PRE-K LEAD TEACHER (2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR)

MISSION OF THE SCHOOL: Compass Charter School is a safe and nurturing educational environment that honors the individuality of each learner. By engaging in a process of inquiry, our graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills to lead fulfilling personal and professional lives, including a developed sense of self, the ability to think in innovative and flexible ways, and the inspiration to make a positive impact on their community.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL: Compass Charter School is an inquiry-based, progressive elementary school that opened in the fall of 2014 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. We are committed to providing an experiential and democratic elementary experience to all children, with intentional access for children who typically do not get access to progressive education (children with special needs, children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and English language learners).

Our Integrated Curriculum centers sustainability in all forms: environmental, racial, and economic justice. Our staff works interdependently in collaborative teams and engages in professional inquiry (instructional coaching, reflection, restorative and trauma-informed practices). Compass enrolls approximately 330 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

THE OPPORTUNITY: Compass Charter School is seeking a committed, equity-minded educator to join our team. During the 2019-2020 school year, Compass opened our first Pre-K Class and we opened a second Pre-K class in the fall of 2020. Pre-K lead teachers work in collaboration with an assistant teacher in each of our Pre-K classrooms.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree, Master’s Degree preferred

3 or more years of relevant teaching experience preferred

New York State Teacher Certification (Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education)

Educational philosophy aligns with the mission and vision of Compass

Previous experience with teaching in a play-based preschool environment

Reflective practitioner in a state of constant professional growth and a willingness to share their craft with others

Commitment to integrating sustainability and the arts into core curricular subjects

Knowledge of the school neighborhood

Experience with co-teaching preferred

Experience working with children with special needs in an Integrated Co-teaching classroom preferred

Experience planning and teaching interdisciplinary units of study preferred.

Commitment to and knowledge of experiential and inquiry-based teaching and learning

Commitment to diverse learning environments

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

Experience collaborating with children, families, colleagues, and administrators

All Pre-K for All lead teachers must adhere to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. Each lead teacher must have ONE of the following: — Teaching license or certificate valid for service in the early childhood grades as set forth by NewYork State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. This includes: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2); (n-6); or (Pre-K-6) certification. — Teaching license or certificate for Children with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2). — Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field and a written study plan approved by an accredited college or university for obtaining Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) certification. Depending on their date of hire, lead teachers on a study plan must obtain the necessary early childhood certification as follows—whichever is later: By June 30, 2022 or By three years from their date of hire as a lead teacher in a city-contracted pre-K class.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborate with assistant teacher, support staff, and school leaders to provide high-quality, relevant instruction to all children

Actively participate in a professional learning community

Use a variety of assessments to measure student learning and drive instruction

Use student performance data to tailor and differentiate instruction

Collaboratively plan interdisciplinary units of study

Actively participate in the school’s decision-making process

Regularly communicate with families, students, and community partners

Integrate the Compass CARES values into classroom culture, units of study, and interactions with staff, families, and students

Integrate the real world and surrounding community into the curriculum

Build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues

Maintain confidentiality with student information and records

Create a positive and safe classroom culture and community

Lead teachers are responsible for planning and supervising age and developmentally-appropriate activities for a given group of children. These teachers, with the support of other members of their teaching team, are tasked with extending children’s thinking and communication skills through intentional interactions and facilitating play-based learning and inquiry. In addition, lead teachers must ensure there are opportunities to connect with families and share resources that support the needs and development of their children.

COMPENSATION

Compass is a unionized charter school. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Salary range of 65K-127K commensurate with experience and education.