Lead Teacher (K-5 Elementary)

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

At  Destine Preparatory Charter School , (Destine Prep) ( pronunciation: DESS-tuhn), we believe every child deserves a future full of possibilities — and that starts with a team of passionate, dedicated educators.

We’re a growing nondenominational 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 (11-months, August-June) 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.