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Second Grade Head Teacher (Leave Replacement) 25-26
Grace Church School seeks aSecond Grade Head Teacher Leave Replacementto beginJanuary 5, 2026 to March 13, 2026.
About Grace
Grace Church School is a JK–12, independent school located on two nearby campuses in downtown New York City. An Episcopal school, welcoming children of all faiths and of none, Grace believes in the inherent, precious dignity of every individual and seeks to provide an outstanding education worthy of our common humanity. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to the Episcopal values of dignity and belonging.
Grace is a school of big ideas, and our structured curriculum promotes academic excellence through a pedagogy of joy: an approach that reflects our belief that joy is the fuel of academic achievement, and that students learn best when motivated by delight, wonder, curiosity, and purpose. We work hard to nurture a culture of dignity and belonging, and we seek to foster in each student skills of intellectual excellence and habits of ethical virtue. Grounded in tradition, the school remains ever open to innovation, looking to the best research on the science of learning and the craft of teaching to advance the timeless values and aspirations of our mission .
Responsibilities
- Cultivate a warm and inviting classroom community that promotes a positive and productive learning environment
- Develop, plan, and teach math, social studies, writing, and reading lessons. (Experience teaching
- CKLA and
- Bridges Math preferred.)
- Differentiate instruction to support group and individual learning, providing extra support and enrichment as needed
- Implement c lassroom management strategies to monitor student behavior
- Collaborate with grade-level team members to enhance the curriculum
- Address social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-bias education in the curriculum, and competence in antiracist practice and pedagogy
- Utilize technology where appropriate when teaching and planning lessons
- Plan field trips to enhance the curriculum
- Collaborate with specialty teachers, as well as math and reading specialists, to plan and integrate various units across the curriculum
- Meet with grade-level team members, learning specialists and the Head of Lower School on a weekly basis
- Identify and respond to individual student’s academic and social-emotional needs in collaboration with the Head of Lower School and JK–4 Counselor
- Monitor student progress to determine the effectiveness of interventions
- Maintain accurate, detailed records of student progress, parent communication, and lessons
- Communicate effectively with parents on a regular basis through meetings, phone calls, emails, parent teacher conferences, and report cards
- Perform assigned, ongoing scheduled responsibilities with care (recess duty, lunch duty, dismissal, etc.)
- Attend and participate actively in division and whole school faculty meetings
- Guide and mentor and support Second Grade Associate Teachers
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum of two years experience teaching elementary school children
Compensation
This is a full-time faculty position with an expected base salary of $68,000-$155,040 to commensurate with education and experience on the faculty salary scale.
Grace Church School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that equity and inclusion are not only hallmarks of a just society, but also virtues essential to sound learning. Our commitment to our mission calls on all faculty members to promote a culture of dignity and belonging for everyone at Grace. We encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds and from individuals of all races, nationalities, identities, and religious and non-religious traditions, and beliefs.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume through our school website .
Career Type
Full-time
Hiring Period
Effective Immediately
Address
86 Fourth Avenue
New York, NY 10003Posted on
Oct 17, 2025
Start Date
Jan 5, 2026
Salary Range
$null - $null
Salary Type
Hourly
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Saint Ann's SchoolFreqently Asked Questions
Second Grade Head Teachers carry additional leadership responsibilities beyond standard classroom teaching, including mentoring associate teachers, collaborating on curriculum development, and managing classroom community dynamics. This role demands strong organizational skills and a commitment to fostering both academic and social-emotional growth in young learners.
In NYC, having at least a bachelor's degree with elementary teaching experience is essential, but candidates with a master’s and familiarity with curricula like CKLA and Bridges Math stand out. Experience in anti-bias education and culturally responsive teaching is highly valued in diverse urban classrooms.
A typical day involves designing and delivering lessons across subjects like math and reading, managing classroom behavior, coordinating with specialty teachers, and engaging in parent communication. Balancing academic instruction with nurturing a positive classroom culture is key to success in this role.
Nysais emphasizes a pedagogy fueled by joy and inclusivity, offering teachers a collaborative environment focused on intellectual excellence and ethical virtues. The school’s Episcopal values foster a strong sense of dignity and belonging, enriching the teaching experience beyond academics.
Nysais promotes teamwork between grade-level teams, learning specialists, and counselors to tailor instruction and social-emotional support. Teachers have access to resources for differentiated instruction and anti-racist pedagogy, enabling them to address varied learning styles effectively.
The position offers a salary ranging roughly from $68,000 to $155,040 depending on experience and education, which aligns with NYC’s higher cost of living. Nationally, elementary head teacher salaries tend to be lower, reflecting the premium placed on educators in urban, independent schools.
While a bachelor's degree is a baseline, certifications in early childhood education, state teaching licenses, and specialized training in anti-bias or inclusive education greatly enhance employability within New York’s competitive educational landscape.
New York City’s teaching market is highly competitive due to its large population and numerous prestigious schools. Candidates with innovative teaching strategies, strong cultural competency, and curriculum expertise tend to have an edge over those targeting less urban districts.
Challenges include managing diverse learning needs within limited time, balancing rigorous academic goals with emotional support, and integrating technology effectively. Navigating parent expectations and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams also demand strong communication skills.
Grace Church School’s commitment to joy-driven pedagogy and social justice means teachers must creatively engage students while embedding values of equity and belonging. This shapes lesson planning, classroom management, and community involvement uniquely compared to more traditional settings.
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