Job Description
Job DescriptionJoin Our Mission at Uncommon Schools!
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 are on a mission 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: Middle School History Teacher
As a Middle School History Teacher, you will be part of a dynamic team that empowers students to become self-guided learners. You will develop subject mastery while understanding the socio-emotional changes that middle school students experience. Your history classes will not only educate but also empower students’ voices, preparing them to be global citizens through:
- Textual analysis
- Analytical writing
- Engaging discourse
By the end of eighth grade, your students will be ready for the academic autonomy and college preparatory focus of our high schools!
Key Responsibilities
1. Instruction
- Facilitate student-led discussions on historical topics, encouraging open-ended questions and peer-to-peer debates.
- Guide students in understanding authors' claims and the importance of sourcing while developing skills in argumentation, corroboration, inquiry, and historiography.
- Teach a curriculum that highlights the diverse histories of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, women, and ancient cultures, showcasing their impact on the United States.
- Create an inclusive and safe environment where students feel empowered to express evidence-based opinions.
2. Data Analysis
- Meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze student work and assessment trends.
- Implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.
3. School Culture
- Build positive relationships with students, ensuring they feel seen, loved, and heard.
- Partner with families to provide resources that support their child’s learning needs.
- Engage in professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
- Participate in weekly school-wide meetings to foster community and encourage student achievement.
- Collaborate with your grade level team to set academic goals and refine instructional strategies.
Qualifications
- A strong commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
- A passion for collaboration with internal and external partners for the benefit 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 Education, History, Geography, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, or the Humanities.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution 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 and educational certifications. 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 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 options, including 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.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects 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.