Rosalyn Yalow Charter School, nestled in the Bronx, is known not only for its rigorous academics but also for its passionate, innovative team of teachers. Educators here adopt student-centered pedagogy, blending rigorous academic standards with unique activities such as chess, fencing, violin, and visual arts. The teaching staff many working in team-teaching settings focus on at-risk children, differentiating instruction using evidence-based assessments, and building lasting relationships with families.
Teacher Roles and Approach at Yalow
Team Teaching Model
In early grades, Yalow deploys a team-teaching approach where a lead teacher is paired with a co-teacher or a staff member with social work or special education expertise. This configuration supports small class sizes and targeted interventions, particularly in grades K-2, ensuring students receive tailored academic support and social-emotional guidance. This model fosters collaboration and shared responsibility among teachers.
Core Academic Teaching Supported by Specialized Roles
Teachers at Rosalyn Yalow deliver core subjects such as language arts (Core Knowledge), Singapore Math, and inquiry-based science, while being supported by a robust Response-to-Intervention (RTI) team. This team includes reading interventionists, special educators, and ESL specialists, all coordinated by a director of assessment and data. Educators use tools like NWEA MAP and STEP literacy assessments to target instruction and monitor progress.
Professional Background and Development
Highly Qualified Staff
Yalow’s teachers bring varied expertise, many holding educational degrees and professional certifications. While specific teacher profiles are not publicly listed, the school emphasizes evidence-based practice, structured lesson study, and continuous improvement. Teachers participate in Japanese Lesson Study collaboration, where they observe, critique, and refine Singapore Math instruction an advanced professional development practice applied regularly.
Ongoing Collaboration and Growth
Professional learning is central to teacher experience at Yalow. Staff engage in collaborative planning, reflective practice, and regular data reviews. The school’s affiliation with arts and sports partners also enriches curriculum delivery, encouraging teachers to integrate music, visual arts, chess, and fencing into their daily instruction.
Classroom Culture and Student Engagement
Arts, Athletics, and Academics Integration
Teachers at Rosalyn Yalow expertly blend academic content with creative and athletic programming. Students engage daily in violin, chorus, or visual arts under faculty and Bronx Arts Ensemble partners. Coaches and educators guide chess and fencing starting in first grade, led by dedicated instructors and supported by teachers to promote discipline, focus, and perseverance.
WholeChild Approach
Educators at Yalow don’t just teach academics they support the whole child. Through long school days and extended year lengths, teachers build deep relationships with students. Instruction integrates character development and emotional wellness, supported by school social workers, interventionists, and mental health resources available on-site.
Impact and Recognition
Achievement Results
Yalow’s teachers contribute to high student outcomes, earning the school a 2020 NYS Achievement Recognition award, placing it in the top 13% of public schools statewide. Datadriven instruction and consistent use of formative assessments by teachers underpin these results.
Innovation and Awards
Teaching staff at Yalow have been recognized for excellence in reading instruction, with the principal honored with a Science of Reading award in 2023. Teachers support school-wide events like the violin concert, fencing championships, and chess tournaments often organizing logistics and coaching students alongside academic instruction.
Challenges and Teacher Retention
Teacher Turnover Dynamics
Teacher retention has been a challenge, with turnover rates historically higher among those with under five years of experience. In 2021-22, the school reported about 54 teachers and a teacher attendance rate of 99%. Despite turnover, the leadership team works to maintain stability and support for new educators.
Support for Novice Teachers
The school supports new teachers via mentoring, coaching, and embedded intervention teams. With two adults in each classroom in early grades, newer teachers benefit from shared experience and role modeling, helping to reduce burnout and support professional growth.
Daily Responsibilities of Yalow Teachers
- Deliver standards-aligned lessons in language arts, math, and science using Core Knowledge and Singapore Math curricula.
- Collaborate in team-teaching models and lesson planning sessions.
- Use assessment data daily to inform tutoring, RTI strategies, and small group instruction.
- Facilitate enrichment activities like chess, fencing, violin, or visual arts alongside specialists.
- Conduct home visits and engage families in their child’s learning journey.
Teacher Qualifications and Expectations
Educational and Certification Requirements
Teachers typically hold New York State teaching certifications and degrees in education or related fields. For special roles such as interventionists or ESL teachers additional credentials in literacy or multilingual education may be required.
Core Competencies
Yalow values teachers who are collaborative, data-literate, adaptable, and passionate about equity. Teachers must be comfortable integrating arts and athletics into academics, supporting culturally diverse students, and maintaining high expectations in extended day settings.
Why Teachers Choose Yalow
Mission-Driven Environment
Educators at Rosalyn Yalow choose the school for its mission to eliminate the achievement gap for Bronx children. They embrace the chance to combine rigorous academics with empowering extracurriculars and support services in a community-focused environment.
Collaborative and Reflective Culture
Faculty appreciate the collaborative structure, frequent reflection through lesson study, and school-wide teamwork. Professional development is built into weekly routines, and teachers have opportunities to shape innovation in curriculum and school design.
Looking Ahead
Growth and Expansion
As the school grows, teachers are likely to play leadership roles in implementing expanded grade levels and new programming. Teaching models may evolve toward more interdisciplinary curriculum and increased integration of arts and movement.
Sustaining Excellence
Looking ahead, Yalow educators will continue to refine their practice using assessment data, school partnerships, and research-based pedagogies like Singapore Math and reading instruction. Maintaining low class sizes and strong adult presence in classrooms will support sustained student outcomes.
Teachers at Rosalyn Yalow Charter School exemplify dedication, creativity, and impact. Their dynamic teaching model combining academics with arts, athletics, and intervention fosters both intellectual and personal growth in students. Operating in a data-driven, supportive environment, Yalow educators strive to close the opportunity gap while nurturing the whole child. For educators passionate about equity, innovation, and community, teaching at Yalow offers an enriching and purposeful career path.