Lower School Teacher (NYC)

About Ascend

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/

About the Role

Ascend Lower School Teachers are passionate, mission-driven educators who believe deeply in the potential of every child. As part of Ascend’s collaborative and intellectually engaging community, you will join a team committed to expanding opportunity for students across Brooklyn through joyful, rigorous, and equitable instruction.

At Ascend, teaching is a craft that is continuously developed, supported, and celebrated. Our educators benefit from ongoing coaching, practice-based professional development, and pathways to grow as instructional experts and leaders. You will work alongside colleagues who communicate consistently, share ownership for student success, and hold one another accountable to the highest standards of professionalism and purpose.

If you are energized by the chance to deepen your instructional practice, partner with students and families, and drive meaningful impact for children, you will find a strong professional community at Ascend.

Responsibilities

Instructional Excellence

• Plan and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned lessons using Ascend’s curriculum, pacing guides, and instructional expectations.
• Execute lessons that actively engage students, check for understanding, and adjust instruction in real time.
• Use formative and summative assessment data to identify learning gaps and provide targeted support.
• Maintain strong instructional routines that maximize learning time and promote student ownership.

Student Learning & Outcomes

• Drive measurable student growth through consistent monitoring of progress and responsive instructional adjustments.
• Analyze student work and assessment results to inform reteaching, differentiation, and intervention.
• Ensure all students, including those with additional learning needs, have access to grade-level content and support.

School Culture & Community

• Establish and maintain a classroom culture rooted in consistency, care, and high expectations.
• Implement clear routines, transitions, and behavior systems aligned to school-wide expectations.
• Build trust-based relationships with students and families through regular, proactive communication.
• Partner with families to support student learning, development, and well-being.
• Complete required administrative tasks such as lesson planning, grading, data entry, and documentation with accuracy and timeliness.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail in daily work.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required (degree must be obtained by employment start date); a Master’s degree and teaching certification are a plus.
• 1 - 2 years of classroom teaching experience is highly preferred, but not mandatory for outstanding candidates.
• 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.
• Strong instructional expertise, including the ability to create structured, engaging, and student-centered classroom environments.
• Proficiency and ability to leverage instructional technology and data analysis to drive student learning and growth.
• Proactive and disciplined approach to seeking and applying feedback to elevate instructional practice and drive measurable student achievement.

Professional Growth and Collaboration

Ascend invests deeply in the growth of its educators through ongoing, job-embedded support and collaboration. This includes weekly coaching and feedback from school-based leaders, participation in grade-level, content, and school-wide professional development, and collaboration with colleagues to plan instruction and reflect on practice.

Educators also engage in network-supported professional learning, including access to curriculum resources, instructional guidance, and required training experiences such as Ascend’s Summer Institute.

Reporting and Management Structure

This role reports to a school-based instructional leader (Assistant Principal or Principal) and is supported by both school-based leadership and network-level teams. School leaders provide coaching, evaluation, and daily operational support, while network teams offer curriculum resources, professional development, and instructional guidance.

Compensation

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:

• Years of relevant full-time teaching experience
• Education certifications and licensure
• Advanced degrees
• Alignment with Ascend’s compensation philosophy and internal equity guidelines

This is a full-time, exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits