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 Portlands 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 KairosPDXKairosPDX is currently seeking candidates for several full-time, year-round elementary teacher positions starting in mid-July 2021. Persons of color and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. KairosPDX Learning Academy was launched in 2014. It is a public charter school sponsored by Portland Public Schools, located on N.

Gantenbein Avenue in Portland. Our educational model is inquiry-based. Our curriculum approach is a culturally-responsive, workshop model that infuses mindfulness, restorative practice, studio art, STEM, music and fitness in our teaching. Small class sizes and year-round schooling are two of our distinguishing elements.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. We are collaborative, creative and passionate about being voices for change in our city. We believe that attacking systemic racism is foundational to our work and that considering our own identity, biases and experiences is a necessary step toward igniting change.

Our expectation is that staff at Kairos 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 childrens 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.Elementary Teacher Core Responsibilities Work toward the mission of KairosPDX: 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 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,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 approximately 20 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; 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 schools program and their childs 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 andAssist 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 Bachelors Degree; Masters, preferredDemonstrated ability to manage a classroomAt least one or two years of experience teaching in an elementary classroom; three to five years of experience preferredAt least one or two years relevant experience working with children from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds Training in early education and/or human development, preferredExperience working with children ages 5 to 11, preferredTraining and/or experience with at least one special population such as special needs children, Talented and Gifted children, and/or English Language Learners, preferredEffective 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 solvingWillingness to learn about and adapt to KairosPDX cultureOpen to learning and practicing a constructivist approach to teaching and learning Commitment to culturally relevant practices Commitment to professional reflection and ongoing collaboration Share KairosPDXs 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 and BenefitsSalary: Dependent on qualifications Benefits include: Up to nine weeks of school closure breaks, paid sick/personal leave days, paid holidays, participation in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), employer contribution for health insurance, professional development opportunitiesHow to ApplyInterested 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.