Summer Teaching Fellow 2022

  • Part-time
  • Hiring Start Time: May 2022 Start

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 55 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

The Summer Teaching Fellowship (STF) is a paid 5-week teacher preparation program designed for rising college seniors (college juniors) who are committed to pursuing a career in urban education. Fellows gain the experience and support vital to develop, grow, and enhance their instructional skills. After spending time observing, learning, and supporting instruction, many Fellows receive and accept full-time offers to teach at Uncommon upon graduation.

STF is currently offered in Boston (MA), Newark (NJ) and Brooklyn (NY) and serves students in grades K-12. Applicants will indicate choice of region and grade level on the application. Please note that positions in preferred geographic locations and grade levels may not always be available due to varied capacity and size of each region.

The Summer Teaching Fellowship is part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitment to attract, hire and retain aspiring teachers with a unique and specialized understanding and connection to historically excluded and underrepresented communities in education. 93% of Uncommon’s scholars and families identify as coming from communities of color. Today, over 50% of our teachers identify as members of people of color, more than double the national average. We believe students learn best when they can see themselves and their families reflected in the backgrounds and life experiences of their teachers and leaders. Our aim is to continuously improve in our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

5-Week Program Overview

Please see below for a 5-week high-level overview of STF 2022. All dates and program details are subject to change due to the changing nature of school programming and schedules and changes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We ask that candidates remain flexible around the schedule and weekly program structure.

Week 1 (May 23rd-May 27th): Fellows will participate in a week-long orientation led by the DEI team to learn about “why” we do this work and the scholars and communities "who” we serve. Fellows will receive professional development from Uncommon leaders, build cohort culture, and connect with peers. Professional development topics include Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Social and Emotional Learning, Teach Like a Champion techniques, panel discussions with STF alumni and more.

Weeks 2-3 (May 30th-June10th): Fellows will participate in TLaC PD led by STF Directors, classroom observations, 5 hours per week of STF-led student interaction( small group tutoring, state test prep, in-classroom support etc.) and 1:1 coaching and feedback meetings with mentor teachers. During weeks 2 and 3, STFs will learn how to become effective teachers. STF will not hold any sessions on May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.

Week 4 (June 13th -June17th): Fellows will be able to prepare for their final evaluations during week 5. Fellows will engage in refresher TLaC PD training, participate in practice clinics, and have dedicated time for independent practice.

Week 5 (June 20th-June24th): Fellows will conduct final evaluations with their STF Directors and close out the end of the program. STF will not hold any sessions on June 20th in observance of Juneteenth.

Qualifications

  • Current standing as an undergraduate college junior graduating in December 2022 or Spring 2023
  • U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Full availability from May 23rd to June 24th, 2022
  • Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities is preferred but not required
  • Background or major in education is not required, though candidates should show a proven passion for working with K-12 students

The strongest STF candidates exhibit the following traits:

  • Strong interest in pursuing a full-time teaching role with Uncommon upon graduation
  • Proven commitment to social justice and urban education reform
  • Evidence of willingness to receive feedback, grit, and strong work ethi
  • High degree of self-reflectiveness, professionalism, and flexibility
  • Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy

Additional Information

Compensation

  • Stipend of $2500 (to be paid across at least two pay cycles)
  • Transportation stipend (amount varies by region)
  • Free dormitory-style housing (or an additional $800 stipend subject to all taxes and fees for Fellows who opt out of housing and find their own accommodation for summer)

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 a hardworking team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through 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.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.