Director of Religious Education / Lead Teacher Unitarian Universalist

Wy’east Unitarian Universalist Congregation – NE Portland, OR

Part-time on Sunday mornings (approx. 15-20 hours/month) | $22-$25/hour

Wy’east Unitarian Universalist Congregation is a small, welcoming liberal religious community located in the Hollywood neighborhood of NE Portland. We meet Sunday mornings at 10:30am at the Community for Positive Aging (formerly Hollywood Senior Center) at 1820 NE 40th Ave, Portland, OR 97212.

We are committed to spiritual growth, justice, and compassion, and we gather around shared values rather than dogma or beliefs. As part of the broader Unitarian Universalist tradition, we draw inspiration from many sources—world religions, science, nature, and personal experience—and we honor the inherent worthiness of every person and the interdependent web of which we are all a part.

Our community includes approximately 50 adults and a growing group of children and youth. We are seeking a Director of Religious Education (DRE) / Lead Teacher who will help us nurture the spiritual lives of our youngest members and attract more families through creative, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Each Week (9:30am-12:30pm Sundays)

·    Lead children’s Religious Education classes Sundays of each month, (except when there is a fifth Sunday in the month)

·    Set up and take down the classroom spaces and help with set up and take down of the worship service space weekly.

·    Schedule and coordinate volunteers to ensure at least two adults are present in the classroom each session.

·    Read or tell stories during Children’s Time in worship services as needed (1-3 times/month)

·    Provide direct supervision to the childcare volunteer assistant and any other paid teachers or nursery staff.

Periodically:

·    Collaborate with the Minister and Religious Education (RE) Committee to choose developmentally appropriate Unitarian Universalist curricula and themes.

·    Create lesson plans using established UU curricula (with flexibility for teacher-designed content).

·    Communicate regularly with parents, volunteers, and the congregation about Religious Education activities and needs.

·    Attend quarterly meetings with the Minister, RE Committee, and teaching team to assess and plan programming.

·    Obtain and manage necessary classroom materials and supplies.

·    Maintain required paperwork and background checks for volunteers.

·    Track and report on participation in the program.

Experience and Qualifications:

·    Demonstrated successful experience working with children.

·    Experience in teaching, religious education, or child development.

·    Familiarity with or willingness to learn about Unitarian Universalism. 

·    Alignment with UU values.

·    Strong communication and organizational skills.

·    Ability to pass a background check.

·    Physically able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds short distances.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we especially welcome BIPoC, queer, or disabled people to apply.

This position is ideal for someone who is committed to inclusive spiritual education, enjoys working with young children, and wants to work in a small, supportive community.

Timing: begin as early as mid-August for planning; Sunday mornings on September 7, 2025.

To apply: please send a resume minister@wyeastuu.org, or apply here. If we are interested, we will have you complete a brief google survey application.

We will consider applications as they arrive and until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply by August 10, 2025.