The Lead Teacher will develop and implement trauma-sensitive lesson plans while providing educational and physical care for children in a shelter facility. They are also responsible for mentoring classroom staff, conducting assessments, and maintaining regular communication with parents and city agencies.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with state certification in early childhood education or meet specific study plan requirements with relevant experience. The role requires the physical ability to interact with children and a willingness to undergo a criminal background check.
We are excited to invite a passionate and experienced Lead Teacher to join our team! Homes for the Homeless is searching for an experienced Lead Teacher for our Families w/ Children facility in the Longwood area of the Bronx. As the Lead Teacher, you will play a vital role in shaping a high-quality educational program designed to meet the unique needs of a high-risk and vulnerable population. Join us and be a part of an organization that values your contribution and cares deeply for the community we serve.
About homes for the homeless
HFH operates shelters for families experiencing homelessness in NYC.
Our family residences are more than just a place to sleep.
Families can make the most of their stay through accessing an array of onsite programs.
Many of these programs are also available to people living in the local community.
Our goal is to have a positive impact so families can thrive long after they leave our shelters.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Develop lesson plans and routines that are responsive to children's strengths, interests, and needs, and align with the Department of Education units of study.
Actively create and maintain a child-oriented, trauma-sensitive atmosphere to foster growth and development.
Ensure a developmentally appropriate and integrated curriculum providing educational, physical, and hygienic care for the children.
Lead, coach, and mentor less experienced teachers in your classroom.
Maintain a clean, bright, and active classroom environment year-round.
Collaborate with administration and other department directors regarding progress and needs of children.
Conduct and further develop progress assessments.
Provide information to parents regarding child development and engage parents in the child’s education process.
Liaise with appropriate City agencies including DOE and DOHMH.
Commit to a year‑round schedule with paid holidays, this position does not follow typical school breaks.
Participate in staff meetings, conferences, and training.
Qualifications
Benefits
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid vacation
Personal days
Medical insurance
Paid holidays
Life insurance
Commuter benefits
Sick days
403(b) retirement plan
Comprehensive health insurance
Work/Life assistance program
Bachelor’s degree and State certification in early childhood education or a related field of study; or
Bachelor’s degree and experience in early childhood education or a related field of study and two years of supervised and documented relevant experience in a pre-school program if currently employed in a childcare program; or
Study plan: To be study plan eligible, a person shall have:
Associate's (AA or AS) degree in early children education;
Ninety or more undergraduate college credits and one year classroom experience teaching children in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or grades 1-2; or
Bachelor’s degree in any other academic subject and one year classroom experience teaching children up to third grade
Kind, creative, flexible, and caring personality.
Must be willing to consent to a multi-phase criminal background check.
Sensitivity and awareness while working with homeless and vulnerable populations.
Ability to lift 40 or more pounds.
Ability to sit on the floor, bend down, and pick up children throughout the course of an eight-hour shift.
Compensation/Eeo
In order to attract and retain a high-performance workforce, Homes for the Homeless offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment, with a focus on ensuring an appropriate work-life balance. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time permanent employees are eligible for excellent benefits including comprehensive health insurance (including medical, dental, and vision), an employer-funded 403(b) retirement plan, commuter benefits, life insurance, Work/Life Assistance Program, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10 sick days, 3 personal days and 12 paid holidays.
Homes for the Homeless is committed to promoting an inclusive organizational environment of dignity and respect. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to equal treatment, and prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on age, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, arrest or conviction, domestic violence victim status, familial status, or any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law.
Time shift: 8am-4pm
SALARY
$55,000 - $68,000
Market context
New York classroom teacher demand remains steady
In New York, classroom teacher roles are typically shaped by steady school staffing needs and competition for educators who can demonstrate strong instruction and classroom leadership. This role is competitive because it calls for advanced chess knowledge, proven teaching experience, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while supporting student success. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your application to show concrete teaching results and leadership examples.
