Elementary Teaching Assistant

Harlem Children's Zone Inc; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary and benefits

Student loan forgiveness up to $10,000

No-cost health insurance

Life Insurance

Disability benefits

Commuter benefits

Career advancement

Wellness discounts

Job summary

Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy seeks a Teaching Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year to join our cradle-to-career pathway. You will support the Lead Teacher, help scholars reach grade-level standards, and contribute to a caring, high-expectation learning environment in Harlem.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree and a New York State Teaching Assistant Certification (or be enrolled to complete it within 30 days of hire).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; NYS Teaching Assistant Certification or in progress (within 30 days of hire).
• 12-month position with flexibility for after-hours, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Commitment to Harlem Children’s Zone mission and community context.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teacher in lesson delivery and student learning.
• Assist students to meet grade-level standards with high expectations.
• Manage classroom in teacher’s absence and substitute as needed.
• Enforce school policies to maintain a focused learning environment.
• Assist with student arrival/dismissal and transitions.
• Participate in program planning and activities outside the classroom.
• Monitor and report students’ academic, physical, and emotional well-being.
• Collect data and attend staff meetings and supervisory conferences.

Skills

Classroom management

Lesson delivery support

Student engagement

Data collection

Education

Bachelor’s degree

New York State Teaching Assistant Certification

Tools

Smartboards

Tablets

Laptops

Job description

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Promise Academy - top-performing K-12 charter schools within HCZ’s cradle-to-career pathway of comprehensive services - seek a Teaching Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year!

The Teaching Assistant will bring a passion for the goal of HCZ Promise Academy: to get all our scholars to and through college. 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.

For more information, check out Want to Work at Promise Academy? Here are 7 Things You Need to Know.

Who you are

We’re seeking a Teaching Assistant who shares our goal: to get all our scholars to and through college.

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 K-12 charter school within HCZ’s cradle-to-career pathway, Promise Academy delivers exceptional education alongside holistic support-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.

What you’ll do

• Support the Lead Teacher in lesson delivery and student learning.
• Help students achieve grade-level standards while maintaining high academic and personal expectations.
• Manage the classroom in the teacher’s absence and substitute in other classrooms as needed.
• Enforce school policies on student conduct and discipline, ensuring a focused learning environment.
• Assist with student arrival, dismissal, and transitions.
• Engage in activities outside the classroom and contribute to program planning.
• Address behavioral and emergency situations following school policies.
• Monitor and report students' academic, physical, and emotional well-being.
• Collect and submit data in a timely manner.
• Attend staff meetings and supervisory conferences.

Schedule

• 12-month position
• Must be available to work flexible hours (after hours, weekends, and holidays as needed)

• Bachelor’s degree
• Educational background
• Valid New York State Teaching Assistant Certification (or in the process of obtaining certification, which must be completed within 30 days of hire)

To achieve these exceptional outcomes, we hire the best and brightest educators and administrators and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the industry. We believe they earn it and deserve it.

Our exceptional benefits include:

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Up to $10,000 in Student Loan Forgiveness
• Sick time
• Employee referral bonus
• Career advancement
• No-cost health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

In addition, we provide our teachers with the resources they need to be successful. Teachers receive a personal laptop, Smartboards, and tablets; bi-weekly professional development; and the support of a team of academic coaches, deans, guidance counselors, and social workers who are committed to ensuring the success of all our scholars.

The Teaching Assistant salary ranges from $45,000-$50,000. 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.