High School Physics Teacher

North Star Academy Charter School • Newark, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference! Physics teachers will be responsible for supporting student mastery of the laws and applications of motion, forces, and gravity. Understanding of the processes of work and energy and the laws of thermodynamics. Understanding of how light and sound waves function in our environment. Understanding of principles of electricity and magnetism and how they are applied. In addition to teaching Physics curriculum, the teacher will plan and execute labs to supplement student mastery of content. 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.

Requirements

• A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools
• 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 self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
• 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.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop students’ practices skills of questioning, modeling, constructing explanations, data analysis, argumentation, and planning and conducting interactive labs.
• Create an environment where students feel confident using their voice to engage in scientific discourse.
• Facilitate student-led discourse, during which students use evidence to make sophisticated claims and synthesize and critique arguments.
• Facilitate student-led inquiry of various scientific topics and engage students in lab and project-based performance tasks.
• Work with the Science department to determine academic and engagement goals for students.
• Meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments.
• Learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.
• Build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• Partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.
• Engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• Participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.
• Partner with your grade level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
• New Jersey Pension program
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level