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A photo collage of students attending Growing Up Green charter schools.

Growing Up Green II

Welcome to Growing Up Green Middle School, Jamaica!  We are a vibrant and diverse learning community serving students in grades 5 through 8 in the heart of Queens. We are dedicated to nurturing young minds as they transition from elementary school to high school, preparing them for success in academics and life.

At Growing Up Green Middle School, our mission is to cultivate leaders  who are passionate about creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Through rigorous academics, we empower students to think critically, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Our school community is grounded in our core values: kindness, collaboration, courage, and social justice. These values guide our decisions, shape our relationships, and inspire us to create a school culture where every member feels supported and motivated to grow. Together, we foster an environment where students learn to lead with empathy, work collectively, and stand up for what is right.

Student population

48% Black
34% Hispanic or Latinx
9% Asian

81%

OF OUR STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH

29%

OF OUR STUDENTS HAVE IEPS

13%

OF OUR STUDENTS ARE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

The details

  • There are two degree options available at this location:
    • 34-credit master of arts in teaching in Inclusive Childhood Education (dual degree in Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education, Grades 1-6)
      • Placements for grades 5 and 6 are available
    • 30-credit master of arts in teaching in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
      • Placements for grades 7-8 are available
  • Meet online with NYU Steinhardt faculty and peers twice per week in the evening for your course work ~15 hours/week
  • ~40 hours/week in classroom residency at partner location
    • Growing Up Green’s daily teacher schedule is 7:45 – 3:30. On Mondays, we have staff development until 4:30.
  • Tuition subsidy and stipend or wage from partner school
  • Full-day cost details

As a teacher resident, you’ll teach and learn in your content area. You’ll work alongside a mentor  teacher, your Teacher Development Coach, grade team, and school leadership team to gain responsibility throughout the year. You also may be asked to substitute teach later in the year as well as support intervention work.

During residency year

Estimated Stipend

$52,000

Additionally, Residents have the opportunity to lead afterschool clubs or tutoring for an additional hourly stipend.


Health Insurance

Provided


Start Date

Mid August


After residency year

Job After Graduation

After successful completion of the program, you will be strongly considered for available teaching positions in your content area.


Estimated Starting Salary with Master’s Degree

$72,692


The figures above are estimates provided by our partners for informational and planning purposes only. NYU Steinhardt does not guarantee these amounts.

The application is open for our 2026 Teacher Residency Cohort. Our next deadline is May 1, 2026.


We built this program from the ground up, and [the faculty] all agreed on starting with the ideas of building community and understanding identity.

HEATHER WOODLEY
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF TESOL, BILINGUAL EDUCATION, AND WORLD LANGUAGE EDUCATION


Whether you aspire to become a teacher of students with disabilities in an integrated co-teaching classroom or a US history teacher for Advanced Placement students, this program offers the skills needed to connect with, engage, empower, challenge, and reach all of your students.

DIANA TURK
DIRECTOR OF TEACHER EDUCATION; CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING AT NYU STEINHARDT