Lead Teacher, 1st Grade

Who We Are

At Destine Preparatory Charter School, we believe every child deserves a future full of possibilities — and that starts with a team of passionate, dedicated educators.

We’re a growing school community in Schenectady, NY, committed to providing an academically rigorous and joy-filled environment where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to dream big.

Our extended school day and year allow us to do what matters most: create more moments that matter — from powerful lessons to dance breaks, music, and meaningful mentorship

The Opportunity

As a Lead Teacher at Destine Prep, you’re not just teaching lessons — you’re shaping futures.

You’ll be both an instructional leader and a culture builder, designing engaging, standards-aligned lessons that bring learning to life, while nurturing a classroom environment where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of excellence.

You’ll collaborate closely with your Associate Teacher, serve as a mentor and model for best practices, and continuously grow through coaching and professional development.

If you’re driven by purpose, love a challenge, and believe every child can thrive with the right support, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

• Bring learning to life. Plan and deliver rigorous, engaging lessons aligned to NYS standards.
• Lead with love (and structure). Maintain a joyful, focused classroom culture that balances high expectations with high support.
• Be a data detective. Use student data to drive instruction and personalize learning.
• Grow together. Partner with your Associate Teacher, coach, and leadership team to refine your craft and celebrate wins.
• Be a community builder. Connect with families, celebrate student growth, and help lead school events like report card nights, family celebrations, and field trips.
• Model continuous learning. Participate in ongoing professional development and help shape the academic excellence of our school.
• Support every scholar. Provide one-on-one or small-group intervention to ensure every student gets what they need to succeed.

What You Bring

• A Bachelor’s Degree (required)
• A NYS Teaching License (or willingness to pursue certification)
• 2+ years of teaching experience, preferably in a charter or public school setting
• A belief that all students can achieve at high levels, no exceptions
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous growth
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Flexibility, resilience, and a team-first mindset
• A passion for creating a warm, structured, and inspiring classroom

Why You’ll Love Working Here

✨ Mission-Driven Work: You’ll help redefine what’s possible for students in Schenectady.
🎯 Growth-Focused Culture: Weekly coaching, collaborative planning, and meaningful feedback.
💪 Team That Feels Like Family: Supportive, passionate colleagues who lift each other up.
🎨 Joyful Environment: We take our work seriously — but we also laugh, celebrate, and have fun along the way.
🌍 Commitment to Equity: We’re building a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Join us in creating a future without limits — for our students, for our community, and for you.

👉 Apply today to become a Lead Teacher at Destine Prep — where purpose meets possibility.