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 more than 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.

Uncommon Schools in Brooklyn currently manages twenty four schools 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. Our students in Brooklyn have an impressive  99% college acceptance rate.

Uncommon Schools seeks an accomplished, passionate Middle School Music (general music and band Specifically) Teacher to join our faculty. The position represents an exciting opportunity to join a growing program that is dedicated to developing excellence in musical talent throughout the K-12 education of our scholars. Our music pedagogy approach is grounded in balancing direct literacy and ensemble skills through inquiry-based learning on a variety of instruments (drums, Orff, singing, etc.). Our music program includes exposing students to various musical styles, genres, and cultures with students engaged in as much active music-making as possible. In addition to core general music classes, the teacher will lead an afterschool instrumental program, teaching students to play keyboards, percussion, guitar, wind, and brass instruments individually and as an ensemble.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement network-provided curricula and activities to meet music-specific academic standards;
• Teach all music-based content including but not limited to wind ensemble instruments (rhythm, wind, and brass), middle school-related general music (recorder, Orff instruments, drumming), singing, and music theory)
• Direct afterschool band with 5+ types of instrumentation;
• Develop music literacy lesson components related to teaching rhythm and pitch notation, solfege reading and singing, improvisation and composition
• High-level collaboration with co-music teacher and Director of Operations to create and plan for multiple performances throughout the school year
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards;
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices;
• Support school instructional and cultural needs including but not limited to academic teaching coverage, test proctoring, daily systems duties, additional supportive duties
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, department activities, and school-wide functions;
• Develops strong classroom management skills congruent with Uncommon Schools system of management;
• Be accountable for students’ mastery of musical standards;
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues; and
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training. 

• Bachelor of Arts of Bachelor of Music in Music, Music Education or Performance
• Advanced experience with band instrumental pedagogy;
• Experience with the Kodaly and Orff approaches. Levels training in one or both pedagogies is highly preferred;
• Piano proficiency, knowledge of recorder, basic guitar. Additional instrument proficiency is helpful;
• Ability to manage and direct large groups of students;
• Proficiency arranging instrumental and/or vocal music for varying ability levels;
• Valid State Certification is helpful but not required;
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable;
• Experience performing and/or teaching music is highly preferred;
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred;
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom;
• Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom;
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects; and
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.

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.