Who We Are
Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.
Understanding the Role
You will provide exceptional instruction that affords all students the opportunity to excel academically and meet grade-level standards. You will bring content-specific expertise to instructional planning and delivery in order to equip students with the skills necessary for success in future careers in the food-service and production industry. This teacher will deliver specified instruction in the areas of food safety, commercial production, and culinary arts. Through this role, you will work relentlessly to increase student achievement levels by consistently setting rigorous academic and behavioral goals for students, monitoring progress towards these goals, and adjusting course when necessary. The Culinary Arts Teacher will work to actively build positive and beneficial relationships with parents, guardians, and community members in order to positively impact their students’ academic performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
Develops and administers culinary arts curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectivesEvaluates student progress on a regular basis and prepare progress reportsInstructs pupils in citizenship, basic communications skills, and other general elements of the course of study common to all teachers, as specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the districtProvides individual, small, and/or large group instruction, whenever appropriate, in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of pupils with varying intellectual and special abilitiesInstructs pupils in proper care and use of textbooks, equipment, and materialsEstablishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to provide an orderly and productive environmentSelects and requisitions books, instructional materials, equipment, and aids, and maintains required inventory recordsDevelops instructional plans and organizes class time to provide a balanced program of instructionDevelops and maintains professional competence through participation in in-service education activities provided by the district and in self-selected professional growth activitiesSupervises out-of classroom activities for pupils during the assigned working day, as requiredPlans and coordinates the work of aides, teacher assistants, and other paraprofessionalsIdentifies pupil’s needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping pupils solve health, attitude, and learning problemsCommunicates with parents and pupil personnel staff members on the individual pupil’s progress and developmentProvides instruction on the use and development of skills in culinary arts including safe techniques and hospitality and tourism. Instructs students in the use, care, and safe operation of business equipmentDevelops and participates in the sponsorship of student activities and faculty committeesActs as a resource person on an interdepartmental level to relate appropriate aspects of his/her subject area to other subject areasWorks to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents concerning the academic and behavioral progress of all assigned students
Skills, Qualifications, and/or Competencies Required:
Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourcedCommitted to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleaguesYou possess an exceptional level of patience and focus to overcome challenges and achieve resultsStrong classroom management skills: you can set high expectations in the classroom and keep scholars engagedClassroom presence: you are clear and precise when sharing new content with students and can effectively lead students through inquiry-based class discussionsDetail-oriented, and highly organizedBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, Master’s Degree, preferredNYS Teaching Certification in Culinary Careers, or working towards certificationCertificate of Eligibility in Culinary or related field and/or Career and Technical Education (CTE) CertificationCurrent possession or immediate attainment of Food Protection Certificate
Benefits & Compensation
Employees at Challenge Preparatory Charter School are provided with a generous salary. Our salaries are highly competitive, set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills and experiences relevant to the role. A starting Teachers' salary ranges from $62,000 - $95,000, based on experience.As a regular full-time employee of Challenge Prep, you will be eligible for benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match and Paid Family Leave.We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit.Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide prioritiesDriven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environmentOpportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planningProfessional development: weekly PD, year-round training, and the ongoing coaching by professionals
School Sites
Grades 9-12: 15-20 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Selection Process
Phase I - Virtual Interview with the HR Recruiter
Phase II - Demo, Panel Interview, and Interview with the Senior Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning 6-12
Final - Reference Check, Offer, and Contract
Work Year
This full-time position begins in mid-August and goes through the end of June.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Challenge Charter School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, particularly in the Far Rockaway area, and committed to educating students. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our relentless work. Challenge Charter School offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our mission, team, and the exciting things happening at Challenge by visiting
