Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 5:30 PM
TEP aims to put into practice the central conclusion of a large body of research related to student achievement: teacher quality is the most important school-based factor in the academic success of students, particularly students from low-income families.
In singling out teacher quality as the essential lever in educational reform, TEP is uniquely focused on attracting and retaining master teachers. To do so, TEP uses a three-pronged strategy that it terms the 3 R’s: Rigorous Qualifications, Redefined Expectations, & Revolutionary Compensation.
TEP is committed to hiring and retaining subject-specialist teachers for Grades 5–8 who are excited to combine academic rigor with strong relationships and a structured, supportive school culture. These educators bring deep content knowledge in their subject areas and a commitment to high expectations, engaging instruction, and student-centered learning. In addition to developing critical thinking, independence, and strong study habits, our middle school teachers play a critical role in helping students strengthen literacy, mathematics, and content-area knowledge in the following areas: science, social studies, physical education, music and performing arts.
Our middle school educators work in the Washington Heights and Inwood communities of New York City, supporting students during a key developmental stage as they prepare for the transition to high school and beyond. In partnership with families and grade-level social workers, through consistent routines, meaningful relationships, and a focus on both academic and personal growth, teachers help students build confidence, perseverance, and a sense of belonging. Together, these elements ensure that students leave TEP’s Middle School equipped with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive in their next academic setting and in future pursuits. After growing from “CUBS” to “TIGERS,” through strong instruction, thoughtful classroom culture, and close collaboration with families, our teachers and students embody our “TIGER” values. Each letter in “TIGER” represents a Latin word that describes one of our core values; T – Tempero (Exercise self-control), I – Industria (Work hard), G – Gaudium (Rejoice in learning and life), Ex veritate (Tell the truth), R – Respicio (Be respectful). Teachers and staff help students build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning from their earliest years.
Middle School at TEP is built on high academic expectations and strong student–teacher relationships that support both rigorous learning and personal growth. Teachers challenge students with grade-level and, when appropriate, above-grade-level content, helping them develop advanced literacy, mathematical reasoning, and critical thinking skills across all subject areas. At the same time, educators intentionally build a classroom culture that emphasizes accountability, respect, and a strong sense of belonging, ensuring students feel supported as they take on academic challenges. Through consistent routines, clear expectations, and meaningful relationships, students learn to take ownership of their work, collaborate with peers, and grow into confident, responsible learners.
Teachers work within a coherent, standards-aligned curriculum and shared instructional systems that provide clarity and consistency across classrooms and grade levels. With clear pacing guides, common assessments, and well-established routines, educators are able to plan effectively, collaborate with colleagues, and monitor student progress in a structured way. This alignment reduces guesswork and ensures that all students have access to rigorous, grade-level content. By working within these shared systems, teachers can focus their time and energy on delivering high-quality instruction, responding to student needs, and continually improving their practice.
In alignment to TEP’s vision for the 3A’s (Athletics, Arts, Athletics), TEP’s middle school model values subject specialization, particularly in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and music/performing arts, allowing teachers to develop deep expertise in their content areas and deliver high-quality, rigorous instruction. Educators focus on building strong disciplinary knowledge and skills while aligning their teaching to clear standards and learning goals. Teachers collaborate regularly with grade-level and content-area teams to share best practices, analyze student work, and ensure consistency across classrooms. They are supported with high-quality curriculum resources and instructional materials that provide a strong foundation for lesson design. Through structured planning time and ongoing collaboration, teachers refine lessons, assessments, and instructional strategies to better meet student needs and drive academic growth.
Classrooms emphasize predictable routines, active student engagement, and positive behavior support to create a structured and supportive learning environment. Consistent expectations and clear procedures help students feel secure, focused, and ready to learn each day. Teachers intentionally promote independence by teaching students to manage their materials, time, and responsibilities. They also help students develop strong work habits, such as persistence, organization, and attention to detail. Through guided practice and discussion, students learn how to participate thoughtfully and respectfully in academic conversations, building confidence in expressing their ideas and listening to others.
Subject teachers deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that challenges students and builds deep understanding in their content areas. They regularly analyze student work and assessment data to identify strengths, address gaps, and adjust instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Through close collaboration with colleagues, teachers plan together, share strategies, and align expectations across classrooms. This collective work helps ensure consistency in instruction and supports continuous improvement. Together, these practices enable all students to make strong academic progress and grow in confidence, skill, and independence as learners.
As pillars of TEP’s vision for the 3 A’s (Academics, Arts, and Athletics), students receive daily Music Instruction and Physical Education at every grade level (Kindergarten through 8th grade). At Middle School (grades 5 through 8), TEP has a team of Music and Performance Arts Teachers and one Physical Education teacher per grade, who contribute to a well-rounded academic program and play an important role in supporting students’ creative and physical development.
Music and Performing Arts Teachers provide high-quality instruction in music and performing arts, helping students build artistic skills, express themselves, and develop an appreciation for creativity as an essential part of their overall education. TEP’s Middle School Music Department seeks to develop musicians by emphasizing skills and understandings that apply to both their instrument of specialization and the broader world they inhabit. Music teachers emphasize performance and technical proficiency, training musicians to perform with a high degree of skill on their chosen instrument.
Physical Education teachers lead daily PE periods and integrate physical education into the broader educational experience, supervising physical activities during recess and ensuring that students are active on the road to developing the habits that will lead to life-long health.
Teachers establish consistent and effective classroom routines, build strong, trusting relationships with students and families, and create a positive learning environment that supports both academic success and social-emotional growth. They work to become fluent with the curriculum, instructional materials, and assessment systems, using data to inform planning and monitor student progress. Educators also learn and apply schoolwide expectations and routines to ensure consistency across classrooms and grade levels. Through clear communication and collaboration with families, teachers align support between home and school. This shared understanding of curriculum, assessments, and expectations allows teachers to focus on high-quality instruction and continuous improvement.
Teachers demonstrate strong classroom management and effective instructional planning that support a focused, productive learning environment. They use data and ongoing assessment to drive instruction and show measurable student growth in academic and social-emotional areas. In addition to their work with students, teachers contribute positively to team culture by collaborating with colleagues, sharing best practices, and engaging in collective problem-solving. Through professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, they help strengthen both individual classrooms and the broader school community.
TEP offers ongoing instructional feedback, structured collaboration, and meaningful opportunities for leadership development. Teachers receive regular feedback and resources to strengthen their practice, reflect on instruction, and continue growing professionally. As experienced educators, our teachers take on expanded roles such as leading grade-level or content-area teams, leading key student-focused whole school service roles, and facilitating professional learning communities. Our teachers may also contribute to curriculum development, assessment design, and schoolwide professional development initiatives. These leadership opportunities allow teachers to extend their impact beyond their own classrooms while helping to build a strong, collaborative, and continuously improving school community.
TEP teachers earn a revolutionary compensation of $140,000 a year with the opportunity for a significant performance bonus based on whole-school performance. TEP offers comprehensive benefits, along with meaningful opportunities for ongoing professional growth, access to consistent professional development resources, and leveraging teachers’ skills and expertise. TEP is committed to fostering an environment where educators make a strong impact on student learning and contribute their expertise and leadership through intentional whole-school service roles.
Explore current Early Childhood and Elementary teaching opportunities and take the next step in your career at The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School. At TEP, you’ll join a mission-driven community dedicated to academic excellence, equity, and whole-child development. View available roles, learn more about our supportive culture and professional growth opportunities, and apply to become part of a team committed to making a meaningful impact on students’ lives every day.
TEP’s middle school typically serves students in Grades 5 through 8, providing a four-year program designed to support early adolescence and prepare students for the transition to high school. During these years, students experience increasingly rigorous academics, greater independence, and expanded opportunities for leadership, enrichment, and personal growth within a structured, supportive school environment.
TEP hires teachers across core subject areas such as English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and humanities, ensuring that students receive strong, specialized instruction in each discipline. In addition to these core academic roles, the school also recruits for other positions as needed, including enrichment, support, and operational roles, depending on current staffing needs and available openings. Hiring priorities may vary by year and campus, allowing TEP to respond to enrollment, program growth, and student needs while building a strong, well-rounded team.
Many middle school roles at TEP prioritize strong subject-matter expertise, particularly in core academic areas such as English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and humanities. Teachers are expected to bring deep content knowledge and the ability to deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that supports student mastery and critical thinking. In addition to subject expertise, roles often emphasize strong instructional practice, collaboration, and relationship-building with students and families. Detailed role expectations, qualifications, and responsibilities are outlined in each job posting so candidates can clearly understand the skills, experience, and competencies required for the position.
Teachers receive clear and consistent instructional expectations, along with dedicated time for collaboration and ongoing coaching or feedback to strengthen classroom practice. These supports help educators align their instruction to shared standards, refine lesson planning, and continuously improve their teaching strategies. Through regular observation, reflection, and professional learning, teachers are able to grow their skills, build confidence, and deliver high-quality instruction that meets the needs of all students.
TEP emphasizes consistent routines, high academic and behavioral expectations, and strong relationships to create a supportive, structured, and academically focused learning environment. Clear expectations and predictable systems help students feel safe, focused, and ready to learn, while positive relationships between students and adults foster trust, motivation, and a sense of belonging. Together, these elements create a school culture that supports both high achievement and student well-being.
The program focuses on academic rigor and the development of strong habits for independent learning, helping students build the skills and confidence needed for long-term success. Through challenging coursework and clear expectations, students learn to think critically, manage their time, and take ownership of their learning. Teachers emphasize organization, perseverance, and effective study strategies so that students are prepared to handle increasingly complex tasks. By developing these academic and personal habits, students gain the independence and self-assurance needed to succeed in high school and beyond.
Requirements vary by role at TEP. Some positions, particularly lead teaching roles, require appropriate certification or licensure in accordance with state guidelines, while other instructional or support positions may not have the same credential requirements. The best way to confirm what is needed is to review the qualifications listed in the specific job posting, as each role outlines the required credentials, experience, and any preferred qualifications.
Apply online through TEP’s careers page to view current openings and submit your application for roles that match your experience and interests. If there are no positions available at the moment that are a good fit, you can also join TEP’s talent network to stay connected. By joining the talent network, you will be considered for future openings as they arise and can receive updates about new opportunities across teaching, operations, and support roles.
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