Preschool Teacher (26 - 27 school year)

WAGE: Lead Teacher: $45,000 to $51,280, Classroom Floater: $43,750 - $46,840 (school year schedule with winter and summer break). This position is slated to begin August 24, 2026, though substitute teaching options are available in the interim for interested candidates.

ABOUT PJA: Portland Jewish Academy's Preschool program supports the development of young children in a vibrant, secure, inquiry-based environment. We promote confidence, curiosity, awareness, exploration, problem solving, and social growth.

It is our conviction that children are capable and independent, and this is reflected across all developmental domains of learning. Children are encouraged to make choices, practice individual decision-making, and develop a sense of themselves as capable and as self-advocates. Children are viewed as thinkers, reflecting on their world, and as empathetic individuals who care for and engage with their peers and contribute to the community. It is because of our educators that our program thrives.

BENEFITS: In addition to being a great place to work, the PJA offers the following benefits package to our employees. As a full-time Employee of the PJA, you are eligible to participate in our Medical (fully or partially employer paid depending on the plan you select), optional Dental, long-term disability plans and a 401k plan. The Preschool program runs on the school year calendar (late August - mid June) and also includes a generous time off policy. This includes Sick Leave, Personal Time (PTO-3 days/year) and Holiday pay (up to 24 holidays!). Free membership to the Mittleman Jewish Community Center (www.oregonjcc.org) and tuition discount for children of our employees round out this generous benefits package.

JOB SUMMARY: The Preschool teacher is responsible for the direct care and supervision of children in the PJA Early Childhood Education Program. This position is responsible for maintaining a consistently safe and nurturing environment, and for providing developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate participants’ exploration of the world around them. The floater position “floats” between classrooms, providing coverage and instruction as needed. The Lead Teacher position will be stationed in one classroom.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These examples represent the essential functions of the position. They are not, however, inclusive of all the duties the position may be assigned to perform.)

• Establish and maintain a safe learning environment that is responsive to the social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development of children in assigned classrooms. Plan each day’s activities to ensure a well-balanced program that includes individual and group play, and active and quiet time.
• Provide direction and work closely with colleagues in implementing planned lessons. Ensure that all associated records are complete and properly maintained. Compile and submit required statistical reports, narratives, and incident reports.
• Lead and participate in all classroom and play activities; monitor participants; respond to behavioral issues as they arise. Supervise participants to ensure safe play. Effectively communicate with children at their individual developmental levels. Model appropriate problem solving behavior. Implement discipline and safety measures as necessary.
• Meet with families to discuss each child’s progress and needs; maintain portfolios for each child and use it as a tool to document progress. Observe, evaluate and communicate effectively with children, parents and other staff. Maintain confidentiality.
• Serve meals in accordance with proper hygiene standards; maintain a food handler’s card.
• Attend and participate in required staff trainings and meetings; participate in special programs as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying. This would typically include:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related discipline preferred, AND
• Two years of responsible experience teaching preschool-age children in a certified education program; AND
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications; AND
• Food Handler’s Card; AND
• Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of early childhood curriculum development;
• Knowledge of child development;
• Knowledge of classroom management and developmentally appropriate behavior management;
• Knowledge of age appropriate activities; and
• Knowledge of safe food handling.

Ability:

• Ability to communicate effectively with children at their individual developmental levels;
• Ability to effectively execute lessons and activities;
• Ability to evaluate and record progress;
• Ability to organize and execute work independently;
• Ability to supervise and manage groups of varying sizes;
• Ability to meet and deal courteously and effectively with other employees, students, parents, and the public;
• Ability to remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high-pressure situations that may arise;
• Ability to support the PJA and its leadership; and
• Ability to work assigned schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed in an environment that is quite noisy and busy, and may include exposure to biological conditions including body fluids and waste, germs, and childhood illnesses. Physical requirements include lifting children or heavy items (up to 50 pounds unassisted), bending, stooping, reaching, standing, climbing and walking. Work requires vision and hearing within normal ranges. Work requires speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively with students.

PJA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating, and promoting the best-qualified individuals for positions at all levels in the organization. We provide Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on how an individual's skills and qualifications meet the responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. An individual will be free from discrimination based on characteristics protected by law such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related physical, mental, or sensory disability, or other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. PJA will make reasonable accommodations, including modification of organizational policies and procedures in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilities if it can do so without undue hardship.

Salary : $43,750 - $51,280