Portland Public Schools (PPS), founded in 1851, is an urban school district in Portland, Oregon. As the largest school district in the Pacific Northwest. PPS serves more than 48,500 students in 81 schools, as well as alternative schools, charter schools and specialized programs for students with special needs.

The District is focused on eliminating systemic racism and its impact on student learning. PPS is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.

Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

DISTRICT MISSION:
At PPS, our goal is that by the end of elementary, middle and high school every student by name is meeting or exceeding academic standards and is fully prepared to make productive life decisions.

DISTRICT PROFILE:
To obtain more information about our district, schools, learning environment and programs, please go to http://www.pps.k12.or.us/about-us/index.htm. To learn more about our schools, and programs, please go to:
http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/index.htm

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Sustainable Agriculture teacher is a part time, 20 hr/ week position that instructs two courses in the Sustainable Agriculture Program and coordinates the school garden.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
– Develop curriculum for plant and soil science, plant propagation and business
– Facilitate a spring plant sale
– Teach two high school urban agriculture courses
– Attain materials such as seeds, seeding trays, potting soil, compost, etc. for the learning garden and plant sale
– Seek donations for the garden and Sustainable Agriculture Program
– Teach hands-on technical gardening/ urban agriculture skills
– Track program budget
– Keep up-to-date grades in online grade book

COMMITMENT:
– 20 hours per week
– Mid-November through the end of the school year, June 9th

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
– Must hold or be eligible to obtain an Oregon State Career and Technical Education (CTE) teaching certificate in the related Program of Study area
– Must have demonstrated experience in the program of study area
– Must adhere to Career and Technical Education program standards set by the Oregon Department of Education and Portland Public Schools. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Providing relevant, rigorous, technical skill standards-based content
2. Alignment of courses/content with post-secondary education partners
3. Assessment of technical skills
4. Establishing/maintaining a program of study Advisory Committee comprised of business, community and education partners
5. Providing guidance support to assist students in progressing through a CTE program of study
6. Providing student leadership organization opportunities for further growth and professional development
7. Integrating work-readiness skills instruction
– Develop and maintain business partnerships
– Attend required state, regional and district workshops and conferences

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
– 2-3 years working with high school aged students
– 2-3 years teaching in a traditional or alternative educational setting
– Excellent outdoor and indoor classroom management skills
– Experience and ability to work with a diverse population of students
– 1-2 years working in an agricultural/ horticultural industry
– Bilingual/Bi-Cultural Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese applicants are highly desirable.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
1.Academic achievement standards that align to district goals and create a comprehensive, rigorous and coherent curricular program.
2.Research-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practices.
3.Existing and emerging education and instructional technologies and software.

Ability to:
– Advocate, model and implement Portland Public School’s Educational Racial Equity policy.
– Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse backgrounds.
– Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
– Manage student behavior and maintain discipline in accordance with school, district and state policies, procedures and laws.
– Assign and grade class work, homework, projects, tests and assignments.
– Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
– Prepare classroom for class activities.
– Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
– Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.
– Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
– Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
– Provide appropriate feedback on work.
– Encourage parent and community involvement.
– Provide student information to authorized individuals in a timely manner.
– Participate in appropriate professional growth and extracurricular activities.
– Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
– Utilize relevant technologies to support and differentiate instruction.
– Welcome and empower students and families, including underrepresented families of color and those whose first language may not be English, as essential partners in student education.
– Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development.
– Update records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.
– Prepare required reports on students and activities.
– Participate in department, school, district and parent meetings.
– Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and caregivers regarding student progress and student needs.
– Observe and evaluate student’s performance and development.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an elementary, middle, K-8, Alternative and/or High School campus environment with extensive student, parent and public contact and frequent interruptions. Work hours may include on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities, meetings and district, school and student functions.

Hazards: Frequent contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals, including the public, parents and staff members. Employees may be subject to temperature extremes, fumes, odors, dust and exposure to bodily fluids and blood.

Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a school classroom, playground and campus setting; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other classroom, library and business equipment; sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time; kneeling, bending at the waist; lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying school equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds; repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to use a computer keyboard; emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and to keep all aspects of the job under control; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare and assure the accuracy of documents.