Company Description
Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to delivering an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. With a commitment to closing the college completion gap, we prepare every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators by offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development, ensuring excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
Job Description
As a High School English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Uncommon Schools, you will have the opportunity to inspire students through a passion for literature and create an engaging and rigorous classroom culture. Our educators become experts in their course content and are adept at motivating and inspiring high school students. Your classroom will emphasize reading and student-led discourse. By utilizing various instructional strategies, you will prioritize discussion, ignite a passion for literature, and promote strong voice and agency among students. By the end of the school year, your students will be better prepared for the academic rigor and independence of college coursework, as well as develop a long-term love for literacy.
Responsibilities
1. Instruction
Teach from a robust literature curriculum shared across our high schools that prioritizes inclusive texts, emphasizes diversity, and prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP), SAT, and collegiate-level coursework.
Guide students in a deep exploration of daily content by analyzing works from authors like James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Shakespeare, and Yaa Gyasi to ignite their passion for literature and sharpen their critical thinking skills.
Develop independent and collaborative reading, writing, and discussion skills among students.
Facilitate student-led discourse by teaching them to use evidence for sophisticated claims and to synthesize and evaluate arguments and rhetoric.
Regularly analyze student comprehension and writing to adapt lessons and maximize student learning.
Collaborate with your department and grade level team to enhance content and instructional strategies that support all students' success.
2. Data Analysis
Meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments.
Implement strategies to differentiate instruction for diverse learners in your classroom.
3. School Culture
Build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
Engage with students' families to provide appropriate resources supporting their child's learning needs.
Participate in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
Engage in weekly, school-wide meetings to foster community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.
Partner with your grade-level team to set academic goals and practice instructional strategies.
Qualifications
A strong commitment to supporting students' social-emotional and academic development.
Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students.
A self-directed learner who actively seeks and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
Required Experience:
Experience that demonstrates a commitment to impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years preferred).
Strong academic background in Humanities, English, Social Sciences, or related fields of study.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required prior to the start of employment. While certification is not required for hiring, candidates must meet NY state certification eligibility requirements by enrolling in a teacher preparation program and maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher during employment if they do not have a degree in education. Certification is required within a reasonable period after beginning employment.
Additional Information
Our people make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits to support the health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy prioritizes equity and fairness while attracting and retaining top talent.
Compensation
Compensation for this role ranges from $50,000 to $64,700, with starting pay determined by relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely start at $50,000.
Benefits
Generous paid time off including sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
Extensive, best-in-class training and development opportunities.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, plus pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
Financial Planning assistance with a 403(b) retirement savings program and employer match.
Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
Mental health and counseling support, along with wellness benefits.
*A detailed list of all benefits is available upon request.
At Uncommon Schools, we believe a supportive and welcoming environment is essential for the success of our students, staff, and community. We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the wide range of perspectives and experiences within the communities we serve, with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on critical topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any kind based on 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 benefits associated with employment and are offered 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.