Young lives need to be nurtured and challenged as they lay a foundation for a lifetime of learning.  Do you feel called to help our youngest citizens grow in their Christian faith while they acquire a well-rounded, excellent education?   Apply to join the Portland Christian team and make a difference for your students, for our world, and for the Kingdom!  Portland Christian Schools is currently seeking just the right person to fill our opening for a Preschool (ECE) Lead Teacher. 

Position: Preschool Lead Teacher (Early Childhood Education)

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Maintain a safe and nurturing environment.
• Teach assigned classes following the prescribed scope and sequence as scheduled by the administration. Integrate biblical principles and the Christian worldview throughout the educational curriculum and activities.
• Develop lesson plans that reflect the school’s chosen curriculum as outlined by the department head; that reflect Christian values and standards; that meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students; and that challenge each to do his or her best work.
• Plan broadly through the use of semester and quarterly plans and objectives; and more specifically, plan, organize and prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
• Employ a variety of instructional aides, methods and materials that will provide for creative teaching to reach the whole child – spiritual, cognitive, physical, social and emotional; implement a wide variety of activities that are balanced and relevant to the lives of preschool children. Supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers and/or other classroom activities to guide preschool children in learning from those activities. Promote students’ exploration of situations and materials by asking questions and by providing appropriate materials and guidance.
• Have knowledge of the physical and emotional development of preschool age children and understand the unique developmental strands common among the ages served.
• Assist students in their development of communication skills, and serve as an appropriate language model. Seek to address the cognitive, spiritual, physical, emotional and social needs of the individual child in a group environment.
• Use classroom management techniques that build students’ abilities to make choices and be self-directed.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of classroom supplies and materials to prevent injuries.
• Regularly observe the development of the students, assessing the students’ learning performance, behavior, and social development and provide progress reports as required.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
• Provide a nurturing learning environment by establishing and enforcing rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order and safety among students.
• Assume a share of the housekeeping responsibilities to maintain cleanliness and an environment free of clutter.
• Guide students with adjustment or academic problems; understand the necessity of closely supervising preschool children and leading them in a positive manner.
• Keep students, parents, and the administration adequately informed of student progress.
• Maintain regular and accurate records of student attendance, student progress, and parent/teacher interactions.
• Observe, record, and report on individual and group behaviors and injuries.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their student’s progress and to determine priorities for their student and their resource needs.
• Respond in a timely manner to parent requests for help or information and/or to parent concerns and /or complaints.
• Participate in formal and informal parent-teacher conferences.
• Attend staff meetings, teacher in-service orientation week, parent/teacher meetings, teacher in-service days, open houses, programs and events as scheduled.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in development, evaluation and coordination of programs and prompt problem resolution. Provide input as needed for the school master calendar.
• Maintain professional conduct, attitude, appearance, and loyalty at all times; treat all people with respect and dignity.
• Encourage parent assistance/participation with classroom activities.
• Perform administrative duties such as assisting in school libraries, playground, hall and cafeteria/lunch/meal monitoring, transportation loading and unloading, including before/after school pick up of students by parents. Maintain a clean, attractive and well-ordered classroom. Maintain classroom materials through storage and monitoring of classroom inventory, requesting needed classroom supplies/books/equipment.
• Support the broader program of the school by attending extracurricular activities when possible. Supervise extracurricular activities, organizations and outings as assigned.
• Maintain a “Continuing Professional Development Plan” and attend a minimum for 25 hours of training per year.
• Adhere to policy as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Parent/Student Handbook.
• Be aware of and in compliance with all state rules and regulations as mandated by the Oregon Childcare Division.
• Communicate the mission of Portland Christian Schools’ goals above personal opinions/goals.
• Work cooperatively with outside agencies/professionals to ensure coordination of care of students (attend IFSP meetings, transitional meetings, etc.).

All PCS employees are expected to fully engage in the stated mission of the school, "to educate students in the truth of God's word in every area of instruction and activity, so that their lives may be transformed by the renewing of their minds." Must be willing to sign the PCS Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Statement. A background check will be run after a preliminary offer of employment is made.

Work Week and Hours:

Monday-Friday 40 hours/wk (FTE: 1.0)

Contract Term:

Year-round (12 months)

Qualifications:

Education:  AA or BA/BS (in ECE or related field preferred)
Oregon Registry:   Must be able to obtain at least a level 9 on the Oregon Registry
Work Experience: At least one year of experience working in a school

ACSI Certificate: Preferred

Salary: 

$35,912 - $45,638 annual salary commensurate with education, experience, and credentials.

Benefits: 

Employee Health, Dental, Life, Vision, LTD
Retirement Benefit
Full Tuition Benefits K – 12
Early Childhood Care – Partial Benefits