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Serving in the classroom

CPSD offers career opportunities

The Clover Park School District offers opportunity and good benefits in schools like Hudtloff Middle School. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

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The Clover Park School District (CPSD) offers numerous career paths to individuals desiring to help educate the next generation.

"Our work is meaningful because we contribute to our students' education and success," said Lori Liedes, the district's recruitment coordinator. "Every position directly or indirectly supports the work of educating and preparing students for their futures."

The CPSD is the fourth largest school district in Pierce County, and it is the 28th largest in the state.

Covering 68 square miles to include the City of Lakewood and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the district has 16 elementary schools, four middle schools, two specialty schools, two high schools, and one early learning program.

"We all have a common goal, we collaborate and support each other to ensure each student has the opportunity to succeed," Liedes explained. "Our experience in hiring veterans and their spouses has been incredibly positive. We seek them out."

With almost 13,000 students to serve, career opportunities abound for transitioning servicemembers or their spouses.

"Nearly 31 percent of our students are connected to the military," continued Liedes, "and one of our goals is to have a staff that reflects our student population, so hiring staff who are military-connected is an important part of reaching that goal."

The district has a variety of positions such as teaching, paraeducators, secretarial, nurses (RN & LPN), bus drivers, maintenance and operations workers, custodians, as well as openings in Human Resources, Payroll, Financial Services, Accounts Payable, and Information Technology.

Liedes provided examples of veterans who make a difference in education. One veteran is Bradley Herman.

"BJ retired from the military, substituted for a year, and then was hired through our Alternate Routes to Certification Program as an elementary teacher," she related.

The other veteran is Elijah Wideski.

"He chose education as a second career after serving in the military, and he was a student-teacher before being hired as an elementary school teacher," Liedes related. "Currently, he is a leader at Carter Lake Elementary and an excellent example of the great educators we employ here in Clover Park."

She continued by noting that veterans and their spouses are a tremendous asset to the school district.

"We value the skills gained in the military or from being military-connected, such as leadership, flexibility, adaptability, collaborating and cultural competency," she added.

Those employed by CPSD can expect to receive competitive pay, benefits, paid leave (qualifying positions), growth opportunities, professional development funds and opportunities, and coaching opportunities.

"Clover Park is a particularly great place for veterans and military-connected family members to work because of our strong connection with Joint Base Lewis-McChord," concluded Liedes. "There isn't a better place to work that allows you to be connected to the Lakewood and JBLM communities while being able to impact the many military-connected youth in the area."

Serving in a classroom is an option to consider.

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