Kennedy International School·New York
The Preschool Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering a developmentally appropriate, student-centered curriculum in a Japanese-English program. Key duties include maintaining strong parent communication, managing classroom discipline, and collaborating with faculty to support student growth.
Kennedy International School provides a bilingual, well-rounded education for its students from preschool through 12th grade. We pride ourselves on the strength of our faculty, the diversity of our student body, and our cultural richness. Through our individualized approach to instruction, thanks to our small student-teacher ratio, students are encouraged to leverage their personal strengths and passions as they develop their language and academic knowledge.
Position
Overview: We are seeking a full-time Preschool Teacher to join our team and teach in English in our Japanese-English program for the 2026-2027 school year. The ideal candidate possesses a balance of high support, growth mindset, and innate joy of working with students. The Preschool Teacher position reports to the Lower School Director.
· Plan and teach a challenging course of study in a developmentally appropriate manner, with an emphasis on differentiating instruction and the effective use of assessments. · Develop and maintain outstanding communication with parents via individualized emails, newsletters, or blogs. · Actively engage students in learning by creating a student-centered classroom. · Use technology in class preparation and/or instruction, while not relying solely on it. · Model intellectual curiosity and maintain open-mindedness about different cultures. · Use positive reinforcement, manage discipline, and conflict resolution. · Conduct classes with integrity and model appropriate behavior for students. · Evaluate classwork and assessments regularly in a fair and equitable manner. · Actively supervise students in other roles such as recess, lunch, field trip, etc. · Maintain current knowledge of curriculum and instructional methods. · Pursue relevant opportunities for professional growth and development. · Share talents and work in partnership with team members on scheduling and planning. · Actively participate in grade-level and faculty meetings. · Be a positive and contributing member of the school community. Full-Time, Exempt Position: 30 hours per week (teaching, preparation, staff meetings, office hours) · Five years of experience teaching in Lower School · Certification in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from NYS required · Ability to create a class environment in which students feel safe · Strong sense of personal accountability and passion for raising the bar with students and challenging them to learn at a high level · Preferred candidate will have a current U.S. work visa, if applicable The annual salary for this position will range between $70,000 and $80,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. It covers all responsibilities, including teaching and preparation time, orientation week meetings, as well as staff and parent meetings. Benefits include private medical premium partially covered (80%), tuition rebate for teachers' children (50%), dental, vision, commuting benefits, Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and 401K retirement plan.
Candidates must have five years of Lower School teaching experience and a NYS certification in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. A strong commitment to student safety, personal accountability, and a growth mindset are essential.
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Market context
In New York, preschool teacher roles are often competitive because schools and centers look for candidates who combine early childhood experience with strong classroom care skills. This position asks for at least six months of professional teaching experience, with one year preferred, plus a high school diploma or GED and ideally an associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to highlight child-centered experience and any related coursework.
