Lead Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten (Harlem Gems)

We’re seeking a Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher for Harlem Children's Zone's pre-K program: Harlem Gems! The Lead Teacher will bring a passion for HCZ's mission to get all our scholars to and through college.

At Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), our mission is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and unlock new possibilities for our children, families, and communities. As the Pre-Kindergarten school within HCZ’s cradle-to-career pathway, Harlem Gems prepares our youngest scholars to succeed by delivering exceptional education and building a strong academic foundation—empowering young minds, inspiring potential, and creating lasting change. 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 everyone 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.

Requirements:

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

Position Overview:

• Design and implement dynamic, standards-aligned lesson plans that inspire curiosity and foster mastery of grade-level content
• Assess student progress using a variety of methods—exams, projects, and written work—to personalize instruction and ensure continuous growth
• Establish and maintain high academic and behavioral standards, motivating all students to achieve their best
• Utilize diverse teaching strategies, including direct instruction, hands-on projects, and group activities, to engage and challenge students
• Collaborate with teaching assistants and fellow educators to meet individual student needs and create a supportive learning community
• Build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to foster a culture of trust, communication, and academic success

Teacher Schedule: 

• Monday – Friday, work hours 8:00 am- 4:00pm or 10:00 am - 6:00pm 
• 12-month position 

What We Bring: 

We’re passionate about hiring outstanding teachers who are dedicated to helping our scholars thrive. In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package because we believe our teachers deserve it! 

Our benefits include: 

• 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

Additionally, teachers receive a personal laptop, access to Smartboards and tablets, and biweekly professional development. Our educators are supported by a dedicated team of academic coaches, deans, guidance counselors, and social workers, all committed to your success and that of our scholars.

The Pre-K Teacher salary ranges from $65,000-$95,402.

Harlem Children’s Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.