Preschool Head Teacher, Alpha - $120,000/year USD

About the Role

Exceptional preschool teachers don't require scripted instruction. They require a school that values their professional judgment. If you're an educator who views play as essential developmental work, prioritizes relationships over rote academics, and sees each moment as a chance to foster growth, Alpha will be the right fit. This is a full-time, on-site position in Manhattan, where you'll lead a Pre-K classroom focused equally on emotional safety, curiosity, and measurable developmental progress. You'll create engaging, play-based learning environments that support children in building confidence, resilience, early literacy, numeracy, and an authentic love of learning.

We seek educators who understand that high-quality preschool is not simply childcare—it's the groundwork for all future learning. Alpha is transforming education by enabling students to achieve academic mastery more efficiently, freeing up time to cultivate the life skills that are equally essential. That mission starts in Pre-K with outstanding teachers who understand how to make play intentional and purposeful. We anticipate hiring from throughout the New York metro area. If you're a highly skilled educator interested in relocating closer to the city, relocation assistance will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Create joyful, sensory-rich learning environments that deliberately support early literacy, numeracy, self-regulation, and social-emotional development.
• Build a classroom culture where every child feels emotionally secure, truly understood, and eager to attend school each day.
• Monitor children's development continuously, record significant progress, and apply those observations to individualize learning experiences.
• Modify activities based on each child's interests and developmental stage, ensuring every learner achieves measurable growth.
• Collaborate closely with families to communicate progress, recognize milestones, and extend each child's development into the home environment.
• Establish a Pre-K classroom environment where every child cultivates an enduring love of learning while achieving outstanding progress across the developmental foundations that influence long-term success.

What You Won’t Be Doing

• Supervising children without intentional developmental objectives guiding each activity.
• Adhering to rigid lesson scripts, depending on worksheets, or prioritizing compliance over genuine curiosity.
• Spending your time managing behavior problems instead of teaching children how to regulate their emotions.
• Placing children in front of digital academic programs while you observe passively.

Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Able to work full-time, on-site in Manhattan, New York City (relocation assistance is available).
• An associate's degree or higher, or any U.S. state teaching license or certification.
• At least 2 years of experience working with children ages 3-5 in a structured, play-based classroom or group setting.
• Experience documenting developmental milestones using a structured framework or assessment tool (Teaching Strategies GOLD, ASQ, HighScope COR, etc.).
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice-to-have Requirements

• Experience in a Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Bank Street, or other inquiry-based early childhood program.
• Experience in an independent school or an academically ambitious preschool.
• Familiarity with child-development frameworks, observation tools, or portfolio-based assessment.
• Experience adapting play-based activities to individual interests, needs, and developmental goals.

About Alpha

Join the team building school around student growth. Alpha reimagines the school day around faster learning, stronger mentorship, and more time for students to build real-world skills. Roles with real student impact: Alpha hires teachers (guides), operators, admissions experts, school & curriculum leaders, and remote team members. Education work that pays like it matters: Alpha offers six-figure roles for people ready to help build a radically better school experience. A culture built for builders: Alpha is fast-moving, ambitious, and student-focused. It’s for people who want to improve the system, not maintain it. Alpha is where you can do the most meaningful work of your career.

Benefits

This is a full-time, W2 employee position with immediate access to benefits. Learn more about benefits here.

Pay

The compensation level for this role is $120,000 USD/year. The payment period is weekly.