Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teacher

Reports To:  Executive Director

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Employment Status:  Full-Time or Part-Time

Position Summary

Future Pathways Academy is seeking a passionate, nurturing, and engaging Preschool Teacher to create a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 3–5.  At Future Pathways Academy, we believe children are capable, curious learners. We are committed to creating a safe, engaging, play-based learning environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow.  The Preschool Teacher serves as the instructional leader of the classroom and is responsible for planning and implementing engaging learning experiences that support each child's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development. Through intentional teaching, meaningful relationships, and play-based learning, the Preschool Teacher fosters curiosity, creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning while partnering closely with families and collaborating with fellow educators to create a positive Academy culture.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Builds trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Creates culturally responsive, engaging learning experiences through exploration, creativity, and play.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a positive attitude.
• Embraces feedback, continuous learning, patience, empathy, and emotional maturity.
• Believes children are capable, curious learners who thrive through play-based learning.
• Wants to be part of a mission-driven Academy that makes a lasting impact on children and families.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Oregon Early Learning Standards and Preschool for All requirements.

• Foster social-emotional growth through relationship-based practices and positive guidance.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the developmental needs of individual children.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to Teacher's Aides assigned to the classroom.

Classroom Environment & Child Development

• Maintain a safe, clean, organized classroom with engaging learning centers.
• Provide active supervision of children at all times, indoors and outdoors.
• Observe, assess, and document children's developmental progress; communicate concerns to leadership and families.
• Participate in parent conferences regarding children's development and progress.

Family Partnerships & Team Collaboration

• Partner with families through open communication, mutual respect, and shared support of each child's growth and development.
• Support, mentor, and model best practices for Teacher's Aides.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development.
• Contribute to a respectful, positive, and collaborative Academy culture.

Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance

• Follow all Academy policies and Oregon child care licensing requirements.
• Follow illness, medication, emergency, and incident reporting procedures; report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Oregon law.
• Maintain accurate classroom documentation and safeguard confidential child and family information.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment in accordance with Academy policies and Oregon licensing requirements.

Qualifications & Certifications

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or qualifications that meet Oregon licensing requirements.
• Experience working with preschool-aged children and knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices.
• Strong classroom management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in classroom activities throughout the day.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Experience with Preschool for All, Preschool Promise, or Reggio Emilia / inquiry-based learning environments.

Required Certifications & Compliance

• Successful completion of all required background checks and enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry.
• Pediatric CPR & First Aid (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Oregon Food Handler Card (if assigned food-related duties) and completion of required Oregon Health & Safety trainings.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor for extended periods.
• Frequently lift, carry, and assist children weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Maintain visual and auditory awareness of children and respond quickly to their needs, indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity & Job Description Disclaimer

Future Pathways Academy is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This job description describes the general nature of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties; Future Pathways Academy reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as business needs evolve.