Science Teacher

Description

(MNA) is seeking a trauma-informed, student and academic advisor to join our team as the newest Science Teacher ! MNA is an alternative high school within NAYA Family Center, located in the Cully neighborhood of NE Portland. Annual enrollment is 50 to 60 students. MNA’s educational model is culturally specific and reflects the values of Native peoples, though our students come from all backgrounds. Being a teacher at MNA is different than at other schools. Our teacher to student ratio is 1 to 10, so you can get to know each learner and their needs. Food, housing and other resource needs that are barriers to learning can be addressed by NAYA staff right in the building.

The MNA Science Teacher is responsible for the instruction and supervision of students, functioning in accordance with established policies, rules, regulations, and performance standards and goals established for the teacher. The MNA Classroom Teacher works with individual students and groups to accomplish the objectives of the program in a school that offers students and their families a supportive, culturally responsive learning environment, as well as the opportunity for increased high school and post-secondary achievement.

NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental and vision insurance for employees (and affordable care for family), 401(k) retirement plan with 6% match, and paid holidays. General working hours are from 8 : 30am - 4 : 30pm. The school year spans August 20, 2025 - June 12, 2026.

The salary starts at $52,000 to $55,000 annually or commensurate depending on experience.

Who You Are :

• Ideally, you have work or lived experience in the Native community, or you have a commitment to learn Native history and the unique strengths and challenges of Urban Natives.
• You are an expert at helping students feel included. You know that the work of a teacher is mentoring and coaching, in addition to delivering instruction.
• You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or a science content area (, Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
• You understand the local education system and factors that contribute to student success.
• You bring knowledge of Native American history and the diversity of the local Native community, with awareness of issues impacting the Urban Indian experience.
• You have a demonstrated track record of managing projects effectively—planning, organizing, prioritizing, and following through.
• You’ve improved academic outcomes using culturally rooted, trauma-informed, restorative, and inquiry-based approaches.
• You don’t go it alone. You connect with other teachers and / or with the Assistant Principal and Principal for thought partnership.
• You know that being a teacher means that you’ll face stressful situations. You are the sort of person who brings calmness, curiosity and flexibility to these situations.
• You are self aware. You welcome feedback on your teaching skills.
• You are technically proficient with tools such as Microsoft Suite (including Outlook), Google Suite, Canva, web-based research, and digital curriculum platforms aligned with departmental needs.

What You'll Do :

Read the full here.

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact , MNA Principal or the .

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage members of the Native community to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups, as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have served in the military.