About Us

The Marylhurst School is a proud, progressive Preschool through 8th grade school. We are hands-on, immersive, and project-based. Teachers and staff dedicate themselves to providing a deep, challenging, meaningful, and joyful education that nurtures the whole child. Located on 36 wooded acres along the Clackamas River in Oregon City, we inspire our students to be creators, citizens, and explorers in the classroom and the world.

Position Overview

We seek a passionate and innovative Pre-K Lead Teacher who is energized by children’s creativity, inquisitiveness, and intelligence and shares our commitment to progressive education. The ideal candidate will create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that encourages student exploration, inquiry, and collaboration. This position involves teaching a Pre-K class and collaborating with colleagues to integrate project-based learning into the curriculum. This is a full-time position with benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and deliver a hands-on, emergent, project-based curriculum that aligns with the school’s mission and the developmental needs of Pre-K students.
• Establish a nurturing, organized, and joyful learning environment where children feel safe and valued.
  Differentiate instruction to meet each child’s needs, abilities, and interests.
• Foster a sense of community, empathy, and respect within the classroom through positive guidance and modeling.
• Work closely with assistant teachers, other staff members, and families to support student success and maintain a cohesive Pre-K program.
• Build strong partnerships with families through regular updates, conferences, and open communication about their child’s progress and experience.
• Observe and document student learning, growth, and development to inform instruction and provide meaningful feedback to families.
• Ensure a clean, safe, healthy classroom environment, adhering to all school policies and licensing requirements.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional growth opportunities to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Actively participate in school-wide events, meetings, and committees to support the overall mission and vision of The Marylhurst School.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience teaching in a Pre-K or early childhood setting.
• Knowledge of progressive, emergent, and project-based teaching methods.
• Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices in early education.
• Completion of Oregon’s Early Childhood Registry Step Program.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (must be current or obtained within 30 days of hire).
• Food Handler’s Permit (must be current or obtained within 30 days of hire).
• Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN) Certification.
• Background Check & Fingerprinting Clearance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create a joyful, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment.
• A “Yes…and” approach to ideas, work, and challenges.

Physical Requirements:

•  Ability to move quickly and respond to children’s needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage with students at their level.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move classroom materials and equipment.
• Comfortable assisting children with self-care tasks, such as dressing, handwashing, and toileting as needed.
• Ability to supervise outdoor play and physical activities, including walking on uneven terrain and being outside in various weather conditions.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning.
• Experience working in a private or independent school setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Tuition remission for children.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, teaching philosophy statement, and contact information for three professional references to Leif Gustavson, Head of School at leifg@themarylhurstschool.org. If you have any questions you can reach Leif at 503.650.0978. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and completing a background check. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and passionate Pre-K Lead Teacher to our school community at The Marylhurst School.

The Marylhurst School does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices based on race, color, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), disability, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristic or status.