Lead Instructor

Lead Instructor – Job Summary

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non‑profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more o.org.

Job Type: Part‑time (0.5 FTE) with benefits. Salary:
Starting at $26,244 per year.

Location:

IRCO Main Office, 10301 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR 97220 and various school sites in Portland, OR.

Program:
Kindergarten Transition – Preschool.

• Facilitates weekly in‑person classes for groups of up to 20 children ages 3–5.
• Implements kindergarten readiness curriculum focused on early literacy, early numeracy, and social‑emotional learning.
• Creates a welcoming and respectful classroom environment that supports children’s growth, confidence, and school preparedness.
• Guides children through structured activities, routines, and play‑based learning experiences.
• Engages positively with children and families to support a smooth transition into kindergarten.
• Builds relationships with children and caregivers to support the transition into school settings.
• Encourages early literacy, numeracy, and fine/gross motor skill development.
• Supports families in understanding school expectations, resources, and processes.
• Creates a respectful and engaging environment that honors each child’s and family’s identity.
• Participates in team meetings, reflections, and ongoing training to support continuous program improvement.
• Prepares lesson materials, guides children through routines, supports social‑emotional development, and models positive behavior and communication.
• Outreach and enrollment of families into the Kindergarten Transition program.
• Prepare and deliver kindergarten preparedness curriculum to students.
• Create and maintain a positive classroom environment.
• Prepare and bring activities according to children’s age and stage of development.
• Engage with and support families in their child’s learning.
• Work closely with Program Coordinator to ensure curriculum aligns with program goals and objectives.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings to support program’s goals.
• Keep accurate and timely attendance records of students.
• Keep track and input program data.

• B.A./B.S. in early childhood education or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience tutoring and/or instructing children.
• Experience working with populations whose native language is not English; experience with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience using positive reinforcement to manage student behavior.
• Experience utilizing, developing, and implementing literacy, math, and social‑emotional learning curriculum.
• Ability to pass a criminal background and fingerprint check.
• Ability to work with 3‑ and 5‑year‑old students.
• Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients.

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule.
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world.
• Work that helps your community.
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year.
• 401(k) match: over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting.
• 3% match for student loans or college savings.
• 12 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday.
• Medical & dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee and families, no deductibles.
• Employer paid life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending account.

• Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.
• Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position in IRCO Careers.
• For questions about this position, please email jobs.
• Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application.
• Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications.

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.