Career Opportunities at German International School

Join a team that’s shaping the next generation of global citizens.

Thank you for your interest in GIS. We are always looking for passionate, collaborative professionals who are committed to innovative education, language immersion, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all students. At GIS, we value educators and staff who bring curiosity, compassion, and creativity to their work, and believe that strong relationships and diverse perspectives are the foundation of meaningful learning.

About Us

GIS is a nonprofit language immersion school offering full German or Mandarin Chinese immersion tracks from early childhood through 8th grade. Our mission is to provide excellent education while developing cross cultural understanding and bilingual fluency. We believe nurturing intellect and global identity, preparing students to thrive and adapt in a constant changing world.

To learn more about our programs and values, we invite you to explore the rest of our site.

How to Apply

If you’re excited about our mission and believe you’d be a strong addition to our team, we encourage you to apply. Please submit a letter of interest and resume to the hiring supervisor listed with the position.

All employees must complete a background check through Oregon’s Early Learning Division before beginning employment.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Career Opportunities

  • Full Time - Administrative 


    The German International School is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Finance as a member of the senior administrative team.  

    The Director will provide direct leadership for financial policy and overall management of financial operations. In addition to forecasting, accounting, and audit and investment management, this individual will be responsible for development and management of the budget and for financial reporting and maintenance of internal controls and other systems. The manner in which these key financial functions are carried out must align with and further the school’s’ overarching strategies and mission.

    The Director will work closely with the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee in providing oversight of the financial health of the school. Applicants should have experience ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, especially tax and accounting rules (GAAP), and have a personal familiarity with all relevant computer applications.

    The successful candidate will have a concrete, demonstrable record of improving operations and internal controls.  In addition they will possess experience with financial modeling and other strategic planning tools to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

    Qualifications:

    Applicants for this position should possess the following:

    • Advanced degree in accounting, finance, or related field.  CPA, CFA certifications and non-profit accounting experience a plus.

    • Four + years of experience, preferably in the non-profit sector, to include accounting, financial analysis/reporting, budgeting, investing, and cash management.


    Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

    • Disciplined, structured, and data-driven approach to decision-making and problem-solving;

    • Ability to gather information from different sources, to sift through complexity, and to propose relevant solutions;

    • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to deal successfully with faculty and staff, parents, and Trustees on often complex issues;

    • Detail oriented work style, organizational skills, and the ability to quickly recall and properly apply the school’s financial characteristics;

    • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to structure effective presentations;

    • An understanding of and sensitivity to the nature of education in an international school.

    This is a full-time, exempt, management position and comes with a competitive compensation and benefits package.  Start date as soon as reasonable.

    Salary Range: $80,000~$85,000

    Interested parties should forward resume, cover letter to karen.lin@gspdx.org

  • Position: Extended Care Program Coordinator

    Status: Full-time / Exempt / Year-Round

    Reports to: Associate Head of School


    Mission:

    GIS is a collaborative community with a student-centered learning environment that encourages growth into bilingual world citizens who strive for academic and creative excellence, embrace healthy and responsible behavior, and value independence and lifelong learning.


    Position description:

    The Extended Care Program Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of the school’s extended programs. The position will be supported by the Assistant Head of School and Business Office to ensure accurate record keeping, calendaring and bookkeeping.


    Areas of Responsibilities


    Programs:

    • Regular After School program, all school days, non-instructional days and breaks during the academic year

    • After-school enrichment programs

    • Fall & Spring break camp program

    • Summer camp program

    Responsibilities:

    • Ensure the quality of the curriculum of all programs

    • Research mission-appropriate after school enrichment programs to introduce to the school community

    • Produce and communicate the program overviews including program descriptions, schedules and prices 

    • Provide supervision, activities, and guidance appropriate to students’ age and development for all programs

    • Serve as the afternoon contact between the school and parents

    • Supervise and manage the staff and their schedules for all programs

    • Assist in recruiting and training of the staff for all programs

    • Develop and manage budget for all programs

    • Ensure school is compliant with state licensing regulations

    • Evaluate all programs, activities and community interests annually

    Preferred qualifications:

    • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required

    • Two years prior experience in leading after school programming or comparable work experience

    • Calm communicator with adults and students from age 2 to 12 years old

    • Positive, outgoing and friendly attitude in words and actions 

    • Open-minded team player as well as ability to work under minimal supervision

    • Ability to track multiple projects simultaneously and work well under pressure

    • Reliability and Punctuality

    • Comfortable maintaining confidentiality

    • Fluent in English. Additional German or Mandarin language skills preferred but not required

    • Criminal background check required

    Working Conditions:

    • 40 hours per week; year-round position

    • Willingness to lift and move things around and be active at work

    • Must be willing to work afternoons and during academic breaks

    • Work hours are 10am-6pm


    Salary Range: $55,000~$60,000


    Compensation:

    Benefit package includes health insurance, paid sick time, paid Holidays plus additional paid vacation days

    Email: karen.lin@gspdx.org

  • Position Overview:

    The German International School is seeking a warm, patient, and enthusiastic Toddler Teacher to join our Early Learning team. This role is responsible for providing a nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and language-rich environment for children in our German immersion toddler program (ages 2-3). The ideal candidate will have a passion for early childhood education, a commitment to fostering social-emotional development, and the ability to create an engaging classroom experience that supports young learners in acquiring the German language through play and daily routines.

    Key Responsibilities: Classroom Instruction & Language Immersion

    Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that support language development, social-emotional growth, and cognitive skills through play-based learning.

    Foster a full German language immersion environment by using German in all interactions, songs, and daily routines.

    Adapt teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners and encourage active participation.

    Classroom Environment & Child Development

    Create a safe, nurturing, and structured classroom where young children feel secure and supported in their learning.

    Support children in potty training and self-care routines, promoting independence and confidence.

    Observe and document children's development, communicating progress with families and collaborating with colleagues to support individual growth.

    Family & Team Collaboration

    Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, maintaining open and professional communication.

    Partner with families to support children's developmental milestones and address any concerns.

    Collaborate with the teaching team to maintain a consistent and high-quality early learning experience.

    Health & Safety Compliance

    Ensure a clean, safe, and organized learning environment that meets all licensing regulations and school policies.

    Follow health and safety guidelines, including sanitation procedures, supervision requirements, and emergency protocols.

    Qualifications & Requirements:

    Fluent in German (native or near-native proficiency required).

    Experience working with toddlers (ages 2-3) in an early childhood education setting.

    Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for young children.

    Strong understanding of social-emotional learning and play-based education.

    Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

    Flexibility, patience, and a passion for fostering a love of learning in young children.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (or equivalent coursework/training).

    Experience in a language immersion or international school setting.

    Familiarity with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or IB PYP approaches is a plus.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: From $45,000.00 per year

    Benefits:

    Dental insurance

    Health insurance

    Paid time off

    Vision insurance

    Schedule:

    Monday to Friday

    Language:

    German (Required)

    Work Location: In person

    Address: 16860 SW Blanton St., Aloha OR  97078

    Send Application To Email : daniela.williams@gspdx.org and karen.lin@gspdx.org

  • Position Overview:

    The German International School is seeking a Kindergarten Teacher to join our Early Learning team.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Teach foundational academic & social skills to kindergarten students.

    Implement curriculum with German language exposure.

    Plan lessons; maintain records; communicate with parents and colleagues.

    Ensure a safe environment per state and school policies.


    Qualifications and Requirements:

    Bachelors Degree in Education, Child Development, or foreign equivalent from an accredited institution in the USA or country where German is an official language.

    Experience: Min. 24 months experience as a Teacher;

    Native or advanced (C1 level or higher on CEFR Global Scale) German language skills;

    Must be eligible for teaching lic. from Oregon TSPC; Able to lift 25 lbs.

    Benefits: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid time off.

    Work Location: German International SChool of Portland at 3900 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005.


    Send resume to: Karen Lin - HR Generalist at karen.lin@gspdx.org

  • Job Description:

    Assistant teachers seek to provide all students with learning opportunities in order to develop their students personality, learning abilities and consciousness for democratic values. Furthermore they provide a crucial part in developing the school. GIS values the professional and collegial contribution of all staff members and therefore encourages participation in professional development activities and staff meetings. 

    Responsibilities:

    Teaching

    Assist the teacher in all planned activities

    Help support and guide children in all developmental areas

    Support implementation of lesson plan based on PYP IB planner and communicate according to school policies

    Classroom Management

    Offer a variety of age- and learner-appropriate tasks/activities

    Assist in keeping displays of student work samples in order and updated

    Follow all state licensing policies and protocols

    Assist with records of student attendance and performance 

    Evaluating

    Support the decided on performance and progress evaluation criteria/methods 

    Apply methods appropriately 

    Support the head teacher in evaluating results for progress reports

    Discuss difficult behavioral problems with the head teacher or Director (while keeping confidentiality)

    Seek support as appropriate in challenging situations

    Advising and Communication

    Attend weekly staff meetings 

    Communicate proactively with parents through established communication channels 

    Participate in parent teacher conferences as needed in order to inform about learning progress and competencies as well as curriculum contents 

    Collaboration with Preschool and Kindergarten classes throughout the year

    Professional Development

    Keep abreast of innovations in your profession

    Attend workshops of 15 clock hours minimum per year, half of which in early childhood education or child development

    Preferred Qualifications:

    Degree from an accredited College for Social Pedagogy as Staatl. anerkannte/r Erzieher/in in a German speaking country or a AA/AS degree with a major in Early Childhood education or child development from an accredited U.S. institution

    Native or near-native fluency in German

    English language skills desirable

    Knowledge of IB 

    Should be familiar with a student-centered, inquiry-based classroom, willingness to collaborate with subject and classroom teachers for a holistic approach to learning

    Ability to pass a criminal background check

    Current certification in First Aid, CPR & Food Handler's License or willing to become certified prior to starting the school year

    Knowledge of second language acquisition and applicable teaching methods.

    Working Conditions:

    40 hours per week in a classroom environment; academic year position. 

    Ability to work occasional evening and/or weekends with advanced notice (as related to program & admission events)

    Ability to lift 25 pounds

    CONTACT

    Daniela Williams
    daniela.williams@gspdx.org

  • The German International School is seeking a part-time after school teacher, 20 to 40 hours per week. The Extended Programs Teacher is essential for the smooth functioning of our extended care program as well as providing program support during the school day.

    Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    Provide program support of school day activities

    Lead teach our after school program

    Lead teach our holiday breaks, in-service days and summer camp programs

    Implement curriculum and order supplies for programs

    Help coordinate and facilitate family activities with the Extended Programs Manager

    Performs related duties as assigned

    Job Requirements:

    Fluent in English, German or Mandarin a plus

    Experience with early years and/or grade school children

    Self-motivated, reliable and punctual

    Positive attitude in words and actions at all times

    Follow all state licensing policies and protocols

    Background check required (for teacher age 18 and over)

    CPR & First Aid certified or willing to be certified

    Must be at least 16 years of age

    Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred but not required 

    Working Conditions: 

    20 - 40 hours per week

    Compensation is $19-$22 per hour

    The mission of the German International School is to provide an excellent educational experience for our children while developing and maintaining fluency in the German, Mandarin and English languages. We foster cross-cultural understanding that enables our children to actively participate as citizens in a global community.


    Interested candidates should reply to Michelle Bahr @ michelle.bahr@gspdx.org with a resume.  Applications due: Year Around.  No phone inquiries, please.

  • We are seeking substitutes for grades preschool through fifth grade on an as-needed basis to cover teacher and assistant

    positions in these areas:


    German and Mandarin Homeroom, English, Art, Music, Sport & Extended Care


    Duties & Responsibilities Include:

    • Teach a provided sub plan for the assigned class

    • Work up to an 8 hour shift within the hours of 7 am and 6 pm

    • Perform related duties as assigned

    • Aid in promoting a safe and respectful environment at all times

    • Model behavior that supports the GIS mission


    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Master's or Bachelor's degree in Education

    • AA degree in Education (assistant positions)

    • Experience working with preschool-aged or grade-school-aged children


    German and Chinese Homeroom Requirements:

    • At least 18 years old

    • Completed background check

    • Eligible to work in the U.S. (no work visas)

    • CPR & First Aid certified

    • Self-motivated, flexible, reliable and punctual

    • Positive attitude

    To apply, email Coordinator nadine.may@gspdx.org with your interest.