Pre-K Lead Teacher

Harlem Children's Zone · New York, NY · 1 wk ago

On-siteEducation$70k–$140k/yrFull-time

About Harlem GEMS

At Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) Gems, our mission is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and unlock new possibilities for our children, families, and communities. We prepare our youngest scholars to succeed in K-12 and beyond by building a strong academic foundation and starting them on the path to college and career. By joining, you become part of a transformative movement dedicated to shaping brighter futures and driving extraordinary outcomes for those we serve.

Harlem Gems is the final step in our early childhood pipeline. A top-notch, year-round, full-day pre-kindergarten program, Gems works with 160 children across two sites to ensure that each and every scholar enters kindergarten school ready. Gems staff encourage strong family involvement, engaging parents and caregivers in classroom activities, and creating consistency between home and school. Early literacy skills are a primary focus of the Gems curriculum. Students are immersed in language—and not just English. They also learn basic vocabulary in French and Spanish and get to know and explore the world around them through exposure to a range of disciplines—from math, science, and technology to social studies and the arts. They participate in fun fitness activities, playing sports such as golf and tennis, and even learn the basics of health and nutrition, including how to differentiate "go," "slow," and "whoa" foods to foster healthy eating habits. From recreation to reading, our goal is to turn our Gems into lifelong learners. And we reinforce the ultimate goal—college graduation—early and often. Each Gems classroom is named after a prestigious college or university, at once setting a high bar for the future and fostering a culture of academic excellence.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans that inspire curiosity and build foundational early childhood skills
Prepare students for kindergarten by strengthening literacy, math, language, and social-emotional development
Use various assessment methods—tests, projects, and activities—to track student progress, personalize instruction, and ensure continuous growth
Maintain high academic and behavioral expectations, motivating students to reach their full potential
Employ diverse teaching strategies, including direct instruction, hands-on projects, and group activities, to engage and challenge students
Collaborate with Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows to support individual student needs and create a supportive learning community
Foster strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to build a culture of trust, communication, and academic success

Schedule

Monday – Friday, rotating shifts: 7:40 am – 4:00 pm and 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. This is an 11-month position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Valid New York State Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–2 or All Grades)
Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in an urban school setting

Benefits

Generous paid time off, including sick and personal days
No-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
Up to $30,000 in student loan forgiveness
403(b) retirement plan
Personal laptop, access to Smartboards and tablets
Biweekly professional development
Support from a dedicated team of academic coaches, deans, guidance counselors, and social workers

Pay

Salary range: $70,000 – $140,000, determined by years of relevant experience, certification, and education level.