Elementary K-2 Teacher

About KairosPDX

KairosPDX is a non-profit organization focused on delivering excellent equitable education to underserved children their families and their communities. Through innovative pedagogy community collaboration and family partnership we are working to close Portlands persistent achievement and opportunity gaps in measurable and sustainable ways. Our mission is to eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating confident creative compassionate leaders. We aim to do this through an organizational approach that includes: PK-5 KairosPDX Learning Academy Family Connections Programming KairosPDX Training Academy and Local and Legislative Policy. Please visit .

Working at KairosPDX

Working at KairosPDX
KairosPDX is currently seeking candidates for a full-time year-round Elementary K-2 Teacher position starting Summer 2026. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds including people of color to apply.

KairosPDX launched its flagship program the Learning Academy a public charter school sponsored by Portland Public Schools in 2014. Located on N. Gantenbein Avenue in Portland the school utilizes a combination of direct instruction and inquiry-based learning to maximize student outcomes. Our culturally responsive approach integrates mindfulness restorative practices studio art STEM music and fitness to support the development of the whole child throughout the day.

In 2021 KairosPDX launched the Training Academy which prepares leaders across multiple sectors to lead equity-centered transformational change. Grounded in a framework of belonging and the neuroscience of love the Training Academy provides professional development in rehumanization practices for educators administrators early childhood professionals organizations and businesses.

The Early Learning Academy launched in 2022 as a Preschool for All pilot site is designed to affirm and celebrate Black identity in young children and their families. It is rooted in the belief that culturally specific early learning experiences empower children to actively shape their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We value creativity curiosity and collaboration and we prioritize listening observing and reflecting alongside children and families. The arts and sciences are central to our approach serving as essential tools for expression identity and storytelling across generations.

Across our Learning Academies four core tenets guide our work: (1) inquiry-based instruction (2) cultural affirmation (3) anti-racist education and (4) creativity and play. These principles inform how we engage with data reflection feedback and continuous improvement.

Kairos means a special moment in time and we believe we are creating that moment for children and families every day. KairosPDX is grounded in the core values of Respect Responsibility Excellence Honesty and Service. We are committed to continuous growth and collaboration in the service of our students and community.

At KairosPDX staff are expected to be deeply invested in our mission and to actively contribute to building strong systems cultivating school culture and communicating our work with families and the broader community. Our team works collaboratively to support the whole childacademically socially emotionally and culturally using research-based practices established curriculum and students interests to inform instruction.

Overall Staff Responsibilities:

Share responsibility with a team of colleagues and parents to honor the mission:

• To eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps by cultivating confident creative and compassionate leaders;
• Practice the values of KairosPDX in professional conduct and daily interactions:respect responsibility honesty excellence and service to community
• Incorporate the beliefs of KairosPDX in all approaches and instruction
• Every child is uniquely capable innately curious and inherently creative
• Character and agency are essential to achievement and are developed through relationship and service to others
• A multi- cultural context delivers a strong sense of self and is a requirement for participation in our global society
• Children must be supported in the context of their families;
• Support multicultural practice instructional and inquiry based approaches that are:
• Actively anti-racist confronting bias in all of its forms
• Education for social justice acknowledging history and studying the present to make informed decisions regarding a more equitable future
• Pervasive Examining practices in all levels of school culture and organization
• Personal Beginning with the necessary consideration of self as a cultural being
• Critical Pedagogy Pursuing multiple perspectives anticipating contradictions and challenging assumptions
• Empowering Providing children the ego strength to challenge racist societal views
• Helping children think deeply about themselves and others.

Core Position Responsibilities:

Work with a team of colleagues to further the academic mission of the school;

Discipline students in a fair and consistent manner using clear routines and expectations as well as school approved behavior support techniques;

Interpret plan and work toward the goals of the learning community;

Plan and prepare the environment for the academic and non-academic needs of children;

Assess for progress in the academic social emotional and cultural domains of student development;

Align curriculum instructional strategies and student assessment to the Common Core;

Co-plan instruction with grade team towards maximizing learning for all students in the grade

Document and maintain educational records for each child in the classroom in a way that communicates student progress over time;

Utilize disaggregated data to inform differentiated instruction and plan for strategies to eliminate student disparities;

Responsible for planning for and developing the growth and achievement for academic social emotional as well as cultural identity outcomes;

Work with a team of colleagues and families to provide a nurturing and positive climate that encourages student responsibility leadership and intrinsic motivation;

Participate in continuous improvement practices including observation reflection and collaboration;

Communicate regularly with families concerning the schools program and their childs progress (including quarterly family conferences and annual home culture visit);

Participate in professional development to facilitate growth of each student staff member and the organization overall;

Attend several KairosPDX staff and family events;

Participate in supervising students during recess and other non-class times and

Assist in planning and supervising field trips (both local trips and overnights).

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary Range: Dependent on experience ranging from $57228 - $111359

• Benefits include: Up to nine weeks of building closure breaks paid sick/personal leave days paid holidays participation in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) employer contribution for health insurance and professional development opportunities.

Required Experience:

IC