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 53 schools serving 20,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. 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.

Summary of Role

The Curriculum Writer for High School Science is responsible for creating high school level Science curriculum and assessments for two courses.  A one-year position for the 2023-2024 school year, the Curriculum Writer is an essential member of the High School Curriculum and Assessment Team (HS CAT), who works closely with the Director of High School Science to craft college preparatory, high quality Science curriculum and assessments to ensure all high schools are driving towards key Science achievement outcomes.  The role is a one-year position only.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

Curriculum Development

• Develop and craft curriculum for two high school Science courses—Chemistry and 12th grade level Science elective:
  • Develop and revise the curriculum scope and sequence, aligning to AP exams/practices, success on the SAT, and key college readiness skills
  • Design outstanding curriculum materials (unit plans, daily lesson plans and exemplars, assessments) with a focus on instructional delivery methods that are best suited for the learning environment and student experience
• Research the curriculum from external organizations to learn from the sector and to ensure we are creating materials that are superior to what already exists.
• Work directly with the Director of High School Science, receiving professional development and training as well as formal and informal feedback on the crafted materials and resources.

Proofreading and Copyediting

• Produce visually appealing documents that align with Uncommon’s branding guidelines
• Ensure that curriculum is free of errors and Uncommon jargon and shorthand

Data-Driven Instruction

• Develop all aligned Science assessments and supporting resources
• Analyze internal student achievement data to resolve how to better develop materials and provide targeted, high quality teacher training
• Analyze AP exam and SAT results to inform curriculum work

Organizational Collaboration

• Meet with 1-2 teachers to discuss, where applicable, implementation and feedback on lesson plans
• When needed, conduct focused observations to see instructional resources in use and capture feedback and implement revisions based on quantitative and observational data
• Support with other related duties as needed and assigned

Required Skills/Abilities

• Teaching experience: confirmed results in student learning as a teacher
• Curriculum and assessment writing experience
• Experience with analyzing and responding to achievement data
• Ability to learn quickly and to be effective in a fast-paced, dynamic, entrepreneurial environment: able to work autonomously and thoroughly with independent self-reflection, as well as take direction as needed 
• Exceptional and creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning skills with the ability to think beyond one’s own place in the organization
• Strong project management skills, enabling multiple projects to be completed on time 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, speaks and writes clearly, and differentiates messaging to a variety of partners
• Ability to move comfortably between high level critical thinking and attention to intricate details 
• Alignment to and passion for Uncommon’s mission 
• Excellent teammate: always puts the team’s goals first and works to support and empower peers 
• Excellent ability to inspire change and build investment through relationship building

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience Requirements

• 3+ years experience required, including instruction, curriculum design with outstanding content expertise, and a consistent track record of student achievement as a teacher

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Travel Requirements

• Typically, travel involves single-day visits to high schools in all regions about 1-2 times per quarter

Our people are what make us uncommon. It’s important to us that our compensation practices align with our values and enhance our ability to attract and retain talent.  Our compensation philosophy is focused on equity and fairness, retaining our talented staff and valuing their expertise, and transparency and clarity.

Compensation for this position: The starting compensation for this role based in New York is between $78,795 and $92,700 and generally, we expect that qualified candidates in this location will be made an offer between $78,800-$83,400. The starting pay will depend on a variety of factors that may include but are not limited to experience, education, training, certification, and location. This is an annual contract that ends in June 2024.

Benefits: We offer comprehensive, flexible, and competitive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.

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. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].