Entry-Level Resident Teacher

Follow your passion 

Are you ready to help build the next chapter of educational excellence?

At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

Zeta serves students across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens and continues to grow our Pre-K through 12th grade network at an ambitious pace. This year alone, we opened our first high school, added another elementary school in Queens, and launched two additional middle schools in the Bronx. And we are not slowing down. We have big plans to continue growing each year so that more children have access to an excellent education. Joining Zeta means joining a team that is actively building the next generation of our school network and serving as a change agent for children.

The role at a glance

Role: Entry-Level Resident Teacher
Start date: July 2027 - Early Application
Location: Bronx, Upper Manhattan, or Queens
Work model: Fully on-site in New York City
Year 1 salary: $65,000
Reports to: Assistant Principal

We hire for this role on a rolling basis as positions become available. If your experience aligns with our hiring priorities, our team may reach out to discuss current or future opportunities.

Compensation is determined according to Zeta’s applicable salary scale, which factors in relevant experience and internal equity. 

Who you are

We are searching for a Resident Teacher who is excited to build a classroom culture that fosters students’ genuine love for learning and creates a sense of community for families. 

You bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0
• A strong interest in pursuing a career in education and growing into an exceptional teacher
• A willingness to learn, receive feedback, and continuously improve your practice
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
• A student-centered mindset, sense of ownership, and resilience in a fast-paced environment

What you’ll be doing

In the Resident Teacher role, you will:

• Co-plan and deliver inquiry-based, academically rigorous instruction alongside your Head Teacher that ignites curiosity, accelerates learning, and empowers every student to think boldly and deeply.
• Build and maintain strong classroom culture in partnership with your Head Teacher, reinforcing consistent routines, high expectations, and a safe, joyful learning environment where students are highly engaged in learning.
• Master the foundations of Zeta’s academic and social-emotional curriculum, developing the expertise needed to deliver exceptional instruction across disciplines.
• Use student work, assessment data, and daily observations to identify gaps, respond to individual needs, and adjust instruction with your Head Teacher so that 90%+ students are on or above grade level in all subjects by end-of-year.
• Own strong relationships with students and families, communicating consistently and contributing to a cohesive support system for each child’s academic, social-emotional, and personal development.
• Actively apply coaching and feedback from your Head Teacher and School Leaders, translating weekly professional learning into concrete changes in planning, instruction, classroom culture, and student outcomes.

The Zeta Teacher Residency Program is a 3-year program for new teachers. As a Resident Teacher, if you are not on a pathway to New York State Teacher Certification, Zeta will support your enrollment in a 2-year, fully subsidized Master’s degree program through Touro University. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to elevate your teaching practice and be on track to receive New York State professional certification in both general and special education (a requirement of the role). This role is a 3-year commitment; two years as a teacher and graduate student, and a third year as a fully certified teacher at Zeta.

The teacher residency trajectory

For Resident Teachers who remain in good standing, Zeta anticipates offering a three-year compensation trajectory with annual salary increases tied to role progression and certification milestones. The anticipated three-year annual base salary scale for Resident Teachers starting at Zeta in 2027-2028 is as follows (before applicable taxes and deductions):

• Year 1: $65,000
• Year 2: $75,000
• Year 3:
  • $80,500 - $83,500 (for teachers who hold New York State Initial Certification by the start of Year 3, as verified by Zeta), OR
  • $78,500 (for teachers who do not hold New York State Initial Certification by the start of Year 3)

Advancement to the $80,500 - $83,500 salary level is expressly contingent upon obtaining New York State Initial Certification through Touro University or an approved certification program by the start of the third school year. Candidates who do not meet certification requirements by Year 3 may remain eligible for continued employment at an adjusted compensation level, subject to role availability and organizational needs. The compensation trajectory provided here reflects current compensation structures and is provided for illustrative purposes; all compensation decisions reflect individual factors, and compensation structures are reviewed annually and subject to change at Zeta’s discretion.

Join our purpose-driven community

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo, tackle problems together, and stand united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. 

At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world-class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet our goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team’s needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details

How does Zeta invest in you? 

We offer great benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
• 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings 
• Relocation support to help eligible candidates make the move to New York City

We provide awesome perks

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses – from gym memberships to salon appointments, concerts, and more
• Four live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and a free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
• Fully stocked team spaces with snacks and quality coffee to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Zeta swag, team outings, and some of NYC’s finest sweet treats handpicked from our CEO
• Books and resources for professional development 

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth

• Clear pathways to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates 
• Community Circle practice to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming

Apply Now 

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required. Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. 

To ensure a thoughtful and equitable review process, candidates may submit a maximum of one application for the same position within 30 days.

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