Early Kindergarten Transition (EKT) Classroom Teacher

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. Find out more at www.irco.org.

POSITION: Early Kindergarten Transition (EKT) Classroom Teacher

WAGE: $35-45/ per hour, based on experience

LOCATIONS: IRCO SUN Schools, David Douglas SD

Gilbert Park, 13132 SE Ramona St, Portland, OR 97236

Gilbert Heights, 12839 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland, OR 97236

Lincoln Park, 13200 SE Lincoln St, Portland, OR 97233

Mill Park, 1900 SE 117th Ave, Portland, OR 97216

Menlo Park, 12900 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97230

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (7)

APPLY AT: www.irco.org 

STATUS: Oncall/ Casual without Benefits

PROGRAM(S): SUN Schools

SECTOR/DIVISION: Youth, Schools based (Limited duration position) 

REQUIREMENTS: Must pass criminal background check through Oregon Department of Education. 

Education /Certification requirements

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Community Schools are a school-based service delivery model in collaboration with Multnomah County and the David Douglas Schol District. SUN Schools provide a comprehensive set of social services in the school communities we serve. The Early Kindergarten Transition Program (EKT) is a 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.

Position Summary
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.

Essential Functions

• 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

Secondary Functions

• 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

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• In Person, school based setting job
• Physical: Requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks
• Mental: Duties are mostly comprised of routine and repeated tasks
• Environment: Well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles. There is very little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable. 
• Schedule: The work schedule is stable and does not fluctuate.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit packages to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 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

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.
3. For questions about this position, please email [email protected]

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.