Lead Instructor

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.

Title: Lead Instructor

Job Class/GRADE: Coordinator 1 / Specialist 2;
Grade 7

Wage: Starting at $26,244 per year

FLSA; EEO; WC: Non‑Exempt;
Professional; 8864

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

FTE; FT/PT;
Status: 0.5 FTE Part‑Time with Benefits;
Regular

Number of Positions: 1

Program(s): Kindergarten Transition

Sector: Preschool

• Must be able to pass a criminal background and fingerprint check.

Facilitates weekly in‑person classes for groups of up to twenty (20) children ages 3–5. Implements a kindergarten readiness curriculum focused on early literacy, early numeracy, and social‑emotional learning. Creates a welcoming and respectfully engaging 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.

The Lead Instructor supports the implementation of the Kindergarten Transition (KT) program by providing direct services to children and families as they prepare for a successful start to kindergarten. The Lead Instructor creates a welcoming, community‑responsive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes early learning, school readiness, and family engagement. In this role, the Lead Instructor collaborates closely with the Program Coordinator and team members to plan and facilitate daily classroom activities, family engagement sessions, and community‑based learning opportunities.

The Lead Instructor prepares lesson materials, guides children through routines, supports social‑emotional development, and models for positive behavior and communication.

Within the Kindergarten Transition program, this work includes:

• Building relationships with children and caregivers to support the transition into school settings.
• Encouraging early literacy, numeracy, and fine/gross motor skill development.
• Supporting families in understanding school expectations, resources, and processes.
• Creating a respectful and engaging environment that honors each child’s and family’s identity.

The Lead Instructor participates in team meetings, reflections, and ongoing training to support continuous program improvement. While the Lead Instructor may share observations and feedback with program leadership, this position does not include supervisory responsibilities.

• Outreach and enroll 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.
• Ability to work with 3‑ and 5‑year‑old students.
• Engage with and support families in their child’s learning.
• Ability to be flexible and creative in meeting educational needs of multiple students with different language and developmental needs.
• 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.

• 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.

Minimum Job Specific

Qualifications:

• 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, and staff from varied diverse…