High School Science Teacher

Position Overview

Uncommon High School Science teachers work collaboratively across the network to prepare all students with the tools and knowledge to critically engage in the field of science and develop them into self-directed learners. At the heart of all Science courses is inquiry-based learning, including a robust focus on student discourse and the science practices. Science teachers employ a variety of instructional strategies to develop a passion for scientific questioning and analysis in their students. Our teachers prepare all students such that they have the choice to study and excel in any STEM discipline. We prepare all students to be citizen scientists that have the tools and knowledge to critically engage in the field of science regardless of their university major or professional career. Our teachers become experts in their course content and have a keen sense of how to motivate and inspire high school students.

Key Responsibilities

• You'll develop students' practices skills of questioning, modeling, constructing explanations, data analysis, argumentation, and planning and conducting interactive labs.
• You will facilitate student-led discourse, during which students use evidence to make sophisticated claims and synthesize and critique arguments.
• You'll work with the Science department to determine academic and engagement goals for students.
• You'll facilitate student-led inquiry of various scientific topics and engage students in lab and project-based performance tasks.
• You'll create an environment where students feel confident using their voice to engage in scientific discourse.
• You'll teach a curriculum that includes, but is not limited to, analysis of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Sciences that prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP) and collegiate level coursework.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Required 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
• Experience Required: A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).
• Academic expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or other related fields of study.
• Prior to the start of employment, you must have a Education: 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 2.75 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.
• 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

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: 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.
• 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
• 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
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development