Teaching Assistant (Harlem Gems)

We are seeking a Teaching Assistant for our Pre-K program, Harlem Gems. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for the mission of Harlem Gems, an understanding and respect for the culture of all residents of Harlem, and a desire for working in a school setting that fosters a love for children.

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.

What You Bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree – required
• Early childhood education and/or educational background – required
• Valid New York State Teaching Assistant Certification (or in the process of obtaining certification, which must be completed within 30 days of hire) – required

What You’ll Do: 

• Support the Lead Teacher in lesson delivery and student learning.
• Help students achieve grade-level standards while maintaining high academic and personal expectations.
• Manage the classroom in the teacher’s absence and substitute in other classrooms as needed.
• Enforce school policies on student conduct and discipline, ensuring a focused learning environment.
• Assist with student arrival, dismissal, and transitions.
• Engage in activities outside the classroom and contribute to program planning.
• Address behavioral and emergency situations following school policies.
• Monitor and report students' academic, physical, and emotional well-being.
• Collect and submit data in a timely manner.
• Attend staff meetings and supervisory conferences.

Schedule

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

Our benefits include:

• Generous paid time off
• No-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Up to $10,000 in student loan forgiveness
• 403(b) retirement plan

Additionally, Teaching Assistants receive biweekly professional development and are supported by a dedicated team of academic coaches, deans, guidance counselors, and social workers, all committed to their success and that of our scholars. 

The salary for this position is $40,000 per year.

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