Lead Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten (Harlem Gems)

As a Lead Teacher at Harlem Gems, you'll design engaging lesson plans that inspire curiosity and mastery among our pre-kindergarten scholars. You'll assess student progress through various methods and establish robust academic and behavioral standards. Your role is to foster a supportive learning environment by collaborating with teaching assistants and building strong relationships with parents and caregivers.

To become a Lead Teacher at Harlem Children's Zone, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and a valid New York State Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, a minimum of two years of teaching experience in an urban school setting is essential to ensure that you have the skills needed to address the diverse needs of our scholars.

The typical schedule for a Lead Teacher at Harlem Gems is Monday through Friday, with work hours ranging from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm or 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. This schedule allows for a balance between educating young scholars and collaborative planning with fellow educators.

At Harlem Gems, we believe that our teachers deserve the best support to help our scholars thrive. Therefore, teachers benefit from access to a dedicated team of academic coaches, deans, guidance counselors, and social workers. In addition, teachers will receive a personal laptop and Smartboards for effective teaching.

The salary range for a Lead Teacher at Harlem Children's Zone is between $65,000 and $95,402. This competitive salary is a reflection of our commitment to hiring outstanding educators who contribute to our mission of academic excellence.

When approaching lesson planning as a Pre-K Lead Teacher, it's essential to develop dynamic, standards-aligned lessons that cater to young learners' varied needs. Incorporating hands-on projects and interactive group activities will help foster engagement and curiosity, showcasing how you can adapt plans based on student interests.

In discussing your experience working with diverse student populations, emphasize adaptability in teaching strategies and highlight specific examples where you successfully engaged students from varied backgrounds. Explain how you've fostered inclusive environments that celebrate cultural diversity.

To assess student progress in Pre-Kindergarten, I employ various methods such as observations, portfolios, and assessments that track skills across multiple domains. Sharing specific experiences of how these assessments informed personalized instruction will demonstrate your commitment to student growth.

Involving families in the educational process is crucial. I'd share methods like regular communication through newsletters, inviting families to classroom activities, and creating opportunities for parents to engage with the curriculum, highlighting how these practices strengthen home-school connections.

Handling behavioral challenges in the classroom requires a strong understanding of classroom management techniques. Sharing examples of proactive strategies, such as setting clear behavior expectations and employing positive reinforcement, will illustrate your capability in fostering a positive learning environment.

Building relationships with students starts with creating a safe and nurturing environment. I prioritize getting to know each child's interests and strengths, using morning circles and individual check-ins to establish trust, ensuring that every student feels valued in the classroom.

Incorporating social-emotional learning in my curriculum involves teaching emotional literacy and regulation through activities such as storytelling and role-playing. Sharing specific interactions with students where you've guided them in making connections to their feelings can highlight this vital aspect of your teaching.

My approach to teaching early literacy skills revolves around immersive experiences. I use a combination of read-alouds, phonemic awareness games, and interactive storytelling, making literacy a fun and engaging process. Discussing student outcomes and progress will further emphasize the effectiveness of your methods.

Staying current with educational trends and best practices is vital for effective teaching. I regularly attend professional development workshops, participate in webinars, and collaborate with colleagues to share insights and resources, showcasing my commitment to continuous improvement.

Creating an inclusive classroom environment starts with understanding and valuing each student's unique background. I implement differentiated instruction, culturally responsive materials, and inclusive discussions to ensure all voices are heard, emphasizing equity and belonging in my teaching philosophy.