Early Kindergarten Transition (EKT) Classroom Teacher

IRCO • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The Early Kindergarten Transition Program (EKT) is part of Kindergarten Counts, a community-wide campaign in Multnomah County that brings together early childhood and school partners to promote successful kindergarten transitions for children and their families in SUN Community Schools. The EKT Classroom teacher is responsible for collaborating with the SUN Site Manager to plan curriculum, schedule and enrichment that aligns with the program goals and is appropriate for program participants- many of whom do not have prior school experience. The EKT Classroom Teacher will work closely with the SUN Site Manager to ensure that the program runs smoothly. The EKT classroom teacher will direct the work of 1-2 Instructional Assistants who will support the day-to-day activities in the classroom.

Requirements

• Must pass criminal background check through Oregon Department of Education.
• Must be 18 years old or older
• Ability to pass a criminal background check through the Oregon Department of Education
• Familiarity working in a public-school setting
• Experience creating and implementing lesson plans
• Basic understanding of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) best practice
• Be a consistent and reliable staff member by arriving on time for all shifts
• Effectively communicate work availability and absences
• Effectively work with young people and adults from broad range of lived experiences
• Understand the role of “mandatory reporter” and communicate any concerns related to student safety to the SUN Manager in a timely manner

Nice To Haves

• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
• Strong skills in intercultural, interpersonal, and organizational communication
• Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
• Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multibackground team and organization

Responsibilities

• Be able to follow all school district and IRCO safety protocols related to working with youth in school communities
• Treat youth and fellow staff respectfully while executing classroom management and adhering to school rules
• Create/modify, develop, and implement age-appropriate curriculum for 10 class sessions
• Record and report accurate attendance to SUN Manager
• Communicate effectively with SUN Site Manager and parents about student’s success, concerns, or questions
• Attend all required trainings before program begins
• Support one Kinder Family orientation event between June 2026 – July 2026
• Ability to develop community-aware approach and respectful relationships with students, their families, and all community members we serve
• Ability to use good judgment when working with youth in a school setting
• Experience working in or delivering services in a school setting
• Direct work of 1-2 Instructional Assistants
• Actively work to disrupt illegal or unlawful treatment based on race and systematic illegal denial of fair treatment through a respectful and engaging program practice and implementation
• Utilize bilingual skills to support community-aware approach communication to students, families, and clients in their preferred language, when possible

Benefits

• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
• 401k match of 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 accounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed