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: Chess Teacher
Start date: July 2027 or sooner, based on Zeta's immediate hiring needs and your availability
Location: Elementary and middle school campuses (see school locations)
Work model: Fully on-site in New York City
Salary range: $65,000 - $105,500
Reports to: Assistant Principal of Specialty
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 Chess Teacher who is excited to deliver exceptional, engaging chess instruction that develops students’ strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, confidence, and lifelong love of the game.
You bring:
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Experience teaching, coaching, or leading chess programming through private instruction, after-school or community programs, clubs, camps, or tournaments
- Full-time experience teaching chess in an elementary, middle, or high school setting is strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience leading students in competitive chess tournaments, including preparing players for competition, providing coaching and strategic guidance, and supporting students throughout the tournament experience
- Demonstrated mastery of chess, reflected in a player rating of at least 1600, with the ability to translate your expertise into rigorous, accessible, and engaging instruction
- A passion for developing students’ strategic thinking, perseverance, focus, and intellectual confidence, paired with high expectations for every student’s growth
What you’ll be doing
In the Chess Teacher role, you will:
- Bring a bold vision of excellence in chess to life by designing and delivering exceptional, inquiry-driven instruction that develops students’ strategic thinking, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and focus.
- Build a joyful, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment where students embrace productive struggle, develop perseverance, and build a genuine love of the game.
- Champion Zeta’s ambitious academic goals through chess, strengthening critical habits such as focus, perseverance, and pattern recognition that help students excel across subjects.
- Drive ambitious student and program outcomes, maintaining 100% enrollment across clubs and teams, successfully completing all required Specialty events, and using data and student work to monitor progress, refine instruction, accelerate student growth, and ensure 80%+ of students pass unit assessments.
- Lead a high-quality after-school chess program, advancing students from foundational skills to strategic mastery, preparing players for tournaments, and providing expert coaching and support throughout the competition experience.
- Build authentic, meaningful relationships with students and families to support each student’s growth and success.
- Collaborate closely with leaders and colleagues and participate in weekly professional development, applying feedback to continually strengthen your instruction.
- Contribute actively to whole-school priorities and initiatives, providing instructional and community support wherever needed.
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
- Competitive compensation
- 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.
