About Amalgamated Nursery School
The Amalgamated Nursery School (ANS) is a community parent cooperative school offering free 2K, 3K and Pre-K for All, funded by the NYC Department of Education, in a strong community-based setting. Established in 1928 and located in the Northwest Bronx, ANS has served the Amalgamated Park Reservoir Cooperatives and the surrounding community for almost 100 years. At Amalgamated Nursery School, we believe children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences, play, exploration, and relationships. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum is designed by our teaching staff to meet the needs of each individual child while supporting the developmental level and interests of the class as a whole.
Our classrooms feature play-based activity centers throughout the room, giving children opportunities to explore, make choices, develop independence, and learn from both their teachers and one another.
Our Approach
Children are encouraged to move freely throughout the classroom and select the learning experiences that interest them most. Teachers serve as facilitators, assisting, guiding, observing, and extending children's learning as they pursue their interests.
Job Overview
We are seeking a warm, enthusiastic, creative, and collaborative Lead Pre K Teacher to lead a classroom of 15-18 four-year-old children.
The Lead Teacher will create a nurturing classroom community where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. The ideal candidate understands that young children are capable, curious learners and is comfortable balancing child-directed exploration with intentional teaching and guidance.
Duties
- Lead and nurture a classroom of 15-18 four-year-old children
- Create a warm, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences
- Develop and maintain engaging activity centers that encourage exploration and independence
- Observe children closely and use their interests and developmental needs to inform curriculum planning
- Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development
- Facilitate children's learning through thoughtful questions, guidance, and interactions
- Establish positive classroom routines and support children's growing independence
- Document and assess children's development and progress (Teaching Strategies)
- Communicate thoughtfully and regularly with families, colleagues and school leadership
- Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and occasional school events with advance notice
- Contribute positively to the collaborative culture of the school
- Ensures consistent compliance with all Department of Health Article 47 regulations and NYC Public Schools regulations and curriculum guidance (Creative Curriculum)
Requirements
- NYS Teacher Certification Birth- Grade 2
- Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education
- Believes in progressive pedagogy and the value of play-based, child-centered learning
- Enjoys observing children and following their interests
- Can thoughtfully guide children's learning without unnecessarily directing their play
- Understands child development and developmentally appropriate practice
- Has strong communication and organizational skills
- Works well collaboratively and values the contributions of colleagues
- Is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive classroom community. Experience with special education is a plus!
- Is eager to continue learning and growing professionally
- Has previous preschool or Pre K teaching experience; lead teaching experience is preferred
Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
