Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 52 schools serving 19,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

North Star Academy currently manages fourteen schools in Newark, NJ serving students in grades K through 12. We believe in strong authentic relationships between teachers and students, supported by effective school systems and an engaging instructional model that enables students to flourish academically and personally. North Star Academy is NJ's #1 highest performing public charter school and has served Newark families for over 20 years.

Job Description

Uncommon Middle School History teachers work in grade level teams and departments to push students towards being self-guided learners. Our teachers develop subject mastery and have a keen sense of the socio-emotional changes middle school students experience. History classes aim to empower students' voices and develop them into global citizens by emphasizing textual analysis, analytical writing, and discourse. Teachers also use engaging instructional strategies to make history come alive! At the conclusion of eighth grade, students are prepared for the academic autonomy and college preparatory focus of our high schools.

Responsibilities

1.     Instruction

You'll facilitate student-led discourse of historical topics, where students grapple with open-ended guiding questions, engage in peer-to-peer debate, and synthesize arguments.You'll guide students to understand the author's claim and the power of sourcing while developing the skills of argumentation, corroboration, inquiry, and historiography through primary and secondary source analysis.You'll teach an in-house curriculum that prioritizes the diverse histories of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, women, ancient cultures, and the impact all of these groups have had on the development of the United States.You'll build an inclusive and safe environment where students are empowered to use their voices to express evidence-based opinions and perspectives.

2.     Data Analysis

You'll meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments.You'll learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.

3.     School Culture

You’ll build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.You’ll partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.You'll engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.You'll participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.You'll partner with your grade level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies

QualificationsA commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organizationA demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social emotional and academic developmentAn enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of studentsA self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectivesRequired Experience:A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).Academic expertise in Education, History, Geography, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, or the Humanities.Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration at Uncommon Schools in the state of NJ, but you do need to meet NJ state certification eligibility requirements (a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 if you graduated prior to 9/1/16). All instructional staff are required to become certified in the state of New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Additional Information

Our people are what makes us Uncommon.  We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.  

Compensation for this position: The starting compensation for this role based in Newark is between $59,000 to $83,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members. 

Other Benefits:

Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school yearExtensive, best-in-class training and development  Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plansPre-tax flexible spending and health saving accountsFinancial planning & wellnessNew Jersey Pension program529 college savings programPublic Service Loan Forgiveness application assistanceFinancial  planning tools and assistanceDependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discountsPaid leave of absence Fully paid parental leaveFully paid medical leaveAdditional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. 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 [email protected].