Pre-K Lead Teacher

Harlem Children's Zone • New York, NY

1d • $70,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Harlem Children’s Zone Gems is a year-round, full-day pre-kindergarten program serving 160 children across two sites. Its mission is to prepare young scholars for success in kindergarten and beyond by building strong academic foundations, promoting family involvement, and fostering a culture of academic excellence. Early literacy is a primary focus, alongside language, math, science, technology, social studies, the arts, fitness, health, and nutrition.

The Pre-K Lead Teacher develops and delivers engaging, standards-aligned instruction that builds foundational academic and social-emotional skills and prepares students for kindergarten. The teacher assesses student progress, personalizes instruction, maintains high expectations, collaborates with classroom support staff, and builds strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

This is an 11-month position with a Monday–Friday rotating schedule. Work hours rotate between 7:40 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The salary range is $70,000–$140,000, based on relevant experience, certification, and education.

Requirements

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

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 tests, projects, activities, and other assessment methods to track student progress, personalize instruction, and support continuous growth.
• Maintain high academic and behavioral expectations and motivate students to reach their full potential.
• Use 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.
• Build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to foster trust, communication, and academic success.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level