Position: HS Chemistry Teacher

Location: Elmhurst, NY

Committed to changing the game for students in Northwest Queens, we are in search of a leader that strives for excellence even when the path of least resistance seems easier. A leader who is passionate about building community and is also committed to the persistence and stamina it requires to do the work. A person who does not shy away from giving critical feedback and can navigate with ease different styles of communication and the various constituents in a school community. Open to feedback, and eager to improve, this individual’s primary goal is to provide students with choices at the next level in a learning environment that is simultaneously challenging, stimulating and fun.

Our new Forte Prep High School, located at 78-02 Queens Blvd in Elmhurst, is an intelligently designed 60,000 sq. ft, 6-story tall building, open to natural light and outfitted with over 25 spacious classrooms and offices, a full-sized gymnasium, a rooftop athletic field, and a robust library and media center.  It is located less than half a mile away from the middle school and is easily accessible by our established school community.  This new building will be opening in the Fall of 2026 and will be home to our current 9th - 12th grade cohort, bringing together what was previously two separate cohorts in Glendale. It will also be a new home for events and sports for our greater community - we aim to open our gymnasium and rooftop athletic field to local classes and events, grounding the new Forte Prep High School as a true community partner in our neighborhood.  

WHO WE ARE:

Forte Prep Academy High School is a new 9th through 12th grade college preparatory, tuition-free public charter school for Queens, New York, with a focus on serving the Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona communities. Our mission is: Through a relentless pursuit of academic, community, and personal excellence, Forte Prep Academy Charter Schools equip all students to become the next generation of leaders in Queens and beyond.

We do this work because 77% of high school graduates in our neighborhood are unprepared for the academic rigor of college. We do this work so that these students can beat the odds stacked against them and change those odds forever.

Our commitments are as follows:

We are committed to preparation for high school, college and beyond. We are committed to unlocking potential in every student. 

We are committed to excellent teaching and learning. 

We are committed to diversity and seekto reflect and honor the diversity of our community within the walls of our school.

We are committed to an intentional school culture ensuring that everything we do that supports a student's success beyond high school are built and maintained, grade by grade, year to year.

We are committed to parents/families. 

This is where you come in. 

• You are inspired by Forte Prep’s mission, vision, and values. You are excited to join a team that is committed to removing barriers and addressing the achievement gap. You thrive in a work environment that values community, a strong commitment to excellence, equity, and high expectations for students and faculty
• You believe that all students, regardless of background, have the ability to develop the skills and confidence to pursue the path they choose – college, career, and beyond; demonstrated commitment to the school’s unique community
• You demonstrate socio-political consciousness, the ability to communicate with parents and students across lines of cultural difference, an orientation towards teamwork, and hold high expectations of students and colleagues
• Minimum 2 years of urban teaching preferred
• NY Certification to teach
• Demonstrated quantifiable and objective student performance gains that surpass state or local averages
• Ability to work with a variety of learning abilities, including those with special needs and low skill level in a heterogeneously grouped classroom setting
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and community members
• Advanced degrees in education or content area preferred
• Highly Qualified as defined by No Child Left Behind

• Plan and execute high-quality classroom lessons
• Support the emotional and behavioral development of all students
• Work collaboratively with other general education teachers and engage in co-planning
• Create an education of excellence that meets student’s interests, abilities, and needs within a curricular framework which reflects and promotes an understanding of, and, appreciation for, diversity in our community as an integral part of school life leading to post-secondary success.
• Develop curriculum, assessment, and instruction within the department through the Modern Classrooms Project approach incorporating blended instruction, self-paced structures, and standards mastery based grading.
• Participate in and support meaningful data meetings and deep dives in line with department-wide, grade level-wide, and school-wide goals.
• Keep frequent and current records of student progress.
• Foster a strong and cohesive school culture through community building and restorative practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning
• Ensure lessons are rigorous, clear, measurable, and aligned with Common Core State Standards
• Develop and use a variety of assessments (e.g., exams, written work, and public performances) that frequently measure student progress toward the school’s content and skill standards
• Maintain an organized classroom environment that facilitates learning
• Ensure that students master grade-level standards
• Maintain and communicate high academic and personal expectations for all students
• Incorporate direct instruction, discussion, projects and cooperative work to engage students, keep classes focused and infuse a lasting desire to learn
• Follow the school’s policies and procedures for student conduct and discipline, and refuse to tolerate classroom disruptions
• Develop clear evaluation criteria and distribute to students prior to assignments
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues
• Share responsibility for grade level and school-wide activities
• Remind students of the JOY that is found in a great educational experience

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

• $3,000 sign-on bonus

• Elmhurst, NY 11373