High School History 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 fivecities: 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.

Camden Prep currently manages four schools serving students in grade K through 10 (growing to grade 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. Camden Prep is consistently the highest performing of all district or Renaissance schools in Camden, NJ.

Job Description

Uncommon High School History teachers work in department 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. History classes aim to empower students' voices and develop them into global citizens by emphasizing textual analysis, analytical writing, and discourse. At the conclusion of high school, students are prepared for academic autonomy and college preparatory work.

Responsibilities

1. Instruction

• You'll build an inclusive and safe environment where students are empowered to use their voices to express evidence-based opinions and perspectives.
• You'll facilitate student-led discourse of historical topics, where students grapple with open-ended guiding questions, engage in peer to peer debate, and synthesize arguments.
• You'll work with the History department to determine academic and engagement goals for students.
• You'll guide students to understand the author's claim and the power of sourcing while developing the skills of argumentation, corroboration, inquiry, and historiography through primary and secondary source analysis.
• You'll teach a curriculum that prioritizes analysis of World, US History, American Government, and Economics in preparation 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 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 build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• You'll participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.
• You'll partner with students' families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.

Qualifications

• A self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
• 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:

• Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration at Uncommon Schools in the state of NJ, but you do need to meet NJ state certification eligibility requirements (a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 if you graduated prior to 9/1/16). All instructional staff are required to become certified in the state of New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.
• A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).
• Academic expertise in Education, History, Geography, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, or the Humanities.

Additional Information

Compensation for this position: The starting compensation for this role based in Camdenis between $55,000to $71,000. 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.

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.

Other Benefits:

• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Financial planning & wellness
  • New Jersey Pension program
  • 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
• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans

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.