Job Description
Job DescriptionJoin Our Mission at Uncommon Schools!
Company Description
At Uncommon Schools, we are more than just a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools; we are a community dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for students in economically disadvantaged areas. With schools in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we strive to close the college completion gap and prepare every student for a successful future. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, a testament to our commitment to their success. We deeply invest in our educators, providing weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
About the Role
As a Special Education Teacher at Uncommon Schools, you will play a pivotal role in advocating for students with special needs. Your passion for developing and monitoring accommodations will help ensure that every student receives the specialized instruction and support they deserve. You will provide academic, emotional, and physical support while maintaining high expectations for all learners.
Key Responsibilities
1. Instruction
- Modify, differentiate, and teach an inclusive curriculum that celebrates diversity.
- Collaborate with families and Special Education teams to develop 504 and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that provide appropriate accommodations.
- Create a safe and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to become self-guided learners.
2. Special Education Specific Responsibilities
- Work with general education teachers, school leaders, and families to analyze student work samples and ensure compliance with IEPs.
- Gather academic growth data and write goals in preparation for annual IEP meetings.
- Deliver pull-out, push-in, small group, and one-on-one instruction, implementing strategies to differentiate for all learners.
3. School Culture
- Build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
- Partner with families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child’s learning needs.
- Engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
- Participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community and encourage student achievement.
- Collaborate with your grade-level team to develop academic goals and instructional strategies.
Qualifications
- A demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic development.
- An 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.
- Required Experience:
- 1-2 years of experience impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities preferred.
- Academic expertise in Special Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, or related fields.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite, but you must meet NJ state certification eligibility requirements.
Why Join Us?
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity and fairness, aiming to attract and retain top talent.
Compensation
The salary for this role ranges from $56,000 to $80,000, determined by factors such as relevant teaching experience, educational certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely start at $56,000.
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, along with pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
- Financial planning support through the New Jersey Pension program.
- Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
- Mental health and counseling support, plus wellness benefits.
*A detailed list of all benefits is available upon request.
Our Commitment to Diversity
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 reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences 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 Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type. We 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.