Middle 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 Middle School Math teachers work in grade level teams to help students grow towards being self-guided learners. At the heart of all math classes is a deep joy for mathematics, and our teachers work hard to refine their own mastery of the subject. Math teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to cultivate the skills and the mindset required to persevere and solve problems. At the conclusion of eighth grade, students are prepared for the academic autonomy and college preparatory focus of our high schools.

Responsibilities

1. Instruction

• You'll use our in-house CCSS-based Math curriculum and culturally responsive problem-solving activities.
• You'll use your love of mathematics to foster confidence and meaningful engagement with the subject for students.
• You'll teach foundational middle school math principles such as ratio/proportions, expressions/equations, the number system, and more!
• You'll motivate students to grapple with problems and think critically about all the different possible paths to solving them.

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

Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to supporting students' social emotional and academic development
• A self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
• A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization
• An enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students
• 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. 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.

Additional Information

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.

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
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• 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

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.