Mentor Teacher - Infant Classroom

Join Our Team at Portland Community College

Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and 19th largest in the nation, serving approximately 80,000 full- and part-time students. With four comprehensive campuses, five workforce training and education centers, and 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area, our unique role is to make high-quality education accessible to everyone, creating opportunities for our students and contributing to the economic development of our community.

Under the direction of the Director, the Mentor Teachers have primary responsibility for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and programs for children (ages six weeks to six years old) in the Child Development Center. This position also supports the Child and Family Studies, Early Childhood Education (ECE) program faculty by mentoring and supporting program students, and acts as a resource to students by providing knowledge-based experience, guidance and assistance.

In collaboration with faculty, the Mentor Teachers evaluate student progress and interact on a regular basis with children, parents, ECE program students and faculty, Child Development Specialist and supervisor. In conjunction with the Early Childhood Education Department chair and faculty, the Mentor Teachers ensure the curricula/activities in the Center are innovative, evidenced-based, and culturally responsive, as well as align with the mirror curriculum being taught in the ECE Program.

They work to build practical experiences for ECE students so students can implement practices/strategies/curriculum learned in their ECE courses in ECE classroom settings, and where students are viewed as an important part of the learning environment.

• Plans and leads daily implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and activity for children in the Child Development Center; posts weekly lesson plans.
• Works closely with Early Childhood Education and Human Services Department faculty to ensure that curriculum and early learning practices in the children's program provides desired learning opportunities for Center students.
• Works collaboratively with the Early Childhood Education and Human Services Department faculty by providing feedback on teaching skills of program students. Observes, mentors and assists program students with projects; models and provides guidance regarding appropriate behavior with children; provides daily feedback, including explanations of best practices as supported by research; and assists with preparations of instructional materials. Participates in student orientations, practicums, modules, seminars, team meetings and student teaching conferences.
• Conducts assessments of children in the classrooms. Maintains classroom records; evaluations/observations of children, attendance, parent information and schedules.
• Builds strong relationships with families. Provides regular, on-going feedback to parents regarding their child's development. Arranges parent orientation meetings and conducts regular parent conferences. Provides referrals when appropriate. Produces parent newsletter.
• In the absence of the Child Development Center Director, assumes substitute director emergency responsibilities when required.
• Provides direction to the Child Development Specialists, casual staff and work study students in the assigned classroom.
• Participates in Center-wide meetings on curriculum, planning, facilities use, and program coordination.
• Maintains current knowledge regarding research and practices in Child and Family Studies.
• Ensures adherence to Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care child care rules, NAEYC and SPARK accreditations.
• Implements curricula and center activities that align and mirror what is being taught and modeled in PCC's Early Childhood Education program.
• Ensures student instructional goals and learning experiences developed by ECE faculty are implemented in the Center classroom.
• Implements curricular and instructional practices outlined from ECE faculty, including expectations outlined and identified from assessment tools such as ITERS, ECERS, CLASS, etc.
• In conjunction with ECE Department and Center Director, periodically refines ECE student practicum experience.
• Follows PCC and CDC program policies and guidelines.
• Serves and tracks meals and snacks according to the program Food Service procedures.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, healthy, orderly and nurturing classroom environment.

Classified 19 (H)

Part time