Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher

Location:

NW - 1740 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

Full‑Time Position (1.0 FTE, 5 days/week, 40 hours/week). Lead teachers work Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, providing care and teaching for children ages 0-5 years. Lead Teacher roles include:

• Infant Lead Teacher, ages zero to two (SE and NW locations)
• Toddler Lead Teacher, ages two to three
• Preschool Lead Teacher, ages three and up

This role is ideal for educators who:

• Value collaborative classroom environments that focus on child‑led learning and inquiry.
• Have a strong understanding of child development and pedagogical theory.
• Are passionate about mentoring young learners and guiding them through social and emotional development.
• Can lead and direct a classroom of students and support staff.

Competitive wage scale:

• Step 7-8.5: $24.86/hour
• Step 9-9.5: $28.18/hour
• Step 10+: $33.15/hour

Additional benefits:

• Standardized annual merit‑based raises and annual PFA wage adjustments
• Long‑term commitment bonuses to incentivize teachers to remain with their cohort
• Health & vision insurance – majority employer‑paid
• Dental insurance – majority employer‑paid
• Life insurance – 100% employer‑paid
• 401(k) retirement plan – generous company match
• Paid time off – including holidays, a week‑long winter break, and professional development opportunities

• Provide primary care and educational support for a consistent group of children.
• Foster a safe, engaging, and child‑centered learning environment.
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate activities, lesson planning, and curriculum.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, ensuring clear and supportive communication.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
• Act as a professional role model for support staff.
• Direct all support staff within your classroom to ensure smooth operations, classroom function, and routine.

• Be a Step 7 or higher in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) system.
• Be currently enrolled in Oregon's Central Background Registry or begin the process and complete it upon confirmation.
• Have at least 4 years of experience in an ECE classroom setting.
• Meet teacher‑qualification criteria as outlined by the Office of Child Care requirements (e.g., previous experience in a structured childcare environment, completion of college‑level courses in early childhood education‑related subjects – degree preferred).
• Complete Oregon’s Safety Set Trainings and required certifications:
  Pediatric CPR/First Aid Course (hybrid or fully in‑person);
  Oregon Food Handler's Card (online);
  Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety (online);
  Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect (online);
  Prevention is Better than Treatment (online);
  Safe Sleep for Oregon's Infants (online).