Middle School ELA Teacher (Immediate Start – SY 20-21)

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (SY 20-21)

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 55 schools serving more than 21,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. 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 English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are passionate about literature and building an engaging classroom culture. Our teachers develop subject mastery and have a keen sense of the socio-emotional changes middle schoolers experience. At the heart of all ELA classes is an emphasis on writing and discourse designed to give students the tools to be confident in the power of their own voice. Teachers are trained in a variety of research-based instructional strategies to prioritize discussion, ignite a passion for literature, build reading comprehension, and promote agency. By 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 empower students to be their fullest selves by teaching an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum that seeks equitable outcomes for all students.
  • You'll guide students to analyze literary and non-narrative texts, assess an author's purpose, write in a variety of genres, and grapple with meaningful questions in student-led discourse. 
  • You'll create an inclusive and safe environment, allying with students to speak and write in their authentic voice.
  • You’ll guide students to choose books of interest independently, as they develop their own passions and interests as readers.

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.

Qualifications

  • A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization
  • 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 solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
  • Required Experience:
    • A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).
    • Academic expertise in Humanities, English, Social Sciences, or other related fields of study.
    • 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

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

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, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability. 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.