Elementary Teacher, Grades K-2

KairosPDX is a non-profit organization focused on delivering excellent, equitable education to underserved children, their families and their communities. Through innovative pedagogy, community collaboration and family partnership we are closing Portland's persistent achievement and opportunity gaps in measurable and sustainable ways. Our mission is to eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating confident, creative, compassionate leaders. We do this through an organizational approach that includes: Kairos Learning Academy, Family Connections Programming, Professional Development and Policy. Please visit www.kairospdx.org.
Working at KairosPDX
KairosPDX is currently seeking candidates for a full-time, Elementary Teacher position starting Summer 2023. Persons of color and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
KairosPDX launched our flagship program, our Learning Academy, a public charter school sponsored by Portland Public Schools, located on N. Gantenbein Avenue in Portland in 2014. We practice a combination of direct instruction and inquiry based experiences towards maximizing learning for all students. Our curriculum approach is culturally-responsive, that infuses mindfulness, restorative practice, studio art, STEM, music and fitness towards teaching the whole child, at all points of the day.
KairosPDX launched our Training Academy in 2021. KairosPDX Training Academy is focused on training current leaders across multiple sectors on how to lead in an equity movement that is grounded in transformational change and rooted in a framework of belonging and the neuroscience of love. We provide training and professional development around rehumanization practices and protocols for administrators, educators, early childhood professionals, organizations, and businesses the tools to do the work in equity that KairosPDX puts into practice daily.
The Early Learning Academy, which opened in 2022 as a pilot site for Preschool for All, is designed to affirm and celebrate Black identity in young children and their families. It is grounded in the belief that culturally-specific, early learning experiences expand opportunities for children to actively engage in creating their own lives and to contribute fully to the quality of the world around them. We value the creativity, interests, ideas and questions of the children and adults at our school. We practice listening, observing, inquiring, being attentive, and reflecting together with children and families. We value the role of the arts and sciences as languages for thinking, expressing ideas, communicating who we are, and telling the stories of those we belong to - past and present.
Kairos is Greek for a special moment in time and we believe we are creating this time and space for children and families, making KairosPDX a very special place to work. We are committed to the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Excellence, Honesty, and Service. We value data, reflection, feedback and continuous improvement as we work together on behalf of our children and families.Our expectation is that staff at KairosPDX are invested in our mission and participate in creating structures, developing school culture and communicating our work to families and the larger community. Staff work together to support the whole child - academically, socially, emotionally and culturally, using published curriculum, current research and children's own interests to build their curriculums. KairosPDX values data, reflection, feedback and continuous improvement as we work together on behalf of our children and families.
Overall Staff Responsibilities
Share responsibility with a team of colleagues and parents to honor the mission:
to eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating confident, creative and compassionate leaders;
Practice the values of KairosPDX in professional conduct and daily interactions:
respect, responsibility, honesty, excellence and service to community
Incorporate the beliefs of KairosPDX in all approaches and instruction
Every child is uniquely capable, innately curious and inherently creative,
Character and agency are essential to achievement and are developed through relationship and service to others,
A multi- cultural context delivers a strong sense of self and is a requirement for participation in our global society,
Children must be supported in the context of their families;
Support multicultural practice, instructional and inquiry based approaches that are:
Actively anti-racist - confronting bias in all of its forms,
Education for social justice - acknowledging history and studying the present to make informed decisions regarding a more equitable future,
Pervasive - Examining practices in all levels of school culture and organization,
Personal -Beginning with the necessary consideration of self as a cultural being,
Critical Pedagogy - Pursuing multiple perspectives, anticipating contradictions and challenging assumptions,
Empowering - Providing children the ego strength to challenge racist societal views,
Core Position Responsibilities
Helping children think deeply about themselves and others.
Work with a team of colleague to further the mission of the school;
Teach and manage a classroom with children;
Discipline students in a fair and consistent manner, using clear routines and expectations as well as school approved behavior support techniques;
Interpret, plan and work toward the goals of the learning community;
Plan and prepare the environment for the academic and non-academic needs of children;
Assess for progress in the academic, social, emotional and cultural domains of student development;
Align curriculum, instructional strategies, and student assessment to the Common Core;
Co-plan instruction with grade team towards maximizing learning for all students in the grade
Document and maintain educational records for each child in the classroom;
Utilize data to inform instruction;
Responsible for planning for and orchestrating academic, social, emotional and cultural identity growth outcomes;
Work with a team of colleagues and families to provide a nurturing and positive climate that encourages student responsibility and intrinsic motivation;
Participate in continuous improvement practices including observation, reflection and collaboration;
Communicate regularly with families concerning the school's program and their child's progress (including quarterly family conferences, and annual home culture visit);
Participate in professional development to facilitate growth of each student, staff member and the organization overall;
Attend several KairosPDX staff and family events;
Participate in supervising students during recess and other non-class times and
Assist in planning and supervising field trips (both local trips and overnights).
Teacher Qualifications
Valid TSPC license for the grade level(s) taught
Documentation of "Highly Qualified Teacher Status" under the No Child Left Behind Act
Bachelor's Degree; Master's, preferred
Demonstrated ability to manage a classroom
At least one or two years of experience teaching in an elementary classroom; three to five years of experience preferred
At least one or two years relevant experience working with children from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds
Training in early education and/or human development, preferred
Experience Working With Children Ages 5 To 11, Preferred
Training and/or experience with at least one special population such as special needs children, Talented and Gifted children, and/or English Language Learners, preferred
Effective interpersonal skills in managing and interacting with diverse groups of stakeholders
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to manage conflict through equitable decision-making and effective problem solving
Willingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX culture
Open to learning and practicing a constructivist approach to teaching and learning
Commitment to culturally relevant practices
Commitment to professional reflection and ongoing collaboration
Share KairosPDX's stance that excellent public education is a civil right of all children and families
Possess a passion for helping each child reach his or her social, emotional and academic potential including a commitment to differentiated instruction and ongoing assessment
Current Food Handlers Card and CPR First Aid Certificate required (cost paid by applicant)
Ability to pass a criminal background check
Salary Range: Dependent on experience
Benefits include: Up to three weeks of building closure breaks, paid sick/personal leave days, paid holidays, participation in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), employer contribution for health insurance, professional development opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates please submit a cover letter and resume via email to: [email protected]. Please state "Elementary Teacher K-2 application" in the subject line. In the cover letter please briefly describe your previous teaching experience, why you are interested in this position and what strengths you will bring to the job. Resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.

• Position Type:Full-time
• Positions Available:1

Job Category :Classroom Teacher > Elementary
Job Requirements

• Additional Responsibilities: Attend several KairosPDX staff and family events Participate in professional development to facilitate growth of each student, staff member and the organization overall Participate in continuous improvement practices including observations, reflections and collaborations Perform other related duties as needed and assigned

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree; Master's, preferred
Valid TSPC license for the grade level(s) taught
Documentation of "Highly Qualified Teacher Status" under the No Child Left Behind Act
At least one or two years of experience teaching in an elementary classroom; three to five years of experience preferred
At least one or two years relevant experience working with children from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds
Demonstrated ability to manage a classroom
Training in early education and/or human development, preferred
Experience Working With Children Ages 5 To 11, Preferred
Training and/or experience with at least one special population such as special needs children, Talented and Gifted children, and/or English Language Learners, preferred
Knowledge & Skills
Effective interpersonal skills in managing and interacting with diverse groups of stakeholders
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to manage conflict through equitable decision-making and effective problem solving
Willingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX culture
Open to learning and practicing a constructivist approach to teaching and learning
Commitment to culturally relevant practices
Commitment to professional reflection and ongoing collaboration
Commitment to implementing teaching practices that maximize student learning
Share KairosPDX's stance that excellent public education is a civil right of all children and families
Possess a passion for helping each child reach his or her social, emotional and academic potential including a commitment to differentiated instruction and ongoing assessment
Current Food Handlers Card and CPR/First Aid Certificate required (cost paid by applicant);
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Ability to adhere to Governors Vaccination Requirements for Teachers and School Staff, note this applies to all KairosPDX non-Instructional staff.
Share KairosPDX's stance that excellent public education is a civil right of all children and families;
Experience working with diverse populations, specifically people of color; and
Passion for KairosPDX's mission.

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required
• Master degree preferred
• At least 1 yearof relevant experience preferred

Contact Information

• Phone: 503.567.9820
• TerryAnn Cabine , Chief Administrative Officer
• Email: click here
• Portland,Oregon 97212
• PO Box 12190