High School Science Teacher

North Star Academy Charter School•Newark, NJ

23h•$60,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Uncommon High School Science teachers work collaboratively across the network to prepare students to engage critically with science and become self-directed learners. The courses emphasize inquiry-based learning, student discourse, and science practices. Teachers use varied instructional strategies to foster scientific questioning and analysis, prepare students for study in any STEM discipline, and help them become informed citizen scientists. Teachers develop expertise in their course content and motivate and inspire high school students. The curriculum includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Sciences, preparing students for Advanced Placement and collegiate-level coursework. Teachers analyze student work and assessment data, differentiate instruction, build supportive relationships with students and families, and collaborate with colleagues. The role also includes ongoing professional development, mentorship, coaching, and participation in school-wide and grade-level team meetings. Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of public charter schools serving communities in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. The organization describes its mission as providing exceptional K–12 education in economically disadvantaged communities and preparing students for college and beyond.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in students’ best interests.
Self-directed learning approach, including soliciting and implementing feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
Academic expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field of study.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before employment begins.
Must meet New Jersey state certification eligibility requirements: a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after September 1, 2016, or 2.75 for graduates before that date.
Instructional staff must obtain New Jersey state certification within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated interest in impacting K–12 students in urban schools and communities; 1–2 years of experience is preferred.
Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration in New Jersey.

Responsibilities

Teach science content, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Sciences, to prepare students for AP and collegiate-level coursework.
Develop students’ science practices, including questioning, modeling, constructing explanations, analyzing data, argumentation, and planning and conducting interactive labs.
Create an environment where students feel confident participating in scientific discourse.
Facilitate student-led discourse in which students use evidence to make claims, synthesize arguments, and critique arguments.
Facilitate student-led inquiry and engage students in laboratory and project-based performance tasks.
Work with the Science department to set academic and engagement goals for students.
Meet weekly with the principal and/or instructional coach to analyze student work and assessment trends and respond to them.
Learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners.
Build positive relationships with students so they feel seen, loved, and heard.
Partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their learning needs.
Participate in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
Participate in weekly school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model core values, and encourage student achievement.
Partner with the grade-level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.
Become certified in New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, including sick time and paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks across spring, winter, and summer.
Extensive training and development.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSA), dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
Financial planning.
New Jersey pension program.
Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
Mental health and counseling support.
Wellness benefit.