Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Gems seeks a Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Fellow for the 2026-2027 school year!
The Gems Teaching Fellow will bring a passion for the goal of HCZ 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.
Who you 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.
What you’ll do
• 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
• Monday - Friday, 7:40am - 4:00pm and 10:00am - 6:00pm (rotating schedule)
• 11-month school year with optional summer opportunities for additional pay
• Must be available to work flexible hours (after hours, weekends, and holidays as needed)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Early childhood education and/or educational background
• Enrolled in a Master’s degree and actively pursuing New York State teaching certification