Overview of Position
Barrow Street Nursery School seeks a Full-Time Early Childhood Lead Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.

Students are between the ages of 2 and 5 years old at the start of the school year in September. Toddler teachers work with 4 separate groups of students who attend on a M/W/F or T/TH schedule. Toddler group classes run from 9:10-12:10 and 1:50-3:50 each day. 2s/3s and Half Day 3s/4s teach 2 separate groups of students; One group attends from 9:00 - 12:00 (M-F) and a separate group attends from 1:00 - 4:00 (M-F). Full day 3s/4s/5s teach one group of students from 9:00 - 3:00 (M-F). 

Teachers at Barrow Street are practitioners of progressive education within the context of an emergent program and a mission-driven school. Inspiration is taken from Reggio Emilia and Bank Street inspired pedagogies. An understanding and curiosity about children’s development and social emotional growth is paramount at our school.

Lead Teachers are responsible for: 

• Creating and facilitating a responsive and emergent curriculum based on observations and interactions with students (inspired by their interests, needs, strengths, and areas for growth) as well as developmental milestones 
• Fostering positive social/emotional growth and an early love of learning through an environment where play is an essential component and developmentally appropriate academic concepts are embedded in meaningful ways
• Cultivating a classroom community in which all children and families feel seen, heard, and valued
• Collaborating with extensions teachers (art, movement, music, science and pottery) to add breadth and depth to learning experiences
• Responding and adapting to the varied needs of students; Engaging members of the Educational Administration Team to conduct observations and offering proactive strategies and responsive plans of action to support individual students and classroom dynamics
• Creating clear routines and structures to manage the overall functioning of the classroom (transitions, schedules, supervision, setup/cleanup, snack/lunch, gross-motor time, toileting, etc.)
• Meeting with your teaching team, age-level colleagues, and administrators regularly to plan and work together, discuss students and supports, hone curriculum, reflect on teaching practices, and give/receive feedback
• Actively observing, assessing, and documenting student learning experiences through ongoing written portfolio pieces, conference notes, narrative reports, school displays, and other meaningful media
• Mentoring other classroom teachers and structuring team responsibilities and tasks according to teammates' roles, capabilities, challenges, and goals
• Working with parents through the separation process, and nurturing a home-school partnership through consistent communication, classroom engagement and serving as a resource to parents with regards to their child’s development/learning journey
• Engaging in ongoing professional growth, cultural competency, and self-reflective practice by: self-identifying learning and training goals, utilizing the support of lead teachers + the Educational Administration team to further growth as a teacher
• Collaborating with the Barrow Team to facilitate and teach in June Summer Program (scheduled during the last three weeks in June) from 9:00-1:00

Qualifications sought

We seek an inspired teacher who can build relationships with students, connect deeply with our mission, and create a nurturing classroom with high educational expectations. Cultural competence, the ability to work collaboratively, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work closely with families and colleagues are essential.

Successful Barrow teachers are reflective about their practice and avail themselves of professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Pedagogy should be student-centered (emergent, responsive) and practiced in differentiated instruction
• A Master’s degree in early childhood education or a related field is preferred
• NYS Certification (in progress or complete) is required
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with young children, with experience as a lead or co-lead teacher preferred
• Comfort, skill, and enjoyment in the writing process
• Strong oral communication skills and ability to work with parents, both formally and informally
• A questioning stance and curious mind with a high tolerance for ambiguity; Ability to observe carefully and think instinctively
• Background or experience in special education is a plus
• Demonstrated history of being a lifelong learner who seeks opportunities for continued growth
  

To Apply: 

• Send a resume and cover letter to Bonnie Maloney, Director of Pedagogy and Practice at careers@barrowstreetnursery.org
• Include a documentation or writing sample (if available)
• In the body of your email, please indicate where you found this listing and which age group(s) you are open to teaching

Compensation

• $70,000 - $95,000, commensurate with experience, with the low end representing teachers who have limited classroom experience and the higher end representing those with 10 or more years of experience. 
• Additional salary can be earned by working our July Summer Program (9:00 - 1:00 for 3 weeks in July) if interested (not mandatory)
• Comprehensive benefits package - medical, dental, retirement plan with employer match 401K
• Barrow Street also has a strong emphasis on professional development endeavors for teachers and allocates generous funds for conferences, graduate-level classes, skills-based trainings, and travel experiences that support personal and professional growth

For further information about Barrow Street’s history, mission and program, please visit and read our website at www.barrowstreetnurseryschool.org.

About Barrow Street Nursery School At Greenwich House

Barrow Street Nursery School builds the foundation for life-long enjoyment of learning, appreciation for the arts, and care for the community and environment. Our progressive approach is centered on collaboratively designed learning experiences. Children play an active role in co-constructing an emergent curriculum that nurtures their growing sense of identity, agency, and belonging. Teachers engage in ongoing observation, reflection, and critical thinking to bring breadth and depth to learning experiences. Family partnerships are encouraged through meaningful dialogue, authentic interaction, and mutual support. Our community draws strength from the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of our joyful children, dedicated teachers, and engaged families.

Connections working at Barrow Street Nursery School At Greenwich House