Native American Youth And Family Center·Portland, Oregon
The substitute teacher will deliver instruction based on existing teaching plans or adapt without them, focusing on getting to know each learner and their needs within a small, supportive team environment. Responsibilities also include connecting with the regular teacher, colleagues, and administration to ensure continuity and address student needs.
Description Many Nations Academy (MNA) is an alternative high school within the 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.
You will be joining a small, supportive teaching team that works together closely. This is an ideal role for a teacher at any stage of career, whether you are new to the classroom or you have experience but want to work within a new model. At NAYA, you will not be on your own. Teamwork, cross curricular learning and professional development are important values for us.
30 am to 4:30 pm.
Class is in session from 9 am to 4:20 pm on
Monday/Tuesday and
Thursday/Friday and 12pm to 4:30pm on Wednesday. The school year ends in mid June and begins again in early September.
Pay for this position is $21-22 per hour.
Who You Are You have at least one year of experience as a teacher or substitute teacher.
Ideally, you have experience in an alternative high school or in a high school that serves students who are historically marginalized and histrorically resilient.
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.
A good place to start is Oregon Department of Education’s Tribal History/Shared History training.
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 can work with a teaching plan for the day, or without one.
You don’t go it alone.
You connect with the teacher you substitute for, with other teachers, and with the Assistant Principal and Principal.
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 want to become a member of the MNA teaching team, even as a substitute teacher.
Read the full job description.
Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact Jay Hosteen, MNA Principal or the HR Team.
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 the Native American 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.
A minimum of one year of experience as a teacher or substitute teacher is required, ideally within an alternative high school setting serving historically marginalized students. Candidates should be experts at making students feel included and demonstrate calmness, curiosity, and flexibility when facing stressful situations.
Market context
Substitute teacher roles in Oregon are often driven by day-to-day classroom coverage needs, so demand can stay steady across districts. Competition can be shaped by compliance and readiness: being enrolled in the Central Background Registry, meeting teacher-qualification criteria, and completing required safety training can help you move faster. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications and availability before applying.