Who We Are

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.

The Gems Lead Teacher will bring a passion for the goal of Harlem Gems: to 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. The ideal candidate cares deeply about children, respects the culture of Harlem’s residents, and is eager to make an impact in our community and beyond.

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

Schedule

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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

• Valid New York State Teaching Certification (Birth-2nd Grade and/or PreK-6th Grade)
• Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in an urban school setting
• Preferred experience with Creative Curriculum and/or Eureka Math

Benefits

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)
• $6,000 sign-on bonus for certified teachers
• Up to $30,000 in student loan forgiveness
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Annual and performance-based bonuses

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 Gems Lead Teacher salary ranges from $70,969-$140,702. 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.