Founding Program Support / Music Teacher

Manhattan Charter Schools (the Schools) are two high-performing charter schools located on the Lower East Side in New York City. The Schools are committed to providing its students with the tools and support necessary for success. Since its founding in 2005 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Manhattan Charter School (MCS) has consistently achieved high levels of success.

In 2012, MCS opened Manhattan Charter School 2 (MCS2), a replication of MCS located a few blocks away, expanding on the groundwork laid by MCS and bringing high levels of academic achievement to more students. Our vision is to offer a high-quality, public school education that will help close the opportunity, imagination, and achievement gaps for our high-need students by empowering, inspiring, and equipping them to fulfill their potential. Our mission is to teach our students how to learn and love doing it, how to cultivate their curious minds for the rest of their lives, and how to develop a solid foundation on which to base wise choices and build meaningful lives.

Position Overview The Founding Program Support / Teaching Assistant will play a critical role in ensuring the success of our El Sistema–inspired music program. This individual will assist in classroom instruction, provide logistical and operational support, and help build a positive, inclusive culture for all students. The ideal candidate is a trauma-informed educator or musician who believes in the power of ensemble learning, has strong classroom management skills, and is eager to grow professionally alongside a founding team.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Support Lead and assist the Lead Music Teacher / Program Lead in large and small group instruction. Provide individual and/or sectional support to students during rehearsals and practice. Model strong musicianship, focus, and ensemble discipline for students.

Student Engagement Support Build positive relationships with students, fostering belonging and perseverance. Use trauma-informed practices to support students’ social-emotional well-being and readiness to learn. Support student attendance, instrument care, and practice routines.

Provide additional mentorship and encouragement to students needing extra support. Support classroom management by reinforcing clear expectations, routines, and restorative approaches. Operational Support Assist with program logistics (room setup, instrument distribution/maintenance, music library organization).

Help coordinate concerts, performances, and family events. Track attendance and support communication with families. Program Growth Contribute ideas for building culture, repertoire, and program structures.

Serve as an ambassador for the program in the school and community.

Qualifications

Strong musical background (instrumental performance, ensemble participation, or music education experience). Experiences in restorative practices and de-escalation techniques Experience working with children or youth in an educational or community setting. Commitment to the values of equity, access, and the power of music for social change.

Organized, flexible, and eager to learn. Bachelor’s degree in Music or Education (preferred) or equivalent experience.

Compensation

: $50,000 - $60,000 per year To Apply Apply Here!

Benefits

: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Schedule: 8 hour shift Work Location: In person Equal Opportunity Employer: Manhattan Charter Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.