Innovation Charter High School·New York
The Permanent Substitute provides consistent classroom coverage and instructional support to ensure continuity of student learning. Additionally, the role involves assisting the School Operations Team with administrative tasks, supervision, and school-wide events.
OUR MISSION Innovation Charter High School (“Innovation”) nurtures students to be academically successful, mature, emotionally healthy, and equipped to lead self-directed and fulfilling lives. We embrace all students and we empower them to adapt, excel, innovate and lead. By instilling our core values of collaboration, tolerance, respect, activism, safety, and innovation, students will graduate prepared for success in college and careers.
ABOUT INNOVATION Innovation Charter High School opened in 2010 to meet the needs of underserved youth in East Harlem, Upper Manhattan, and the Bronx.
Since its founding, Innovation students have applied what they learn in the classroom to the real world through project-based and experiential learning.
These experiences are transformative and prepare them for life after graduation.
Today, Innovation’s 50+ instructional and student support staff serve around 400 students.
Over 30% of our students have IEPs and over 90% are economically disadvantaged.
We embrace all students, address their needs, and help them to realize their potential, through creative and engaging instruction with a college and career readiness focus.
Innovation takes a restorative approach to discipline and focuses on building a collaborative school culture.
We have developed close ties with the East Harlem community and with our co-located neighbor schools.
We were the first charter school in New York City with a Career and Technical Education program in the culinary arts and the only charter school to participate in the NYC DoE’s Software Engineering Pilot.
Innovation students participate in a wide variety of sports, clubs, and extracurricular programs including performing arts, National Honors Society, and many more.
The Permanent Substitute supports the school community by providing consistent classroom coverage, ensuring continuity of student learning. Reporting to the Assistant Principal of STEM, the Permanent Substitute works closely with the instructional leadership team, and teachers to provide both short- and long-term classroom coverage based on staffing needs. The Permanent Substitute also supports the School Operations Team with various administrative and general school operations tasks, as needed. While this position reports to the Assistant Principal of STEM, the permanent substitute may also receive direction from the Director of School Operations when assigned administrative or operational responsibilities.
Classroom Coverage and Instructional Support (80%) Provide classroom coverage for teachers who are absent, with daily assignment determined by staffing needs Implement Innovation’s behavior expectations and classroom procedures with consistency and maintain a safe, productive learning environment Assume long-term substitute assignments when needed, including: Facilitating learning using provided lesson plans Grading student assignments and ensuring students stay engaged with learning Communicating with families regarding student progress, attendance, and expectations, as needed Embody and cultivate the school's core values - innovation, collaboration, respect, activism, integrity, empathy - in your professional practice and encourage students to do the same in their academic work and personal conduct
General School Operations and Administration (20%) When classroom coverage is not needed, assist with other school-wide responsibilities including hallway duty, lunch supervision, and other operational and administrative support tasks Collaborate with School Operations team members to execute school events and celebrations
Experience At least one year of experience working with adolescents or high school students in a school setting or other youth-serving organization Experience adapting quickly to changing priorities and stepping into new situations with minimal direction while maintaining established routines and schedules Experience maintaining confidentiality and using good judgment in support of students and families as well as compliance with Innovation policy and local, state, and federal regulations
Skills & Knowledge Excellent verbal and written communication skills Basic knowledge of effective behavior management strategies Strong organizational skills and time management Willingness to help where needed; strong adaptability and flexibility CPR/First Aid certification is preferred
Values & Mindset Deeply held belief in the power of diversity and community; An assets-based orientation to students, families, community, and staff, and a commitment to a school environment that fosters and respects the voices and opinions of students Belief in the importance of holistic support for young people, including restorative practices to strengthen relationships, and a full-service community school approach to meet the wide-ranging needs of students and families Passion for and commitment to Innovation’s core values of collaboration, tolerance, respect, activism, safety, and innovation
Other Qualifications Associates Degree preferred Spanish language skills are preferred Up-to-date fingerprint clearance from NYSED in TEACH is preferred Frequently moves or transports equipment and inventory weighing up to 50 pounds Authorization to work in the U.S. is required
SALARY AND BENEFITS This is a full-time, 12-month position. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications and is in the range of $55,000 - $60,000 per year. Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer matching contribution of up to 5%.
Candidates should have at least one year of experience working with adolescents in a school or youth-serving organization. An Associate's degree is preferred, along with strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Market context
In New York, leadership and administrative roles in K-12 settings often draw interest when schools are focused on student support, compliance, and campus operations, especially in urban districts. These positions are competitive because employers often prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and NYS certification preferred, plus experience in urban schools and a clear commitment to serving underserved students. If you are considering applying, review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time versus reading the full posting, and be ready to show how your background fits the school’s student-centered mission.
