Special Education Teachers K-5 (24-25 SY)

Who We Are

Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework.  It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.

Understanding the Role

Every member of the Instructional Team at Challenge Preparatory Charter School plays a critical role in ensuring our students have the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for their students and their families, working tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to opportunities. We are especially committed to attracting and developing individuals who share the life experiences of our students because we believe the best work we do is grounded in the realities and experiences of our families and students. As a General Education Teacher, you will deliver exceptional instruction and assess scholar growth. You are dedicated to constant learning and proactively provide academic and cultural support to your school and team. This position reports to the principal.

• The staff of CPCS is committed to teaching students the values of scholarship, respect, honesty, courage, and balance in a collaborative technology-infused, inclusive family-like environment. Teachers assist all scholars in their content area classes so they may reach their full potential by focusing on their individual aspirations and strengths.  Planning for students of all ability levels, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities is expected so that these students may achieve academic mastery. Additionally, the school will offer opportunities for teachers to participate in the following:
•  After-school and/or Saturday tutoring, sports, enrichment, arts and family programs
• In-house committees of special programs
• Professional development such as inquiry work, intervisitations, common planning, and collaborative conversation
• Because roles in small schools are varied and complex, serious consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate in their resume and cover letter experience and/or willingness to commit to the school’s mission and core beliefs and to become involved in these essential aspects:
• Collaborating with colleagues to write unit plans and interim assessments; sharing teaching strategies, visiting peer classrooms, analyzing student data, and developing best practice pedagogy that supports literacy and critical thinking skills across all subject areas 
• Believing that all students can succeed with ample social-emotional support in and out of the classroom
• Employing a variety of collaborative team-teaching models for ELL students and special needs students
• Applying data gathered through formative and summative assessments to guide instructional plan
• Developing an individual growth plan, which includes professional goals and objectives in collaboration with the Principal and/or Assistant Principal 
• Utilizing technology which includes a parent/student portal and school website that provides regular written updates and/or grades

• Challenge Preparatory Charter School will consider candidates who can demonstrate: 
• Commitment to and alignment with the CPCS mission, vision, program goals, and curriculum
• Effective leadership skills that inspire teamwork and dedication
• Strategic problem-solving skills 
• Strong communication skills with students, families, staff, and community members
• Exceptional management and organizational skills
• Positive experience in taking the initiative, assuming accountability and being productive in attaining measurable goals and mission accomplishments
• Ability to plan strategically and effectively, as well as adapting to unforeseen situations
• Ability to create a positive school culture that is welcoming, fun, and conducive to learning

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred
• NYS certification required  
• Highly motivated to teach students from underserved areas and devoted to closing the achievement gap
• Teaching experience in an urban school setting preferred
• The ability to create a classroom setting where students of every academic level experience enjoyment, engagement, and enthusiasm in their learning
• Strong teamwork ethic
• Ability to use data to drive instruction

• Challenge Charter School's staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off, matching of retirement contributions up to 3%, and more.
• Comprehensive benefits package including four health plans to choose from, two dental plans, and vision insurance
• We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals
• This is a full-time position commencing mid-August through June 

School Sites

Grades K-1: 1279 Redfern Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Grades 2-5: 710 Hartman Lane, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 

Recruitment Process

Phase I -  Phone interview with a member of the elementary team  

Phase II - In-person lesson delivery and possible Interview with feedback from the Elementary Leadership Team

Phase III - Final Interview with the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning K-5 

Phase IV - Reference Checks

Final - Offer and Contract