Upper Elementary Teacher (Leave Replacement)

Wearedream; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

DREAM is seeking a temporary 4th/5th Grade Teacher in New York City for the 2026‑2027 school year. The role focuses on building strong student relationships, delivering a Common Core-aligned curriculum, and collaborating with grade and student support teams to analyze data and improve outcomes.

The position runs for a defined period with potential salary adjustments for advanced degrees or NYS certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• New York State certification in subject area preferred.
• At least two years of teaching experience with record of improving student achievement preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with students.
• Implement Common Core‑aligned curriculum with grade team.
• Analyze data to drive instruction with Student Support Team involvement.
• Participate in grade team meetings, IEP meetings, and professional development.
• Track academic progress and communicate with families.
• Create inclusive classroom environment and adhere to behavior plans.

Skills

Communication

Data analysis

Collaboration

Feedback receptiveness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

New York State teaching certificate

Job description

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social‑emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five‑year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Teacher will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with students, implementing a Common Core‑aligned curriculum, and working with their grade team, leadership team, and student support team to analyze data to drive instruction. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who is passionate about improving student outcomes by leading excellent instruction and building a positive school culture for all learners.

• Work with co‑teacher (as relevant) to create and foster a culture where all students can achieve at high levels;
• Implement a Common Core‑aligned curriculum through backwards lesson planning, following school‑wide protocols for developing and documenting syllabi, lesson plans, assignments, and rubrics, and utilizing research‑based best practices to support all learners;
• Actively prepare for and participate in all meetings (such as grade team meetings, Student Support Meetings, IEP Meetings, etc.), collaborative planning, and professional development including an annual summer institute;
• Track, monitor, and assume responsibility for the academic progress for all students in the classroom;
• Analyze assessment data and daily data including Exit Tickets and Do Now’s to inform instruction;
• Set and maintain high expectations by building meaningful relationships;
• Work with Student Culture Team and Student Support Team to create and progress monitor individual plans for students, as needed;
• Build a warm and inclusive classroom environment and abide by school‑wide practices for classroom management and individual behavior plans;
• Work with grade team, leadership team, and related service providers to analyze data, revise practices, norm on team‑wide initiatives, and discuss individual scholars with a solutions‑oriented mindset;
• Establish and maintain strong relationships and regularly communicate scholars’ progress towards academic, social‑emotional, and behavioral goals and with families;
• Additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• New York State certification in subject area preferred;
• At least two years of teaching experience with record of improving student achievement preferred;
• A desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families and community;
• Desire and ability to receive and implement feedback;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences (including colleagues, students, families);
• A commitment to working with diverse populations of families and students;
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

• This is a temporary position to fill in for two leaves taking place during the 2026‑2027 school year, one in 4th Grade and one in 5th Grade.
• The expected length of employment is an immediate start until roughly June 17, 2027.
• The salary range for incoming teachers is $75,000 to $100,000 per year. As this is a temporary position, yearly salary will be prorated for the length of employment.
• Additional compensation is added for incoming teachers with Master's degrees and NYS Special Education certifications.
• DREAM is committed to upholding highly competitive salaries and ensuring teacher pay is within the highest quartile of NYC Charter Schools.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.