develops, plans, and implements a program of instruction that is grounded in the principles of MTSS and responsive to the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students. Designs learning experiences that are differentiated, evidence-based, and aligned to individual students' needs, interests, and abilities. Creates inclusive classroom environments that support active engagement, foster a growth mindset, and provide access to tiered supports aligned with student readiness and development. Regularly assesses student growth using a variety of formative and summative tools, aligned to MTSS practices. Uses assessment data to inform instructional decisions, document progress, and adjust interventions. Provides clear communication of student progress through required reports and grading practices. Refers students for additional supports or evaluation by district specialists as needed and contributes to problem-solving teams to ensure timely intervention. Implements instructional practices aligned with district MTSS goals and state standards. Supports the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment by promoting pro-social behavior, establishing clear expectations, and applying consistent, proactive behavior management strategies. Participates in school-wide MTSS implementation and actively contributes to the analysis and improvement of instructional programs and practices. Plans instruction that reflects a deep understanding of content and students' needs. Prepares and delivers lessons using scaffolded supports, differentiated strategies, and universal design for learning (UDL) principles. Communicates clear learning targets and success criteria and aligns instructional materials and assessments to support tiered interventions within the MTSS framework. Maintains ongoing communication and collaboration with students, families, colleagues, and community partners. Participates in and/or facilitates MTSS team meetings, student support meetings, and parent conferences to ensure alignment of services and shared understanding of student needs, progress, and next steps. Promotes family engagement as a key component of student success. Maintains accurate and timely records related to student performance, behavior, attendance, and intervention plans in accordance with district and state guidelines. Collects, interprets, and utilizes multiple sources of data to inform instructional practices, monitor the effectiveness of interventions, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts. Uses Washington State-approved student growth rubrics and progress-monitoring tools as part of the MTSS process. Maintains a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment. Ensures that students and school property are protected and supervised in accordance with district policies. Leverage school and community resources to support student needs and enhance instructional effectiveness. Participates in supervision duties as assigned. Provide student toileting needs for the purpose of providing assistance or delivering services in compliance with established regulations.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
Engages in ongoing professional learning related to MTSS implementation, culturally responsive practices, trauma-informed instruction, and inclusive pedagogy to strengthen professional practice and meet evolving student needs. Attends staff meetings, serves on school-based MTSS teams and committees, and collaborates with paraprofessionals, interventionists, and specialists to support implementation of tiered supports. Builds and maintains collegial relationships that support professional growth and collaboration around MTSS implementation and instructional effectiveness. Provides mentorship and coaching to new or student teachers, as appropriate. Keeps instructional practices up to date by reviewing curriculum guides, new resources, and evidence-based intervention strategies; integrates relevant updates into daily instruction and intervention planning. Performs other related duties as assigned to support the MTSS framework and student success. Demonstrates regular, reliable, and consistent attendance, which is essential to the collaborative nature of MTSS implementation and effective student support.
CONDITIONS
Confined to work area; must secure substitute or leave only at assigned breaks; may be required to work with and defuse, if appropriate, difficult and sensitive situations and/or people; may have to be out in inclement weather to supervise students; may be exposed to high noise levels; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience Bachelor's degree from accredited university with appropriate educational endorsement; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work. Licenses/Special Requirements Valid Washington State teaching certificate. Completion of all District-required trainings, as assigned. Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of applicable Washington State and Federal rules and regulations. Knowledge of subject matter/course content relevant to assignment. Knowledge of and skills in using various formative and summative assessments. Knowledge and skill in instructional principles, methods and techniques. Skill using student data to make instructional and behavioral decisions aligned with MTSS tiers. Skill in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design and monitor interventions. Skill in critical thinking and problem solving. Skill in attention to detail. Skill in classroom management. Skill in handling student discipline. Skill in providing quality customer service. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate activities. Ability to multi-task, set priorities and meet deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the District. Ability to use informational technology. Ability to exercise critical thinking and use sound judgment. Ability to be flexible and adaptable. Ability to work with difficult and/or sensitive situations to provide appropriate resolutions. Ability to serve as role model and treat students and colleagues as individuals in a professional and ethical manner. Ability to adhere to all Tacoma Public School Board policies. Ability to support the School/Building, School Board, District and State curriculum, policies and initiatives for student achievement. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance. Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, bend, climb and/or be mobile. Ability to travel throughout the District by means of private or public transportation. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting. Ability to feed, diaper, and provide toileting or other personal assistance to students. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. D14-02 Nondiscrimination Statement Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator:
