High School Math Teacher

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 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. 

North Star Academy currently manages fourteen schools in Newark, NJ 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. North Star Academy is NJ's #1 highest performing public charter school and has served Newark families for over 20 years.

Job Description

Uncommon High School Math teachers work in grade teams and content teams to push students towards being self-guided learners. Our teachers become experts in their course content, and have a keen sense of how to motivate and inspire high school students. At the heart of all math classes is a deep joy for mathematics. Math teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to cultivate student awareness of how to make sense of, persevere through, and solve problems. At the conclusion of high school, students are prepared for academic autonomy and college preparatory work.

Responsibilities

1. Instruction

• You'll work with the Math department to determine academic and engagement goals for students.
• You'll use your passion for mathematics to build a community of self-guided learners where students feel safe, confident, and engaged.
• You'll cultivate the ability to construct and justify viable arguments using reasoning, math vocabulary, tools, and postulates.
• You'll use your love of mathematics to foster confidence and meaningful engagement with the subject for students.
• You'll support students as they solve problems and think critically.
• You'll use a Math curriculum to teach content that may include Algebra, Geometry, or Calculus and prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP) and collegiate level coursework.

2. Data Analysis

• You'll learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.
• You'll meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments.

3. School Culture

• You'll build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• You'll partner with students' families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.
• You'll partner with your grade level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.
• You'll engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• You'll participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.

Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to supporting students' social emotional and academic development
• An enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students
• A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization
• Required Experience:
  • A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).
  • Academic expertise in Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering, or other related fields.
  • Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Certification is not required to be hired at Uncommon, but you do need to meet NY state certification eligibility requirements. To meet these requirements, you must enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during your employment with us if you do not have a degree in education. Uncommon Schools teachers are required to become certified in the state of New York within a reasonable period after beginning employment.
• A self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives

Additional Information

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 Newark is between $59,000 to $83,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members.

Other Benefits:

• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial planning tools and assistance
• Paid leave of absence
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year

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 recruitment@uncommonschools.org.