Teacher - Elementary Music (Part-Time or Full-Time)

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 work 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 do this through an organizational approach that includes the PK‑5 KairosPDX Learning Academy, Family Connections, Programming, KairosPDX Training Academy, and Local and Legislative Policy. KairosPDX is currently seeking candidates for a full‑time, year‑round Elementary K‑2 Teacher position, starting Summer 2026. KairosPDX launched its flagship program, the Learning Academy, a public charter school sponsored by Portland Public Schools, in 2014. Gantenbein Avenue in Portland, the school utilizes a combination of direct instruction and inquiry‑based learning to maximize student outcomes. Our culturally responsive approach integrates mindfulness, restorative practices, studio art, STEM, music, and fitness to support the development of the whole child throughout the day.

In 2021, KairosPDX launched the Training Academy, which prepares leaders across multiple sectors to lead equity‑centered, transformational change. Grounded in a framework of belonging and the neuroscience of love, the Training Academy provides professional development in rehumanization practices for educators, administrators, early childhood professionals, organizations, and businesses.

The Early Learning Academy, launched in 2022 as a Preschool for All pilot site, is designed to affirm and celebrate Black identity in young children and their families. It is rooted in the belief that culturally specific early learning experiences empower children to actively shape their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We value creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, and we prioritize listening, observing, and reflecting alongside children and families. The arts and sciences are central to our approach, serving as essential tools for expression, identity, and storytelling across generations.

Across our Learning Academies, four core tenets guide our work: (1) inquiry‑based instruction, (2) cultural affirmation, (3) anti‑racist education, and (4) creativity and play. These principles inform how we engage with data, reflection, feedback, and continuous improvement.

“Kairos” means a special moment in time, and we believe we are creating that moment for children and families every day. We are committed to continuous growth and collaboration in the service of our students and community.

At KairosPDX, staff are expected to be deeply invested in our mission and to actively contribute to building strong systems, cultivating school culture, and communicating our work with families and the broader community. Our team works collaboratively to support the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally—using research‑based practices, established curriculum, and students’ interests to inform instruction.

Practice the values of KairosPDX in professional conduct and daily interactions: respect, responsibility, honesty, excellence, and service to community.

Ensure every child is uniquely capable, innately curious, and inherently creative.

Support children in the context of their families.

Support multicultural, instructional, and inquiry‑based approaches that are actively anti‑racist, education for social justice, pervasive, personal, critical pedagogy, empowering, and encourage children to think deeply about themselves and others.

Work with a team of colleagues to further the academic mission of the school.

Disciplined students fairly and consistently, using clear routines and expectations and 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.

Document and maintain educational records for each child in a way that communicates student progress over time.

Use disaggregated data to inform differentiated instruction and plan strategies to eliminate student disparities.

Plan for and develop the growth and achievement for academic, social, emotional and cultural identity outcomes.

Communicate regularly with families concerning the school’s program and their child’s progress (including quarterly family conferences and annual home culture visits).

Assist in planning and supervising field trips (both local trips and overnights).

Benefits include up to nine weeks of building‑closure breaks, paid sick/personal leave days, paid holidays, participation in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), employer contribution for health insurance, and professional development opportunities.

Bachelor’s Degree; 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; At least one or two years of 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 children with disabilities, Talented and Gifted children, and/or English Language Learners, preferred.

Open to learning and practicing a constructivist approach to teaching and learning.

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).

Full‑Time / Part‑Time: Full‑Time

Elementary K‑2 Teacher

This position is currently accepting applications.

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