Current Opportunities
Careers
The Portland Montessori School (TPMS) is a non-profit community that educates children ages 15 months through 12 years. For over 60 years, we have specialized in Montessori Education adhering to Montessori principles of AMI while focusing on teaching life and social-emotional skills.
We prioritize strong relationships that enhance our school’s resources for families and staff, center people and their experiences, and are committed to a culture of belonging, collaboration, and appreciation.
TPMS is committed to the following values as we inspire future leaders.
- Provide high-fidelity Montessori education for all
- Invest in people to develop a passion for lifelong learning
- Lead advocacy efforts that impact educational policies
- Create connected community
- Develop culturally responsive, equitable, and inclusive environments
Please send your resume to our Director of People, Experience, and Operations at hiring@portlandmontessori.org for consideration; it’s the next step towards great opportunities.
Required Background Check & Training
All potential employees at The Portland Montessori School must be enrolled in the Central Background Registry (CBR) through the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) before beginning employment.
As part of our continued partnership with DELC and our commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for children, employees are required to complete applicable DELC-required trainings, including:
- FFL – Foundations for Families and Learning
- RRCAN – Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
- ICCHS – Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety
- Safe Sleep for Oregon’s Infants
- Food Handler Certification
Additional training requirements may apply based on an employee’s role and responsibilities.
For more information about DELC-required training, please visit the DELC Required Training page.
We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences enrich our team and strengthen our work. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and brown individuals, as well as disabled people and those with diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities. If you are excited about this position, we hope you apply.
Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet all of the qualifications. Our primary goal is to find the best candidate for the role, which may include individuals from less traditional backgrounds. We encourage you to consider your unique background and qualifications and to apply.
Questions? Contact our Director of People, Experience, and Operations at hiring@portlandmontessori.org
School History
The Portland Montessori School, formerly Providence Montessori School, was founded in September 1962 under the direction of Sister Francella LaFramboise, who studied extensively at Montessori institutes in both the United States and Europe. In 2012, the school celebrated its 50th birthday, and we have the proud distinction of being the first Montessori school in the Northwest.
THE TRANSITION TO THE PORTLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL
On January 1, 2013, Providence Montessori School officially became The Portland Montessori School, an independent, non-profit school. This successful transition resulted from the dedicated efforts of the school community, and the hard work of many parents, teachers and staff. Providence Health Systems, the organization that previously operated the school, also provided significant support throughout the transition. Now operating independently, the school is guided by a board of directors with active involvement and input from an engaged parent advisory committee (PAC). Our school retains its former character and community, including its rich history of providing a Montessori education to Portland-area children.
AN APPROACH TO EDUCATION DEVELOPED BY DR. MARIA MONTESSORI
At The Portland Montessori School, we educate children according to the Montessori method of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy, and a pioneer in the study of child development. This method is based on her work with developmentally challenged and underprivileged children in Italy, which she began after graduating from medical school in 1896. The approach quickly earned worldwide acclaim and became a standard approach to educating children.
THE MONTESSORI APPROACH
In a Montessori education, children learn concepts while working in a carefully prepared environment designed to stimulate each child’s interest and understanding. Children work independently and in small groups with mixed-ages ranging approximately three years. Because a Montessori education instills the value of caring for our earth, the classroom often extends to the outdoors. The Montessori approach helps each child develop according to his or her inner clock. The guide, or teacher, acts as a catalyst in each child’s unique journey of development and aids them in their natural process of growth and learning.
The time-tested principles, methods and materials used in a Montessori education are scientifically supported and researched. After more than a century, this method continues to work because of its foundation in both observable and inherent human developmental principles that Dr. Montessori explored during her many decades of scientific observation and practice.