Pre-K Lead Teacher

Why 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.

We’re seeking a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher who brings a passion for HCZ’s mission to guide all our scholars to and through college!

Who We Are:

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.

What You’ll Do:

• 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.

Teacher Schedule:

• Monday – Friday, work hours 7:40 am- 4:00pm and 10:00 am - 6:00pm (rotating schedule)
• 11-month position

What You Bring:

• 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

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 $70,000-$140,000. Salaries are determined based on years of relevant experience, certification, and education level.

Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone does not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship for work authorization in the United States.

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