Pre-K Teacher - Ocean Avenue Elementary

Job Description

TITLE: Pre-K Teacher - Ocean Avenue Elementary

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools is seeking a passionate, caring, and competent educator for the Pre-K classroom at Ocean Avenue Elementary. The ideal candidate will have a deep knowledge of evidence-based early childhood pedagogy and curriculum, as well as the Maine Early Learning Development Standards. We seek candidates who have a passion for working with young children and bring an equity-oriented approach to their instruction. The successful teacher will establish appropriate developmental expectations, recognizing that varied support to meet expectations and standards must be provided within a cohesive, nurturing, and joyful early learning environment. The ideal teacher will be committed to Portland Public Schools' equity focus, and have experience working with diverse populations.

We seek a collaborative teammate who is open to giving and receiving feedback in service of the shared goals of the school and the district. The Pre-K Teacher will report to and receive support from School Administrators and also receive support from the Director of Pre-K Programs.

Note: All Public PreK programs in Maine adhere toMaine Chapter 124 as their guidance document.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maximize intellectual, physical, social and emotional development for all students within a small, cohesive learning environment
• Establish a warm, caring and inclusive community of young learners that is coupled with positive and developmentally appropriate classroom management practices
• Plan learning experiences that are aligned to the Maine Early Learning Development Standards and are responsive to individual student needs
• Successfully implement early numeracy and literacy instruction and assessment
• Successfully implement differentiated instruction to develop, select and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the unique needs of all learners
• Successfully integrate outdoor learning experiences across the curriculum.
• Establish and maintain a strong working relationship with the partnering Pre-K and Kindergarten Co-Teacher that reflects respect, collaboration and professionalism
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, administrators, students, parents and community members that reflect recognition of and respect for each individual
• Collaborate/create schedules with Ed Techs and other staff (music, library, art, PE) to support children and to ensure that there is always a ratio of 2:16.
• Collaborate with English Language Learning (ESOL) specialists, Ed Techs, and Special Ed Ed Techs to ensure that lessons and the classroom environment are culturally and linguistically responsive and to ensure individual student plans are implemented appropriately
• Collaborate with special educators, related support providers and Child Development Services to ensure IEP goals, accommodations and modifications are implemented appropriately
• Participate in a community of professional learning with other PreK and Kindergarten teachers across Portland Public Schools
• Actively contribute to and learn from colleagues within the school and across the school district
• Attend school meetings, programs, activities and events outside the instructional day as needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong equity orientation and an openness to personal reflection on deepening awareness of personal bias and being culturally responsive and respectful
• A growth mindset: a sincere belief that all students can rise to high expectations, embracing a passion for differentiation in support of ensuring all students meet their goals
• Strong relationship builder: ability to work effectively and respectfully with students, administrators, colleagues, families and community members
• Team player: an openness and desire to collaborate with colleagues and administration, including sharing lessons, assessments, student work and data
• Ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations and/or amidst competing demands and priorities
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Digital competency with technology integration for learning, communication, data collection and analysis, and accessing online professional resources and learning opportunities

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
• Experience working in Pre-K and/or Kindergarten classrooms preferred
• Experience with Pre-K for ME and Teaching Strategies Gold preferred

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State Teaching Certificate with one of the following (more info):
  • Endorsement 081 (Early Childhood Education, 0-5)
  • Endorsement 029 (Early Elementary, PK-3)
• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info) **
  • **if you already have an active teacher certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your teacher certification

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT OCEAN AVE:

Ocean Avenue Elementary School is proud to be Maine's first International Baccalaureate IB WORLD SCHOOL offering the Primary Years Program (IB PYP). The IB PYP inquiry-driven learning model was adopted by Ocean Ave School as part of its school-improvement long-range plan, after input from teachers, parents and administrators. We are working with full commitment to build the program into the fabric of the curriculum school-wide with the six concept-based trans-disciplinary Units of Inquiry at each grade level. In addition, we are exploring and practicing "internationally-minded" character traits across the school community with the IB Learner Profile and IB attitudes. We were authorized as an IB World School offering the PYP in July 2016.

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Welcome to ATX Learning

Maine's largest school system has 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools serving nearly 7,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as about 4,700 adult learners.

The district takes full advantage of its location in a vibrant city with a thriving arts life. Schools draw on the resources offered by museums, theaters, local businesses and the city's colleges and universities.

Portland has a highly trained teaching staff. Many teachers hold advanced degrees. All of the district's teachers continue their education by pursuing professional development activities on a regular basis.

The district provides technology to support instruction, including laptops for each student in grades seven through 12 and wireless access at all schools.

Volunteers, parent-teacher organizations and businesses donate generously of their time and money to the district - an estimated 100,000 hours per year.

Graduates of the Portland Public Schools attend the country's top colleges and universities. See www.portlandschools.org for colleges attended by recent graduates.

The Portland Public Schools gives parents an array of program choices. The district as one of the first in the country to offer project-based Expeditionary Learning from kindergarten through 12th grade.

High school students have access to one of the broadest selections of Advanced Placement courses in Maine. Qualified high school students may take up to two college courses with tuition paid by the state. A regional arts and technology high school provides hands-on courses in growth fields such as health care, robotics and "green" construction.

More than 60 languages are spoken by students attending the Portland Public Schools. Multilingual students represent about a quarter of the district's enrollment. The district's diversity prepares all students for their roles as world citizens.

Portland residents can pursue lifelong learning and professional success through the academic, jobs skills and enrichment courses offered by Portland Adult Education.

Most of Portland's middle and high school students participate actively in co-curricular activities such as athletics, drama, music and service clubs. Portland students regularly excel in academic and athletic competitions at the regional, state and even national level.

See a list of recent honors, awards and recognition for the Portland Public Schools at: www.portlandschools.org. Join Portland ME Public Schools on Facebook. A focus on service learning-connecting the schools to the wider community-results in students undertaking many projects that benefit greater Portland.