Portland Forest School: Lower Grades Teacher

This is a temporary contract position with a tentative start on Thursday, January 2nd. This letter of employment, as temporary maternity cover, will terminate upon the return of the employee on maternity leave. We expect that they will return in Mid May of the 2024/25 school year. There is an opportunity to continue employment for years to come based on experience and work done! The Portland Forest School Lower Grades Teacher is a full-time educator working with a cohort of students with a ridiculously low student to teacher ratios (1:10). Our teachers combine academics with natural sciences and earth skills to facilitate a whole systems learning environment for students and teachers alike. The Portland Forest School uses the outdoors as its primary classroom (often traveling by school bus), leaving behind the traditional school setting to allow for a truly holistic education experience. Our unique programs and out-of-the-box setting fosters curiosity, creativity and academic success. We understand that in order for our school to serve a diverse population/communities, we must also have that diversity represented in our staff. While Portland Forest School has a list of qualifications in this job description, studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. Forest School Teachers report directly to the Head of School. About Portland Forest School We are a school of community and nature. Students journey outside and into the forest every day. They learn through collaboration with peers and alongside their mentors. We dive into naturalist studies and life sciences, fostering research skills that last a lifetime. Journeying beyond nature play, we live with the seasons, forage for wild foods, and make forest tools and crafts. The students of the Portland Forest School grow with the land, plants, and animals who share our world. Duties: Responsible for all teaching, planning curriculum, and coordinating Portland Forest School programs. Responsible for tracking, recording, writing, and disseminating student progress reports to parents and Portland Forest School administration. Responsible for scheduling and delivering Parent Teacher Conferences throughout the school year. Responsible for writing, recording, and disseminating unique Forest School curricula and lesson plans. Ensure Portland Forest School lessons and curriculum meet Oregon State standards for the students in the Teacher’s assigned cohort. Provide fun, engaging, and safe experiences for students and co-workers Train, mentor, and co-teach with fellow Portland Forest School Teachers. Recognize, mitigate, and respond to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all staff and participants. Ensure lessons for each grade are developmentally appropriate and engaging and meet Oregon State Standards. Maintain and safeguard confidential information. Communicate health and safety information clearly and effectively to the Forest School Principal, Office Camp staff, other Teachers, Educators, Assistants, and other staff. Evaluate the performance of and provide feedback to and about all Portland Forest School staff verbally as often as possible with the goal of making programs better and more impactful. Evaluate the performance of and provide feedback with the goal of making programs better and more impactful to and about any direct reports, co-teachers, assistant teachers in writing at the conclusion of the week. Organize, analyze, and respond to parent surveys with the Portland Forest School Principal and other Teachers for all Portland Forest School grades. Fulfill assigned duties in an emergency situation. Ensure teaching spaces, offices,, and restrooms are cleaned regularly by staff and are safe and healthy at all times. Ensure the health and safety of students and staff. Assist with staffing interviews as needed. Staff and facilitate marketing events as needed. Work with facilities staff to maintain facilities in good operational order. Maintain equipment and teaching supplies for the program. Perform other duties as assigned. Applicants demonstrating exceptional background and experience in cultural competency and advancing organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such as trauma-informed care or restorative justice training; applicants possessing Wilderness First Responder certification; and applicants possessing a Commercial Drivers License, Class B. Qualifications Over 3 years experience in Education or Outdoor Education and skills focuses. Accredited teacher training or the equivalent professional teaching experience. Preference given and bonus pay available for Class B Commercial Drivers License. Must be licensed driver with 3 years driving experience and a clean driving record Must be physically able to lead students in hikes of up to 5 miles in a day. Must have visual, perceptual, cognitive and judgment ability to: recognize and respond verbally to health and safety concerns and to deal appropriately with any improper behavior. Second language abilities in addition to English (Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese) preferred. Native speakers preferred Enthusiasm about working in an inclusive environment which serves children of all backgrounds and abilities Demonstrated cultural humility and experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color, immigrants, and underserved communities Working Conditions: 5 outdoor teaching days per week. Schedule includes assigned and facilitated professional development and programmatic activities that may last up to 48 hours and include overnight camping in traditional and Better than LNT shelters. Work environment includes open flames, toxic or caustic chemicals, and all season outdoor weather conditions. This position occasionally requires overnight camping in traditional and Better Than LNT shelters or possibly a tent during programming. Physical Demands: 10% Sitting, 30% Standing, 20% Walking, 35% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling Pounds 5 - 80 lbs The Portland Forest School is an Equal Opportunity Employer valuing diversity and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. Application Deadline Tuesday November 12, 2024: 4PM Interview Process & Dates Each candidate will be interviewed by Forest School staff and required to participate in a shadow day of our Lower Grade pod/class (K-2). Interviews will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 & Tuesday, November 19, 2024 EMAIL SUBMISSIONS PREFERRED To apply: Please email your cover letter & resume to ian@portlandforestschool.org with the subject: “Portland Forest School Lower Grades Teacher” Job Types: Part-time, Temporary Pay: $885.00 per week Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week Schedule: Monday to Friday Work Location: In person