Ascend is Brooklyn’s premier K–12 public charter network, committed to graduating high-achieving students who have access to boundless choice in their futures—not only through college acceptance, but through meaningful preparation for career readiness and thriving adult lives.
Across our schools, we pair rigorous academics with strong systems, supportive adult culture, and a deep belief in students’ brilliance and potential. Our work is grounded in the understanding that preparing students for long-term success requires excellence in instruction, intentional culture-building, and disciplined execution at every level of the organization.
At Ascend, adults are held to high standards because our students deserve nothing less. How we teach, lead, collaborate, and make decisions every day directly shapes the opportunities our students will have tomorrow.
Join us in shaping learning environments where curiosity is nurtured, excellence is the norm, and every student is prepared for a lifetime of boundless choice.
To learn more about Ascend, visit our website: https://www.ascendlearning.org/about/
We seek passionate and results-driven educators who are deeply committed to achieving academic success by delivering high-impact instruction, fostering educational excellence, and ensuring measurable learning outcomes for all students. Specials Teachers at Ascend play a vital role in nurturing creativity, movement, and self-expression while reinforcing the academic and social-emotional growth of our students. Whether through art, music, dance, or physical education, Specials Teachers design engaging, standards-aligned lessons that help students develop foundational skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts and wellness. As a Specials Teacher, you will create a rigorous and joyful classroom environment, contribute to school-wide culture, and collaborate with colleagues to ensure that every child thrives both inside and outside the classroom.
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Design and deliver standards-aligned lessons in Art, Music, Dance, or Physical Education that support both skill development and student creativity/expression.
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Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of students.
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Establish and maintain clear routines, expectations, and classroom culture aligned to schoolwide norms.
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Assess student progress regularly and use data to inform instruction and provide feedback.
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Contribute to interdisciplinary projects and school-wide events (e.g., performances, showcases, exhibits, field days).
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Collaborate with grade-level and content-area teams to integrate specials into the broader school program.
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Maintain an organized, safe, and engaging classroom or learning space with appropriate materials and equipment.
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Model professionalism and uphold school values in interactions with students, colleagues, and families.
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Participate in professional development and ongoing learning to refine practice and stay current in the discipline.
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A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; a Master’s degree and teaching certification are preferred.
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A demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and a track record of making a meaningful impact on K-8 students, ideally in communities similar to those served by Ascend.
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Demonstrated expertise and/or professional training in the relevant discipline.
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Proficiency and ability to leverage instructional technology and data analysis to drive student learning and growth.
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Commitment to fostering students’ academic and social-emotional development through high expectations and meaningful relationships.
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Proactive and disciplined approach to seeking and applying feedback to elevate instructional practice and drive measurable student achievement.
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Ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, and school leaders to support student growth.
Salary Range: starting at $69,500, based on Ascend’s equitable compensation scale.
Starting pay is determined using various factors, including but not limited to:
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Years of relevant full-time teaching experience
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Education certifications and licensure
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Advanced degrees
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Alignment with Ascend’s compensation philosophy and internal equity guidelines
