Full time / Exempt

Reports to: Head of School and Associate Head of School      

Position description

The Experiential Learning Coordinator serves as a bridge between curriculum, student well-being, and the natural world—shaping not only what students learn, but how they experience learning. This role provides leadership in the design, implementation, and growth of a comprehensive PK–8 experiential learning program grounded in outdoor education, place-based learning, environmental stewardship, and social-emotional development.

The Coordinator develops and sustains meaningful opportunities for students to learn through direct experience, inquiry, challenge, reflection, and connection to the local environment. Working collaboratively with faculty, administration, and community partners, the Coordinator ensures that experiential learning is intentionally scaffolded across grade levels and aligned with the school’s mission, values, and curricular frameworks, including the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP).

The ideal candidate is an innovative educator, systems thinker, and collaborative leader with a deep understanding of child development, outdoor education, and inclusive teaching practices.

This position offers the opportunity to help shape a school culture where curiosity, stewardship, challenge, and connection to the natural world are central to students’ educational experience. The Experiential Learning Coordinator will play a vital role in helping students develop confidence, resilience, environmental awareness, and a lifelong love of learning through meaningful engagement with the world around them.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Program Design & Vision:

• Develop and steward a coherent PK–8 experiential learning vision and scope and sequence.

• Design developmentally appropriate outdoor and experiential learning opportunities across grade levels, from early childhood nature exploration to middle school leadership, ecological studies, stewardship, and overnight experiences.

• Ensure programming reflects best practices in experiential education, environmental literacy, social-emotional learning, and inclusive pedagogy.

• Build systems for program assessment, reflection, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with school leadership on long-range planning and strategic initiatives related to experiential learning.

Curriculum Integration:

• Partner with faculty to integrate experiential and outdoor learning into classroom curriculum and interdisciplinary units.

• Support inquiry-based and place-based learning aligned with IB PYP and MYP frameworks, including:

  • Who We Are

  • Where We Are in Place and Time

  • How We Express Ourselves

  • How the World Works

  • How We Organize Ourselves

  • Sharing the Planet

• Model lessons, co-teach, and support teachers in designing meaningful outdoor learning experiences.

• Help students connect academic content to real-world applications, environmental systems, and community engagement.

Campus Development & Stewardship:

• Collaborate on the development of campus spaces that support daily outdoor learning and environmental engagement.

• Lead or support projects that strengthen our environmental stewardship and foster collaborative learning

• Promote sustainability initiatives and environmentally responsible campus practices.

• Coordinate with facilities and administration on long-term planning, maintenance, and budgeting for outdoor learning spaces.

Student Development & Well-Being:

• Design experiences that foster resilience, independence, collaboration, leadership, and confidence.

• Create opportunities for healthy risk-taking and challenge appropriate to developmental stages.

• Develop programming that supports a wide range of learners and learning styles, including students who thrive through movement, hands-on engagement, and purpose-driven tasks.

• Ensure experiential learning environments are inclusive, supportive, and accessible to all students.

Logistics, Operations & Safety:

• Coordinate all operational aspects of experiential learning programs, including:

  • Trip planning

  • Transportation

  • Permissions and communication

  • Equipment management

  • Vendor coordination

  • Scheduling

• Develop and maintain risk management systems and safety protocols aligned with industry best practices.

• Train faculty and staff in outdoor supervision, emergency procedures, and risk management practices.

• Maintain required certifications, records, and compliance documentation.

Faculty Support & Professional Development:

• Provide coaching and professional development to faculty in outdoor and experiential learning practices.

• Build teacher confidence and capacity for meaningful outdoor instruction.

• Support faculty in integrating movement, collaboration, and experiential approaches into classroom teaching.

Community Partnerships:

• Cultivate partnerships with local environmental organizations, parks, outdoor education providers, and community groups.

• Expand opportunities for student learning through collaboration with community experts and organizations.

• Represent the experiential learning program to families and the broader school community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental education, outdoor education, child development, or related field.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in experiential, outdoor, environmental, or place-based education.

• Experience working with elementary and/or middle school students.

• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development.

• Experience with program coordination, logistics, and risk management.

• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.

• Digital literacy and proficiency with Google Workspace and related educational technologies.

• Ability to pass required background checks and meet Oregon Central Background Registry requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in IB PYP and/or MYP programs.

• Challenge course or outdoor leadership certification.

• Experience leading overnight trips or extended outdoor experiences.

• Knowledge of environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and habitat restoration.

• Experience managing budgets, vendors, and community partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, faculty, and community partners.

• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive educational practices and cultural responsiveness.

• Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly within a dynamic school environment.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.

• Ability to move throughout campus and natural environments, including uneven terrain.

• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to supervise and participate in active outdoor experiences, including hiking and field-based activities.

Submit a cover letter and resume to kara.tambellini@gspdx.org.

Full-time Exempt

Reports To: Associate Head of School

Summary:
The Events Planner is responsible for the vision, planning, coordination, and execution of all significant school events, including division-based programming, community-building experiences, and major fundraising events. This role ensures that events reflect the school’s mission, strengthen community engagement, and support enrollment, retention, and philanthropic goals. FTE: 1.0 Salary: $70,000.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Event Strategy & Leadership

  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive, year-long events calendar aligned with school priorities.

  • Partner with school leadership (Division Heads, HoS, AHoS) to define goals, audience, and outcomes for all events.

  • Work with Marketing to ensure consistency in quality, branding, and experience across all school events.

  • Evaluate event effectiveness and recommend improvements based on participation, feedback, and outcomes.

• Event Planning & Execution

  • Lead end-to-end planning and execution of all school events, including:

    • Division-level events (Lantern Parade, Light Up For The Arts, Trunk-or-Treat, parent nights).

    • School-wide community-building and retention-focused events (e.g., Fun Run, cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year and Oktoberfest).

    • Fundraising events (e.g. Annual Gala, donor events).

  • Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and run-of-show documents.

  • Coordinate logistics including space use, setup/breakdown, catering, technology, transportation, and staffing.

  • Oversee on-site event management to ensure smooth execution of events.

• Collaboration & Communication

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all event-related planning across divisions and departments.

  • Collaborate closely with:

    • Division Heads on programmatic events

    • Head of School, Associate Head of School, and Director of Finance on fundraising strategy and donor experience for the Gala and other fundraising events

    • Admissions and Marketing (or external vendors) on event promotion and branding.

  • Communicate clearly with faculty, staff, volunteers, and families regarding event expectations and participation.

  • Oversee event-related messaging and promotion, ensuring alignment with brand, audience, and participation goals.

• Budget & Vendor Management

  • Develop and manage event budgets in partnership with leadership. 

  • Source, negotiate, and manage relationships with vendors (catering, rentals, AV, entertainment, etc.).

  • Track expenses and ensure cost-effective use of resources with an eye on sustainability.

• Volunteer Coordination

  • Recruit, train, and manage parent and community volunteers for events.

  • Work with Parent Circle to build systems that make volunteer engagement inclusive, efficient, meaningful, and sustainable.

• Fundraising Event Support

  • Partner with the Head of School, Associate Head of School, and Director of Finance to design and execute our Gala fundraising event that meets revenue goals.

  • Work with the Head of School to support sponsorships, donor cultivation experiences, and auction logistics as applicable.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• 3–5+ years of event planning or project management experience (school or nonprofit experience preferred)

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Experience managing budgets and vendors

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

Additional Qualifications:

• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and execute across multiple timelines; skilled at working across teams with varied priorities and perspectives; anticipates challenges and responds with flexibility and composure; adept at connecting events to broader school goals, including retention and fundraising

GIS is an equal-opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to kara.tambellini@gspdx.org.

Status: Full Time/ Part Time Academic Year 

Reports To:  Grade School/ Middle School Division Director

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 German International School of Portland (GIS) has openings for both  full (Grade 3) and part time (Middle School) English teachers for  the 2026/27 school year. We are seeking  creative, kind, and compassionate educators who will support our school's  commitment to cultural diversity and academic and creative excellence.  We invite all open-minded and authentically approachable educators to apply to join our growing school community!

Areas of responsibility 

Teaching 

• Prepare and develop lesson plans according to established curriculum standards. 

• Teach the curriculum using a variety of methods and media. 

• Organize and create a learning environment in which students can acquire knowledge and skills  independently and as part of a team. 

• Evaluate teaching methods and examine learning materials in order to improve teaching techniques.

• Reflect on learning environment and learning process of all students in order take affirmative action  

when necessary. 

Educating 

• Identify intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs affecting the students’ success in school. 

• Ensure that teaching goals and objectives outlined in the school’s mission statement are met. 

• Maintain a standard of student behavior designed to encourage respect and minimize school and    classroom interruptions. 

Advising 

• 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 content.  

• Advise students and parents in difficult academic, personal, or social life situations and refer  families to other supporting institutions in order to guarantee success in school as appropriate in  coordination with classroom teacher and the Grade School Director.

 Evaluating 

• Determine performance evaluation criteria/methods together with other staff members. 

• Apply performance evaluation methods appropriately.  

• Explain the system, criteria, and timeframe of performance evaluation process to students and  parents. 

• Analyze the performance evaluation results with co-teachers.  

School Development 

• Encourage and initiate continued school improvement in curriculum and teaching methods in  cooperation with faculty, 

• Participate and contribute to the work in School Development Groups, as well as projects referring to the development of lesson plans and IB development. 

Participation in School Events 

• Actively and positively represent the school.  

• Attend professional conferences, seminars, and workshops in education. 

• Attend school functions as needed (may include occasional student events, open houses, or subject related activities).

• Share newly acquired knowledge with other staff members. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• MA in Elementary Education  

• Native English language skills is a must 

• German or Mandarin language skills desirable 

• Experience with the IB program (PYP and/or MYP) is a plus 

• Teaching certificate and a minimum two years of experience teaching 

• 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 school year starting 

Working Conditions 

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

• Ability to lift 25 pounds 

*Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to michelle.bahr@gspdx.org and karen.lin@gspdx.org

Job Description:

We are seeking a caring and collaborative Early Learning Assistant Teacher to support our German immersion classrooms (ages 2–5) for the 2026/27 school year. This role works closely with the Lead Teacher in a play-based, inquiry-driven environment.

Requirements:

• Fluency or near fluency in German

• Experience with young children preferred

• Team-oriented, reliable, and engaging

We offer:

• A supportive, international school environment

• Professional development opportunities

• Benefits and tuition discount for eligible employees

Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to Daniela Williams at  Daniela.Williams@gspdx.org

Status: Full Time/Exempt/Academic Year

Reports to: Grade School Director

Position description: 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.

Areas of responsibilities

Teaching

Prepare and develop lesson plans according to curriculum standards from Germany, the US and PYP

Teach the curriculum using a variety of methods and media

Organize and create a learning environment in which students can acquire knowledge and skills independently and as part of a team

Evaluate teaching methods and examine learning materials in order to improve teaching techniques

Reflect on learning environment and learning process of all students in order take affirmative action when necessary

Educating

Identify intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs affecting the students’ success in school

Ensure that teaching goals and objectives outlined in the school’s mission statement are met

Maintain a standard of student behavior designed to encourage respect and minimize school and classroom interruptions

Evaluating

Determine performance evaluation criteria/methods together with other staff members

Apply pre-determined performance evaluation methods appropriately

Explain the system, criteria and timeframe of performance evaluation process to students and parents

Analyze the performance evaluation results with co-teachers

Advising and Communication

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

Advise students and parents in difficult academic, personal or social life situations and refer families to other supporting institutions in order to guarantee success in school as appropriate in coordination with classroom teacher and the Grade School Director

School Development

Encourage and initiate continued school improvement in curriculum and teaching methods in cooperation with faculty

Participate and contribute to the work in quality circles, SDC (School Development Committee), as well as projects referring to the development of lesson plans and IB development

Participation in School Events

Actively and positively represent the school

Attend school functions as needed and actively participates in the planning and delivery of such

Attend professional conferences, seminars, and workshops in education

Attend school meetings and participate in school development process

Share newly acquired knowledge with other staff members

Preferred qualifications:

MA in Elementary Education

Native German language skills is a must

English language skills desirable

Experience with the IB program a plus

Teaching certificate and a minimum two years of experience teaching at the elementary level

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

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

Submit a cover letter and resume to our HR Generalist: karen.lin@gspdx.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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 Charity Waters @ charity.waters@gspdx.org with a resume.  

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

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.