High School English Teacher

Job Announcement

LREI (Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School) seeks educators committed to exploring progressive pedagogy. Candidates with diverse experiences are encouraged to apply. The school is seeking a high school English Teacher for 10th -12th grade for the 2025-2026 school year.

Qualifications Sought - Successful LREI teachers are lifelong learners who

• can inspire students, have a joyful positive attitude about children, and become active members of the LREI community;
• regularly bring ‘real life’ experience into their classroom and extend the classroom beyond the school walls into the neighborhood, city, and beyond;
• are reflective about their practice and avail themselves of professional development and leadership opportunities;
• are inspired by our mission and create a nurturing classroom with high educational expectations;
• are guided by an ethic of care and see learning as connected to the development of the whole child;
• demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equity, cultural competence, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse people;
• possess excellent communication skills with students, parents, and the administration both formally and informally;
• have a foundational knowledge of progressive pedagogy and are comfortable with differentiating instruction;
• are creative problem solvers and innovators who possess a growth-mindset;

Overview of the position:

LREI high school teachers are lifelong learners who are reflective about their practice and are interested in working in a progressive, rigorous, and diverse learning environment. A master’s degree in English Literature, Writing, or a related subject, and at least three years of successful experience as a teacher are preferred, but alternate pathways into the profession will be considered. A demonstrated interest in the lives of young people is a must.

Specific requirements of the position

• Teach two sections of tenth grade American Literature. 
• Teach two sections of electives (mixed 11th/12th grade), including literature-based classes and writing workshop classes (memoir, poetry, fiction) drawn from the teacher’s area of specialization/expertise. 
• Collaborate with the English Department to design classes that align with our progressive mission and pedagogy.
• Serve as an advisor to 10-12 HS students.
• Demonstrate care for the social-emotional lives of students.
• Participate in the life of the school community outside of the classroom, according to their passions, skills, and the school’s needs.
• Complete administrative tasks (post homework, communicate with school leadership and families, write reports) thoroughly and on time.
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal and Director.

Successful Candidates will:

• Convey enthusiasm for life-long learning and intellectual inquiry.
• Design curriculum that emphasizes inquiry-based learning and real-world relevance.
• Be committed to inclusive pedagogical practices and open to furthering their knowledge and skill set around diversity and inclusion.
• Be open to feedback and improvement.
• Seek a dynamic, team-based work environment defined by a commitment to innovation, iteration, creativity, and collaboration.

Overview of School

Founded in 1921 by Elisabeth Irwin (a contemporary and colleague of John Dewey, Caroline Pratt, and Lucy Sprague Mitchell), The Little Red School House has been at the vanguard of pedagogical innovation since its founding. LREI’s goal is to educate students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners and to pursue academic excellence and individual achievement, in a context of respect for others and service to the community. We believe that learning should be active and experiential, with the school providing abundant opportunities for students to excel. We accept students with a range of abilities and talents who can take full advantage of a rich and demanding academic program in which each student is both challenged and supported. We seek to create within the school a community built on understanding and respecting others. Thus, our student body traditionally reflects the racial and cultural diversity of our city, and our curriculum is built on interdisciplinary studies to promote understanding of many cultures. While individual achievement is encouraged and rewarded, our program underscores the value of shared goals, friendship, and cooperation in mastering difficult tasks. The progressive ideals that in 1921 gave life and inspiration to the school — academic excellence and creativity, active learning and innovative teaching, respect for the individual and responsibility to the community - continue to guide the school today. LREI is located in vibrant Greenwich Village and classes venture forth often to use the neighborhood and the city to provide rich learning experiences.

Salary Range: $69,056.53 to $132,556.41 commensurate with experience.

To apply for this position, refer a colleague to the position, and/or view other open positions at LREI, please visit us at  https://www.lrei.org/careers 

About Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School (LREI)

A leader in progressive education since 1921, LREI teaches children to be independent thinkers who work together to solve complex problems. Students graduate from our diverse community as active participants in our democratic society, with the creativity, integrity, and courage to bring meaningful change to the world.

Connections working at Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School (LREI)