Early Learning Teacher (Preschool)

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 working to close 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 aim to do this through an organizational approach that includes: PK‑5 KairosPDX Learning Academy, Family Connections Programming, KairosPDX Training Academy and Local and Legislative Policy. Please visit . Working at KairosPDX KairosPDX is currently seeking candidates for a full‑time Early Learning Teacher position starting Summer 2026. Persons of color and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Program Overview Our flagship Learning Academy is a public charter school located on N. Gantenbein Avenue in Portland. We practice a combination of direct instruction and inquiry‑based experiences towards maximizing learning for all students. Our curriculum approach is culturally‑responsive, infusing mindfulness, restorative practice, studio art, STEM, music and fitness for the whole child at all points of the day. The Early Learning Academy, opened in 2022 as a pilot site for Preschool for All, affirms and celebrates Black identity in young children and their families. It is grounded in culturally‑specific early learning experiences that expand opportunities for active engagement and contribution to the world around them. 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—respect, responsibility, honesty, excellence and service to the community—in professional conduct and daily interactions. Incorporate the beliefs of KairosPDX in all approaches and instruction, treating each child as uniquely capable, innately curious and inherently creative. Develop character and agency through relationships and service to others. Create a multicultural context that delivers a strong sense of self and is a requirement for participation in the global society. Support children in the context of their families. Promote multicultural practice and inquiry‑based approaches that are actively anti‑racist, education for social justice, pervasive, personal, critical pedagogy, empowering, and encourage deep thinking about self and others. Position Responsibilities Create a social environment where learning can thrive. Design a physical environment that welcomes all children, respects them and sustains learning. Build a collaborative community of learners. Strengthen habits of mind that provide building blocks of all learning. Introduce and practice curriculum structures that strengthen habits of mind through an inquiry approach. Embed early academic awareness within curriculum structures, protocols and routines. Document the learning process of the group and individual children through learning stories and documentation boards. Additional Responsibilities Plan, facilitate and reflect on age‑appropriate learning experiences designed to nurture children's social‑emotional, cognitive, cultural and creative intelligences. Facilitate inquiry‑based learning experiences grounded in an understanding of developmental stages and needs of children ages 3–5. Create a social environment that supports children to nurture and challenge their sense of self and community. Establish and maintain authentic and respectful relationships with children, families and colleagues. Health & Safety Maintain healthy and safe conditions for children, families and colleagues. Follow all rules and regulations for certified child care centers. Follow all policies and protocols of KairosPDX. Communication & Partnership Communicate with families about students' experiences, challenges, and progress. Engage as a member of a teaching team that practices collaboration, listening, and respectful communication. Maintain professional commitment to the mission of KairosPDX and its approaches to teaching and learning. Attend staff and family events. Participate in professional development to support growth of students, staff and the organization. Participate in continuous improvement practices including observations, reflections and collaborations. Participate in all staff, department and team meetings and seminars. Salary and Benefits Salary: $43,853–$73,797 (dependent on qualifications). Benefits include up to nine weeks of building closure breaks, paid sick/personal leave days, paid holidays, employer contribution for health insurance, and professional development opportunities. Position Requirements Required Qualifications At least two full years of teaching experience in a licensed/certified, constructivist preschool. Documentation of attaining at least Step 8 in Oregon registry. Enrollment in Oregon’s Criminal Background Registry through the Office of Child Care (cost paid by applicant). Strong verbal and written communication skills. Agility to work across multiple, simultaneous projects and meet deadlines with attention to detail. Excellent organizational, analytical and problem‑solving skills. Knowledgeable of the practices of early childhood schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Values families as essential partners in children’s learning. Finds joy in working alongside children and other adults. Knowledge & Skills High tolerance for ambiguity, changing work priorities and deadlines, and willingness to take on responsibilities and prioritize work on multiple projects. Highly detail‑focused and results‑oriented. Ability to communicate and interact effectively with families, parents, staff and students. Team‑player attitude and strong community and service orientation. Excellent organizational, planning, and implementation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Demonstrates initiative, leadership, and tenacity. Willingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX culture. Commitment to culturally relevant practices. Commitment to professional reflection and ongoing collaboration. Current Food Handlers Card and CPR/First Aid Certificate required (cost paid by applicant). Ability to pass a criminal background check. Shares 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. Passion for KairosPDX’s mission. Employment Detail Employment Type: Full‑time (Exempt) Posted: 3/18/2026 Location: KairosPDX (Portland, OR) This position is currently accepting applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Witt/Kieffer