Summer Teaching Fellow 2023

  • Intern
  • Hiring Start Time: SY 23-24

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 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.

Job Description

Founded in 2010, The Summer Teaching Fellowship (STF) is a paid teacher preparation program designed for rising college seniors (college juniors) who are committed to pursuing a career in urban education. Fellows will develop, grow, and enhance their instructional skills through robust professional development, classroom observations, mentorship and coaching from STF staff, and hands-on instructional support in classrooms. At the end of the Fellowship, Fellows will be considered for full-time offers to teach at Uncommon upon graduation. Today, we have over 200 STF alums working in our schools, 4 of which are in the School Principal role.

STF is currently offered in Boston, MA, Camden, NJ, Newark, NJ, and Brooklyn, NY, and serves students in grades K-12. Applicants can indicate their choice of region and grade level on the application. While trying our best to honor the first choice of candidates, size and capacity vary per region and are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. For the best chance of being placed in your first choice, we recommend applying sooner rather than later. 

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 see themselves reflected in their teachers' backgrounds and life experiences. We aim to continuously improve our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

  • Current standing as an undergraduate college junior graduating in December 2023 or Spring 2024
  • U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S. 
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 
  • Full availability from May 22nd to August 4th, 2023 (Final Program dates have not been announced)
  • 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 ethic
  • A 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 $3500 for Elementary School Fellows & $4000 for Middle School and High School Fellows
  • Transportation stipend (amount varies by region) 
  • Free dormitory-style housing

Other information

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

Uncommon Schools 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 talented 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.