[2025-2026] Teaching Fellow

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

DREAM’s Teaching Fellowship is a selective, rigorous program through which DREAM/Harlem RBI school and program graduates, and current and former part-time staff can train to become teachers at DREAM. During the program, each Fellow works in a classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher, participates in a cohort experience to support and propel their growth, and works toward New York State teaching certification and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Fellows receive regular feedback and coaching, all while building the skills necessary to manage a classroom, lead instruction, and meaningfully engage students and families.

By becoming a DREAM Teaching Fellow, you will grow as an educator and get to immerse yourself in a school community focused on developing the whole child and committed to driving outcomes for the students of East Harlem and the South Bronx. This is an exciting opportunity to launch a rewarding teaching career and drive DREAM’s mission forward for future generations.

The DREAM Teaching Fellowship involves working full-time and attending graduate school part-time for two years (one year as a Fellow, and one year as a Fellow graduate/lead teacher). Fellows earn a competitive salary and benefits and are awarded a generous scholarship to Relay Graduate School of Education. DREAM Fellowship graduates commit to teaching at DREAM for at least three years after program completion. The Fellowship is designed to invest in future educators from DREAM’s own communities: priority consideration for Fellowship admission is given to qualified DREAM/Harlem RBI alumni, and current and former part-time staff.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis.

• On-The-Job Learning as a DREAM Teaching Fellow (Approx. 40 hours/week):
• Create rigorous and engaging lesson plans; 
• Under the direction of the mentor teacher, teach lessons with increasing frequency throughout the year; provide small group instruction as well as provide support to individual students to address learning needs and goals;
• Maintain a productive, safe, and focused learning environment and model behavior within the code of conduct and all school policies;
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, grade team meetings, intellectual preparation meetings, and other meetings, as needed;
• Participate in school-wide and individual professional development;
• Perform duties including, but not limited to, advisory, arrival and dismissal, lunch, assessment proctoring, and class coverage;
• Under the supervision of the mentor teacher, may take on responsibilities including but not limited to taking attendance, grading student work, preparing teaching materials, and family communication;
• Actively participate in DREAM professional learning opportunities such as mentorship meetings and fellowship cohort meetings;
• Engage wholeheartedly in building relationships with DREAM fellows, staff, and community members;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and NYS Teaching Certification (Approx. 16 hours/month):
• Complete all steps to enroll at Relay Graduate School of Education upon acceptance of  the DREAM Teaching Fellow position, including submission of official undergraduate transcripts;
• Successfully enroll in Relay Graduate School of Education’s Teacher Pathway MAT program;
• Meet all course registration, billing, and other deadlines required to remain a student in good standing in Relay Graduate School of Education’s Teacher Pathway MAT program;
• As a student in Relay Graduate School of Education’s Teacher Pathway MAT program, successfully complete all required coursework, including observations and projects in order to stay on track towards completion of an MAT by June 2026;
• Pass all necessary certification exams needed to earn an Institutional Recommendation from Relay Graduate School of Education and be on track to earn certification by late summer 2026;
• Meet proficiency on all Relay Gateway assessments.

• Bachelor’s degree conferred by June 2025, required;
• Experience working with youth, ideally in a youth development or education setting, preferred;
• Interest in becoming an elementary school teacher, or a middle or high school math, science, ELA or social studies teacher;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with youth, families and colleagues;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously;
• Eagerness to grow professionally, including openness to receiving feedback and demonstrated ability to implement feedback;
• Willing and able to shift tasks and priorities as needed;
• Ability to work during K-12 school hours and attend additional Fellowship meetings;
• Ability to attend all Relay course sessions beginning in July 2025, including those held in the evenings and on weekends;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community;
• Priority to DREAM/Harlem RBI Legends*, and current and former youth-facing part-time staff.

• Being a DREAM Teaching Fellow is a full-time commitment. Exact hours vary and include daytime, evening, and some weekend hours. 

• Teaching Fellow start: Early August 2025
• Teaching Fellow end: Late June 2026

• Please note that required Relay GSE coursework begins in July 2025.

• DREAM Teaching Fellowship graduates commit to teaching at DREAM for at least three years after program completion. In the year following Fellowship completion, Fellowship graduates are expected to successfully finish the Relay Graduate School of Education Teacher Pathway MAT program, as well as all state certification requirements.

• We offer comprehensive benefits including:
• Flexible Medical Health Plans,  subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs
• Dental and vision plans
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave 
• Flexible spending account options
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit)
• Fitness and entertainment discounts
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP)
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment
• Referral bonuses
• School-based 10-month employees have approximately 40 days off throughout the school year, including holidays, school breaks, personal days and wellness days, in addition to summer break.

• The incoming salary for this position is $60,000 per year.
• Teaching Fellows also receive:
• A $12,450 scholarship for year 1 of a Masters Degree at Relay Graduate School of Education;
• Reimbursement for state certification costs up to $1,000;
• $3,855 scholarship for year 2 at Relay GSE upon successful Fellowship year completion;
• Promotion to a teaching position at DREAM upon successful Fellowship year completion.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. 

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims 

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.

Salary : $3,855 - $60,000