Head Teacher

JCC Association of North America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Head Teacher to lead a dynamic teaching team. This role involves creating an engaging curriculum based on children's interests, facilitating virtual learning, and fostering relationships with families. You'll be at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. If you have a strong background in early childhood education and are eager to make a meaningful impact in a diverse community, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Join a vibrant organization committed to enhancing the well-being of families and children in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of teaching experience with children under 6.
• Proficiency in curriculum development and virtual learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching team in curriculum planning and documentation.
• Build relationships with families and communicate children's progress.
• Create nurturing classroom environments and engage children.

Skills

Early Childhood Education

Bilingual Mandarin/English

Communication Skills

Curriculum Development

Virtual Learning Facilitation

Education

MA in Early Childhood/Elementary Education

BA in Early Childhood

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Outlook

Job description

Join to apply for the Head Teacher role at JCC Association of North America.

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization, and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan's Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming—now across 15 sites—focusing on education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Lead teaching team in documentation, reflection, and planning to devise emergent curriculum based on children's interests and prior knowledge.
• Facilitate virtual learning and outreach to families during school closures.
• Work with a diverse community, including a significant Mandarin-speaking population.
• Build relationships with families and communicate children's learning and development in person and through documentation.
• Partner with staff and administration on preschool philosophy and direction.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Planning, Preparation + Curriculum Development

• Co-construct curriculum based on children's interests and development.
• Document, reflect, and plan from observations.
• Participate in weekly planning meetings.
• Meet the needs of all children, including English language learners.

Facilitate Virtual Learning During School Closures

• Post schedules, stories, resources, and videos online daily; lead virtual sessions.
• Communicate regularly with families and colleagues via email, Zoom, and chat.
• Conduct weekly individual meetings with families for support and assessment.
• Develop support plans for families covering various needs, updating collaboratively.
• Empower families through coaching and resources on topics like attachment, sleep, and development.

Classroom Environment

• Create inquiry-based, nurturing classroom environments.
• Nurture children's home languages through curated materials.
• Ensure the environment is welcoming and accessible.
• Display narratives and curriculum visually.

Relationships with Teaching Team

• Develop schedules and processes for timely work completion.
• Lead documentation, reflection, and planning meetings.
• Provide coaching and support to teachers.

Interactions with Children

• Engage children with respect and mindfulness.
• Supervise and give individual attention.
• Manage routines and transitions.
• Encourage exploration and project work.
• Support children through conflict and problem-solving.

Relationships with Families

• Build respectful, reciprocal relationships.
• Maintain consistent communication.

Professional Responsibilities

• Document children's learning and progress.
• Maintain professional relationships and mentor teachers.
• Connect families with resources and support services.
• Participate in professional development.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
• Be reflective, inquisitive, and willing to learn from mistakes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MA in Early Childhood/Elementary Education; NYS B-2, N-6, or P-6 certification or study plan.
• Study plan: BA in Early Childhood with a commitment to certification within three years.
• At least 3 years of teaching experience with children under 6.
• Bilingual Mandarin/English is a plus.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and online platforms.
• Availability for morning and afternoon shifts (8am-4pm, 9am-5pm, or 10am-6pm).
• Strong oral communication skills.