Work at WHEELS
WHEELS is an Expeditionary Learning-Outward Bound (ELOB) school rooted in quality teaching and learning. Our mission is to work with families to prepare each sixth through twelfth grade student academically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially to succeed in a college of his or her choice and beyond. We organize our curriculum around interdisciplinary learning expeditions; collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork are integral components of our design. We ask for and support active pedagogy from our teachers, and have created a school culture that ensures high expectations; fosters a safe, respectful and orderly academic community; promotes adventure; develops our professional crafts as educators; and engages families in the life of the school.
If you are interested in working at WHEELS please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@wheelsnyc.org
Teacher Testimonials
"I ultimately decided to come to WHEELS for a few major reasons. First, I think it's a really exciting time to be in the Department of Education, as the new small schools movement essentially combines the best of both worlds - the culture of high expectations that charter schools tend to have with the access to individual freedoms, resources and systems the DOE enjoys. Second, I am amazed at the level of experience and passion that the staff at WHEELS brings to every school day. It can be really humbling to be in a group this accomplished, and I feel like I get so many opportunities to learn from the many, many years of experience and high level of expertise that the team at WHEELS boasts. The turnover in our school is a lot smaller than the norm; a lot of folks stick around - in the school, building, neighborhood, etc. - for a lot of years and there is just no substitute for staff retention in terms of stability and school culture. Finally, I was (and continue to be) really impressed by the connections the school has, particularly to Expeditionary Learning/Outward Bound. The training institutes I went to last summer were the best and most useful PD sessions I've ever attended, and those partnerships afford teachers a lot of additional opportunities throughout the school year and subsequent summers. In addition to ELOB, there are other relationships and affiliates that I know many teachers have benefited from throughout the history of the school."
Denise Bruxelles, 11th Grade English
"As an educator who values a supportive, respectful atmosphere and a sense of community within a school, I couldn't be happier here at WHEELS. With these systems in place, we are able to focus on instruction, engagement and student achievement. Having the chance to work directly with my instructional guide on a weekly basis helps me inform my planning to fine tune my instruction and increase academic rigor for my students. Our students benefit from the environment and culture we've established here at WHEELS, which is obvious in the pride they take in their work and the level of respect we see from them."
Maria Papadimitropoulos, 8th Grade Science
"As a native of Washington Heights I feel so lucky and fortunate to be teaching at WHEELS (Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School). WHEELS is a great school and what makes it great are the teachers, staff and families that are all so devoted to the future of the students of this community. The supports that exist among the teachers are also incredible because you work in teams and everyone is on the same page. As a first year teacher I am also fortunate to have a mentor/instructional guide who supports me by taking out time to meet with me on a weekly basis to ensure I am on the right path to be the best educator I can be for my students (all teachers regardless of how many years you've been teaching have an instructional guide that provides support). At WHEELS you will feel the support you need and it will help you focus on what is most important to us, which is educating the children of Washington Heights."
Jackie Rodriguez, Middle School ESL