Salary: See Position Description
Location : Science and Math Institute (SAMi) ELC Alternative - 5715 North Animal Loop Rd., Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 26-27-05734
Department: K12 Support
Division: Secondary Education / K12
Opening Date: 10/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 6:39 AM Pacific
DescriptionExpected Start Date: November 9, 2026
FTE: 1.0Hours per day:Daily Schedule:
- Monday/Thursday: 4 class periods (A day)
- Tuesday/Friday: 4 class periods (B day)
- Wednesday: Mentor group and workshops (C day)
- Staff hours: 7:45am-3:45pm (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri), 8:00am-3:45pm (Wed)
- School year: Late August-Mid-June (follows a modified calendar)
Salary Level: Based on preparation level and experience per TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Range is prorated from $57,404 (BA+0 step 1) through $112,583 (MA+90 step 20)
Union/Days per year: Teacher, 171 workdays, 10-month
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.
This is a
REPLACEMENT contract for no longer than the 2026-2027 school year or whenever the staff member on leave returns to work, whichever is sooner. Estimated dates are September, 2026 through February 5, 2027.
SAMI partners with the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Fort Nisqually, and Metro Parks Tacoma to provide real-world learning experiences. Teachers collaborate with scientists, naturalists, and educators from these organizations to design hands-on curriculum.
SAMI is a STEM-focused school located within Tacoma's Point Defiance Park. Students engage in place-based, integrated learning through six academic pathways in life and physical sciences. Instruction takes place in zoo facilities, park buildings, and other unique learning environments.
Examples Of DutiesThis position plans, organizes and provides students with appropriate learning activities, experiences and a classroom environment designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth; supports the School/Building, School Board, District and State curriculum, policies and initiatives for student achievement.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1. Develops, plans and strategizes a program of study that is based on and capitalizes on the learning needs of students and meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of the students; creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students; employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media to engage the students and provide an opportunity for participation that is consistent with the students' needs and capabilities.
2. Assesses the accomplishments for student growth on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required; maintains and issues appropriate grades to reflect level of student achievement; refers students for evaluation by District Specialists, as needed and required; provides guidance which will promote the students' welfare, educational development, and citizenship.
3. Strives to implement, by pedagogical content knowledge, instruction, action and support, the District's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives; assists the administration in implementing all District policies and rules governing student life and conduct as outlined by the State criteria for teacher evaluation requirements; develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior; encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior; manages student behavior and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner; participates in the planning and evaluation of the school program(s) and the District's curriculum and program development.
4. Develops norms for learning that reflect teacher knowledge of content; prepares lesson plans for assigned classes and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of assigned Administrator; provides differentiated instruction and scaffolding of tasks; effectively makes use of learning time and guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals; establishes, with an alignment of instructional materials and tasks, clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects; communicates these objectives and learning target(s) to the students.
5. Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, parents, colleagues and community members; makes provisions for being available to the students and to the parents for education-related purposes when required; conducts parent(s)/guardian(s) conferences and a variety of other meetings with District staff, parent(s)/guardian(s) and students to communicate student progress and interpret program rationale and each student's educational, social and behavioral development.
6. Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, District policy and administrative regulations; utilizes multiple data elements (both formative assessment and summative) to plan, inform, provide other formative assessment opportunities by adjusting instruction; evaluates student learning and success criteria to modify and improve program effectiveness; uses the Washington State approved student growth rubrics for tracking student growth data.
7. Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect the students, equipment, materials and facilities; provides for and promotes the care and protection of students and school property; supervises students in lunchroom, in hallways, on school grounds, and in any program held at the school under School District sanction; effectively utilizes and provides access to the materials, resources and services of the community and the District to enhance students' learning and teacher's effectiveness.
OTHER JOB DUTIES 1. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position and improving professional competence by participating in professional development activities and training, as required, as needed or as assigned.
2. Attends staff meetings as called by the Administrators and serves on staff committees; supervises Para Educators and other classroom office assistance as required; provides guidance and works with staff members in an appropriate manner.
3. Develops and maintains a professional and collegial relationships with colleagues; collaborates with peers and administrators to improve student learning; supports appropriate conduct and performance of job duties; adheres to Tacoma Public School Board policies; contributes to the development of new teachers and student teachers per District guidelines.
4. Maintains files on latest curriculum guides; keeps updated on resources and methods and makes relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.
5. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
6. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
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 QualificationsEducation 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 in obtaining, clarifying and exchanging information.
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.
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.
Applicant Inquiries: The civil rights contacts listed below are provided for questions or concerns regarding discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and compliance with applicable civil rights laws. These contacts do not handle routine employment inquiries, including questions about application status or hiring timelines. For assistance with those matters, please contact Human Resources at 253-571-1250 or email hrinfo@tacoma.k12.wa.us
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ALL1: Do you certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that your responses to the disclosure questions that you answer as part of your Candidate profile are true and correct as of the date of the application to this job requisition?
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ALL2: Do you certify that you meet each of the minimum qualifications for this specific position as outlined in the job description?
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ALL3: Do you certify that you are able and/or willing to perform each of the essential job functions of this position as outlined in the job description?
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CRT10: Do you have, or will you have, a valid, Washington State Teaching Certificate by the start date for this position? If yes, please provide your Certificate Number. If you are in the process of obtaining a valid Washington State Teaching Certificate, enter the expected date of issuance.
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CRT11: Do you certify that your valid, Washington State Teaching Certificate carries an endorsement for the grade level/subject matter required for this position?
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CRT2: Please describe how your background and experiences will ensure student achievement and success in a diverse environment.
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CRT3: Please describe how you would use technology as a tool to increase student achievement.
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CRT4: Please describe how you would address the needs of a student who is struggling in your class.
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CRT1: Please describe how you would lead, motivate and encourage students to work to their potential.
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CRTNBCT Do you hold National Board Teacher Certification? If so, enter your certificate information here. If you are hired, you will be required to provide a copy of your certificate for your file and to be eligible for the National Board Certification Bonus each August.
Required Question
