The English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher will help provide and guide instruction for K-12 ESL students across several campuses at North Star Academy. The ESL teacher will work closely with the school-based Special Education Coordinators, as well as with teachers and leaders throughout the region, so this position requires the ability to travel between our Newark campuses. The ESL Teacher will report to the Associate Director of Special Education.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school
Show unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness
Provide in-class support in the general education setting and small group instruction to ESL students
Provide support and feedback to content teachers on sheltered instruction strategies as needed
Attend and participate IEP meetings for English Learners as directed by the Associate Director of Special Education
Follow ESSA guidelines for identification, instruction, assessment, and exiting ESL students
Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct
Implement curricula and activities to meet academic and language acquisition standards aligned to the WIDA English language development standards
Complete training for administering WIDA assessments used to identify and determine continued eligibility for ESL services
Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct
Be accountable for students’ mastery of academic and language acquisition standards
Exhibit resilience to persevere and turn challenges into opportunities
Focus constantly on student learning, thinking critically and strategically to respond to student learning needs
Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
Engage families in their children’s education
Commit to continual professional growth
Qualifications
Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
Flexibility to adapt to the needs of our students
Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom
Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects
Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred; and
Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred
By the time that employment begins, candidates must have received a Bachelor's degree from a College or University. For teaching roles in New Jersey, the candidates must have earned a cumulative 2.75 GPA (for candidates graduating before September 1, 2016) or 3.0 (for candidates graduating on or after September 1, 2016).
Valid NJ English as a Second Language State Certification is required
Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
Additional Information
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
Compensation
Compensation for this role is between $60,000 to $85,000.
Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time Teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $60,000.
* The range above represents our compensation scales for the 2025-2026 school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2025, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales. New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2025 for next school year which aligns to the scale above.
Benefits
Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
Extensive, best-in-class training and development
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
Financial Planning New Jersey Pension program
Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE .
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.