Learning Specialist, Pre-Kindergarten (Harlem Gems - Special Education Teacher)

Harlem Children's Zone; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,402; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to $30,000 in Student Loan Forgiveness

$6,000 sign-on bonus

Paid time off

Career advancement

No-cost health insurance

Wellness discounts

Financial wellness perks

Job summary

A community educational organization in New York seeks a passionate Pre-Kindergarten Learning Specialist to prepare young scholars for success in education. The role involves individualized instruction, collaboration with teaching staff, and ongoing assessment of student progress. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and a valid NY State Teaching Certification, along with at least 2 years of teaching experience. Offering competitive salaries and extensive benefits including student loan forgiveness and a sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years teaching experience in an urban school setting.
• Minimum 2 years teaching experience in a daycare or preschool setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and inclusive instruction through ICT.
• Develop and implement personalized learning plans aligned with IEPs.
• Collaborate closely with teachers to meet students' needs.
• Monitor, assess, and document student progress.
• Create engaging lessons that make learning accessible.
• Build partnerships with families and colleagues.
• Maintain high expectations for student success.

Skills

Individualized instruction

Collaboration with teachers

Student progress monitoring

Differentiated lesson planning

Partnership with families

Education

Bachelor's degree

Valid NY State Teaching Certification

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Harlem Children's Zone provided pay range

This range is provided by Harlem Children's Zone. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$65,000.00/yr - $95,402.00/yr

Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) Gems seeks a Pre-Kindergarten Learning Specialist! The Gems Learning Specialist 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Valid New York State Teaching Certification in Students with Disabilities (Birth‑2nd or All Grades)
• Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in an urban school setting
• Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in a daycare or preschool setting

What you'll do

• Provide individualized and inclusive instruction through Integrated Co‑Teaching (ICT) models
• Develop and implement personalized learning plans aligned with students' IEPs to achieve measurable goals
• Collaborate closely with general education teachers to meet students' academic, social, emotional, and physical needs
• Monitor, assess, and document student progress to ensure growth and celebrate milestones
• Create engaging, differentiated lessons that inspire curiosity and make learning accessible for all
• Build strong partnerships with families, school leaders, and colleagues to support student success
• Maintain high expectations for student learning, behavior, and personal development—because every child can thrive

Schedule

• 11‑month position
• Monday ‑ Friday, work hours 7:40 am‑4:00 pm and 10:00 am‑6:00 pm (rotating schedule)
• Must be available to work flexible hours (after hours, weekends, and holidays as needed)

Benefits

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.

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Up to $30,000 in Student Loan Forgiveness
• $6,000 sign‑on bonus after 90 days of employment
• Paid time off
• 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 Gems Learning Specialist salary ranges from $65,000‑$95,402. Salaries are determined based on years of relevant experience, certification, and education level.

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.