What makes Harlem Village Academies different?
At Harlem Village Academies, we emphatically believe that excellent teachers are the most important element of excellent schools. Therefore, we have thoughtfully designed every aspect of our schools to support, develop, respect, and empower our teachers. We are people-driven, not program-driven — and the difference is profound. We’re not replicating a particular program; we are deliberately and carefully setting out to create an ideal environment and rich intellectual life for teachers. By building a system of schools designed for teachers, we ensure an excellent education for all children.
As a Harlem Village Academies teacher, you will . . .
Work with smart, passionate colleagues.
What teachers love most about Harlem Village Academies is how energizing it feels to work every day with like-minded colleagues — amazing teachers who are intelligent, professional, committed to children, and fun to work with!
Collaborate weekly to share best practices.
Perhaps the most exhilarating part of the Harlem Village Academies experience is working in teams to discuss each student's needs, develop new ideas, continuously improve instruction, and solve problems together.
Enjoy extensive professional support.
Every teacher at Harlem Village Academies is respected as a scholar. Teachers receive professional office space, computers, email, voicemail, administrative assistance, and off-site access to the school’s computer network.
Feel appreciated, empowered and respected.
Harlem Village Academies deeply values teachers’ ideas and empowers teachers to make important decisions about curriculum, lesson plans, and instructional methods. Teacher input is respected and feedback is encouraged. Our outstanding achievement results and programs have been created by our teachers!
Learn to become a leader.
The growth of the Harlem Village Academies network of schools provides exciting career growth opportunities for teachers, such as becoming a mentor teacher, grade team leader, dean or principal.
Experience unparalleled professional development.
Every summer, teachers participate in our Summer Institute — an incredible learning experience featuring best practices sharing, collaborative lesson planning, and assessment analysis training. Throughout the year, teachers receive personalized instructional coaching and weekly professional development.
Feel the deep satisfaction of improving the lives of children in the Harlem community.
We serve children from low-performing school districts in Harlem. The academic gains achieved by our students are among the highest in the country. 100% of our 8th graders passed the New York State math exam, 100% passed science, and 97% passed social studies. Our mission is to develop students of fine character who graduate from college and make a positive contribution to society. Harlem Village Academies teachers are continuously improving their craft and building schools that are recognized as a national model for educational excellence.
“I’VE LEARNED MORE HERE IN 5 MONTHS THAN IN ALL MY 5 YEARS TEACHING”
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop and teach engaging, rigorous lessons
• Establish classroom routines and follow through consistently
• Develop effective lesson plans, materials, and assessments aligned with Village Academies standards
• With guidance, analyze assessment data and use data to develop tutoring plans and inform instruction
• Collaborate with colleagues to share best practices and ensure student mastery of standards
• Maintain close relationships with families, including phone calls and conferences
• Tutor those students needing extra help on a daily basis, and serve as an advisor to 12-15 students
QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum two years full-time classroom experience as a special education teacher, preferably in an urban setting
• New York State certification strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a warm, strict, orderly classroom environment
• Demonstrated expertise in subject area and demonstrated student achievement results
• A strong sense of personal accountability for student achievement
• A belief that all students can learn at a high level and should be held to high academic standards
• The ability to communicate effectively with parents
• The ability to work effectively with colleagues as a positive, professional member of a team
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply through our website. If you are unable to apply through our website, you may email your resume and cover letter, including how you heard about the position, to teach@harlemvillage.org with “Special Education” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as received, though due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to notify those candidates who meet our selection criteria. If you have questions about your application, you may contact us at teach@harlemvillage.org or 646-812-9300 ext. 1382.
Harlem Village Academies is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.