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 locations 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 success beyond high school. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, a testament to our commitment to their future.
We believe in investing deeply in our educators, providing weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. If you're ready to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference, we want you on our team!
About the Role: High School Science Teacher
As a High School Science Teacher at Uncommon Schools, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future scientists. Collaborating with fellow educators, you will equip students with the tools and knowledge to critically engage in the field of science, fostering self-directed learners who are prepared for any STEM discipline. Your classroom will be a hub of inquiry-based learning, where student discourse and scientific practices thrive.
Your Responsibilities
1. Instruction
- Teach a dynamic curriculum covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Sciences, preparing students for Advanced Placement (AP) and collegiate-level coursework.
- Develop students' skills in questioning, modeling, data analysis, and conducting interactive labs.
- Create a safe environment where students feel confident to engage in scientific discourse.
- Facilitate student-led discussions, encouraging evidence-based claims and critical thinking.
- Guide students through inquiry-based projects and lab performance tasks.
- Collaborate with the Science department to set academic and engagement goals.
2. Data Analysis
- Meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze student work and assessments.
- Implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners.
3. School Culture
- Build positive relationships with students, ensuring they feel seen, loved, and heard.
- Partner with families to provide resources that support student learning.
- 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 develop academic goals and 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 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, 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 financial stability of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity and fairness, ensuring we attract and retain top talent.
Compensation
The salary for this role ranges from $56,000 to $80,000, with starting pay determined by factors such as relevant teaching experience and education certifications.
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 support, including the New Jersey Pension program.
- Paid leave options for parental, medical, and disability needs.
- 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 kind. We ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process.