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.

The Head of Lower School will serve as a member of the HS Leadership Team and assist the Principal in managing student culture and teacher development. Job responsibilities include the following:

1. Student Culture
   1. Organize and lead 9th grade induction in August
   2. Organize and lead 9th grade Parent Induction in August
   3. Plan and teach 9th grade weekly Forum
   4. Support Dean of Students in ways determined by ASUP and Principal
   5. Manage 9th/10th Social Worker
   6. Drive work of School Support Team (nurse, Skills DC, Social Workers, Deans)
   7. Participate in parent discipline conversations as needed (when escalated from Dean)

1. College Readiness
   1. Co-teach 9th grade College Readiness with the Principal (4 weekly sections)

1. Collaborate with the Director of Operations to evaluate and determine all systems for 9th and 10th grades:

1. Input on schedule
2. Kickboard
3. Discipline system
4. Lunch
5. Arrival/dismissal times and processes

1. Observation and Feedback
   1. Observe all first and second-year teachers in 9th and 10th grades for management techniques
   2.  Serve as primary instructional leader for one or two struggling 9th or 10th grade teachers

1. Professional Development (PD)
   1. Collaborate with Principal and Dean of Curriculum & Instruction to determine PD calendar
   2. Plan and execute PD in August and throughout the year
   3. Collaborate with 9th and 10th grade Team Leaders to plan and lead Team Meetings

1. Supervision
   1. Supervise 9th and 10th grade lunch on a daily basis
   2. Help supervise morning arrival in the gym
   3. Serve as the on-duty supervisor after school until 6:00pm one night per week

1. Other projects and initiatives as determined by the Principal and Regional Superintendent of Instruction (e.g., coaching specific teachers, developing and running classroom and student intervention programs)

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization.
• Unwavering belief in high academic and behavioral expectations for all students.
• Experience in crisis and change management, leading and/or coaching adults and creating and maintaining whole school systems.
• Exceptional time and task management skills.
• Ability to persevere despite uncertainty and unexpected obstacles.
• Relentless drive to empower students academically and personally.
• Self-motivation, desire to be a great teammate, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
• Ability and desire to implement feedback from school leaders and colleagues. 
• Requirements: 
  • Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
  • At least 5 years of experience working in an urban district or charter school setting.
  • Secondary school leadership experience (e.g., Dean of Students, Assistant Principal)

Our people are what makes us Uncommon.  We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise.  Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position: The starting compensation for this role based in New York City is between $94,000 to $106,000.  The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, certifications, tenure with Uncommon Schools, and work location.  Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.  Please note: ranges may differ for staff who work from a location other than New York City.

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.