Curious Minds – Pearl District is seeking an experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to join our team! This is a unique opportunity to lead a classroom in a small, community-centered school in the heart of downtown Portland.
With just 37 children in our entire program each day, Curious Minds – Pearl offers something special: a school where teachers truly know every child and family. Our size allows us to build strong relationships, collaborate across classrooms, and create a close-knit community where teachers have the freedom to bring their own creativity and strengths into the classroom.
Our downtown location also means learning extends well beyond our four walls. Our children regularly explore neighborhood parks, take walks through the Pearl, visit Powell’s, experience community events, and learn to confidently navigate their city. We’re looking for a Lead Teacher who is excited by that kind of active, hands-on environment!
You’ll work closely with our director and support teachers to create a preschool classroom that balances play, exploration, strong routines, and intentional preparation for kindergarten.
Your day will include:
- Leading engaging morning meetings, circle times, and small groups
- Creating thoughtful, open-ended invitations to play
- Planning process art, sensory, dramatic play, and hands-on learning experiences
- Supporting kindergarten readiness through language, independence, social-emotional development, and early academic skills
- Guiding classroom routines and behavior with warmth and consistency
- Collaborating with your teaching team and school leadership
- Building strong, professional relationships with families
- Maintaining a clean, organized, safe, and engaging classroom environment
Qualifications
- Teacher qualified under Oregon licensing requirements = ORO step 7 or 1500 qualifying houts
- Previous experience working in a preschool classroom
- Strong classroom management and active supervision skills
- Confidence leading a classroom and collaborating with support teachers
- Comfortable supervising children on frequent neighborhood walks and outdoor adventures
If you’re looking for a school where you can truly know your children and families, have ownership over your classroom, and turn the city around you into part of the learning experience, we’d love to meet you!
Pay: From $23.30 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
