Elementary Teacher

Position Overview

Uncommon Elementary School Teachers cultivate a love for learning in every student from the very start. In a culturally-responsive, fast-paced, and fun learning environment, teachers encourage the core values of respect and hard work while celebrating the uniqueness of each student and laying the academic foundations that carry students to and through college.

Key Responsibilities

• Instruction:
  • You'll teach the basic principles of mathematics.
  • You'll teach an ELA curriculum that prioritizes meaningful texts and topics that are interesting and relevant.
  • You'll teach a Social Studies curriculum that incorporates analyses of America's diverse histories, with an emphasis on cultural and civic awareness.
  • You'll teach a Science curriculum that prioritizes knowledge of geology, astronomy, ecology, and natural cycles to ensure students understand climate change and environmental stewardship.
  • You'll teach reading and writing to build students' literacy skills including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
  • You'll co-teach and create an engaging, joyful classroom environment that encourages mastery and empowers students to engage in academic discourse.
• Data Analysis:
  • You'll learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners.
  • You'll meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze student work samples and assessments.
• School Culture:
  • You'll partner with students' families to ensure resources support their children's learning needs.
  • You'll support morning arrival, lunch duty, student assemblies, class transitions, and after-school dismissal.
  • You'll collaborate with your grade level team to develop academic goals and refine instructional strategies.
  • You'll build positive relationships with students so they feel seen, loved, and heard.
  • You'll engage in professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
  • You'll participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to foster community, model core values, and encourage student achievement.

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.
• A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and an investment in an anti-racist organizational vision.
• An enthusiasm for working with families in the best interest of students.
• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration, but NJ state certification eligibility requirements must be met.
• Experience Required: Prior experience impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years preferred).
• Academic expertise in Elementary Education, Humanities, English, Social Sciences, or related fields.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: The starting compensation for this role is between $59,000 to $83,000 per year, dependent on relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure.
• Location: Newark, NJ.
• 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) plus additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Dependent Care FSA, backup childcare, and daycare discounts
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Mental health and counseling support plus wellness benefits