Kindergarten TeacherPosition Summary
Valley Inquiry Charter School is seeking a nurturing, reflective, and student-centered educator to join our team as a Kindergarten Teacher. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, we believe young children learn best through inquiry, play, exploration, and meaningful relationships.
The successful candidate will create a joyful and engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. The Kindergarten Teacher will support the development of foundational literacy, numeracy, social-emotional, and self-management skills while helping students grow as caring, knowledgeable, and principled members of the school community. Through inquiry-based learning experiences, students are encouraged to ask questions, make discoveries, solve problems, and develop the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.
Position Available
Kindergarten Teacher
Salary
Salary range: $43,757.99–$68,218.44 depending on years of teaching experience, licensure, endorsements, education, and contracted hours.
Essential ResponsibilitiesInstructional Design and Facilitation
- Design and facilitate developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based learning experiences aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme, Oregon State Standards, and best practices in early childhood education.
- Foster learning through play, exploration, hands-on experiences, and meaningful student inquiry.
- Develop foundational literacy, numeracy, communication, and problem-solving skills through engaging and differentiated instruction.
- Create opportunities for student voice, choice, and agency within the learning process.
- Support the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, including self-management, communication, social, research, and thinking skills.
- Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Learning Environment
- Establish a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom community where all students feel valued, respected, and supported.
- Build strong, positive relationships with students that promote belonging, confidence, and engagement.
- Teach and reinforce classroom routines, expectations, and self-regulation skills that foster independence and responsibility.
- Implement restorative and proactive approaches to classroom management and conflict resolution.
- Support students' social-emotional development through intentional community-building and relationship-centered practices.
Assessment and Student Growth
- Use developmentally appropriate formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and guide instruction.
- Collect and analyze student work, observations, and assessment data to identify strengths and next steps for learning.
- Provide timely and meaningful feedback to students and families regarding growth and achievement.
- Support students in reflecting on their learning and celebrating progress.
Equity and Differentiation
- Design instruction that is responsive to diverse learning styles, backgrounds, cultures, and developmental needs.
- Differentiate instruction and supports to ensure all students have equitable access to learning opportunities.
- Collaborate with specialists, intervention staff, support personnel, and families to support student success.
- Foster a classroom environment that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and respect for others.
Collaboration and Professional Growth
- Collaborate with grade-level colleagues, specialists, support staff, and administrators to strengthen instructional practice and improve student outcomes.
- Participate actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), collaborative planning, and school improvement efforts.
- Engage in ongoing professional learning related to IB philosophy, inquiry-based learning, early childhood education, and culturally responsive practices.
- Reflect on instructional practices and utilize feedback to support continuous growth.
Family and Community Partnerships
- Establish strong partnerships with families and maintain open, positive, and consistent communication.
- Engage families as active participants in their child's educational journey.
- Participate in conferences, school events, exhibitions of learning, and community-building activities.
School Contributions
- Supervise students and fulfill assigned duties and responsibilities.
- Support field experiences, school celebrations, service-learning opportunities, and other school-sponsored activities.
- Contribute positively to the mission, vision, and culture of Valley Inquiry Charter School.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field.
- Valid Oregon Teaching License with appropriate elementary endorsement.
- Demonstrated understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for young learners.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills.
PreferredPreferred
- Experience teaching Kindergarten or primary-grade students.
- Experience implementing inquiry-based, play-based, or project-based learning.
- Experience with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) or similar constructivist educational models.
- Experience using formative assessment to guide instruction.
- Training or experience in culturally responsive teaching and restorative practices.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, are highly valued and considered an asset in supporting communication and partnership with families, but are not required.
- Master's degree or advanced coursework in education or a related field.
Desired Professional Dispositions
The ideal candidate demonstrates:
- A deep commitment to the growth and well-being of young children.
- Belief in the power of inquiry, play, and experiential learning.
- Commitment to the IB mission and philosophy.
- Reflective practice and continuous professional growth.
- Strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.
- Patience, flexibility, creativity, and a growth mindset.
- High expectations coupled with developmentally appropriate support for all learners.
- Collaboration, professionalism, and integrity.
Benefits
- Competitive salary placement based on experience and qualifications
- Health insurance reimbursement
- Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities, including IB training
- Collaborative and supportive professional learning environment
Valley Inquiry Charter School values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and language skills are encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $43,757.99 - $68,218.44 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Ability to Commute:
- Salem, OR 97305 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Salem, OR 97305: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
