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.

Vision: To continue our promise to provide high-quality music programming in our schools, Uncommon Schools is excited to launch a high school instrumental program at Uncommon Preparatory High School (UPC), located in Canarsie, Brooklyn. The goal of this program is to provide an extension of the middle school band program to the high school level. The high school program brings music education to a large number of high school students AND offers a new college access pathway for our students. Uncommon Schools seeks an accomplished, passionate High School Band Teacher to join our faculty. The position represents an exciting opportunity to grow a program that creates additional college access pathways throughout the K-12 music education of our scholars.

Overview: The high school band teacher reports to and is managed by the Music Programs Manager. The high school music teacher role will consist of three key responsibilities: teaching and directing a highly competitive Jazz band program, ensuring all operational needs are in place for the program to grow and develop, and manage a team of part-time teachers that lead individual and small group lessons both during and after the school day.

Specific Role Requirements: 

• High School Instructional Responsibilities: 
• • Develop student recruitment and school/family communication systems for band program
  • Teach ensemble Jazz band electives (approx. 2 per day), a select audition prep class, and manage and supervise afterschool practice;
  • Programming and teaching diverse and ambitious repertoire, run rehearsals that are engaging and rigorous, and prepare ensemble for performance opportunities;
  • Prepare students for select competitions, concerts, performance-related trips, and other program related experiences for students;
  • Collaborate with the Music Programs Manager to ensure all program needs are established and maintained, including performance scheduling, program budget management, curriculum, furniture, etc.
  • Partner with the High School Director of Operations and HS 2.0 Project Manager to ensure day-to-day program needs are being met as it relates to music instruction
  • Implement curricula and activities to meet music-specific academic standards;
  • Develop music literacy lesson components related to teaching rhythm and pitch notation, solfege reading and singing, improvisation and composition, and aural skills;
  • Manage a team of part-time instrumental teachers, including curriculum/instructional alignment and scheduling lessons and rehearsals both during and afterschool;
  • 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, including instrumental pedagogy, music literacy, aural sills, and performance of Jazz repertoire;

• Middle School Support & Development: 
  • Provide operational and instructional support for the high school feeder middle school band programs. This could include supporting rehearsal management, instrument procurement and maintenance, development curriculum and performance material. 

• Bachelor’s degree in music education is required; Master’s degree is preferred;
• 5-7+ years of Jazz Band teaching at the high school or collegiate level is required;
• Valid State Certification is helpful but not required;
• Experience leading and directing bands and advanced experience with instrumental pedagogy;
• Proficiency playing and teaching woodwinds, brass, and percussion required. Experience arranging instrumental music is helpful;
• Ability to manage and direct large groups of students;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable;
• 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

Time Requirements:

• Hours are approximately 7:45am– 5:00pm daily

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 teaching roles based in New York City for school year for school year 2024-2025 is between $65,000 to $103,900. *note: for candidates that have 5 full years of Jazz band teaching experience, the scale starts at $75k* . 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 one of the things that we value is staff tenure in a 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 compensation,  benefits and perks that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Financial Planning & Wellness

  • 403(b) retirement savings plan and/or region specific Pension plan 

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness  Program  & 529 Savings plan

• Generous Time-Off plan aligned with school calendars

• Leave of Absence

  • 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave +

• Mental Health and Counseling support

• Relocation Assistance

• Other Perks and Discounts

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, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 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].