Middle School ELA Teacher

Camden Prep • Camden, NJ

23h

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is seeking a Middle School English Language Arts teacher who is passionate about literature and building an engaging classroom culture. The teacher develops subject mastery and supports the social-emotional needs of middle school students. ELA instruction emphasizes writing and discourse so students gain confidence in their voices. Teachers use research-based strategies to foster discussion, a passion for literature, reading comprehension, and student agency. By the end of eighth grade, students should be prepared for the academic autonomy and college-preparatory focus of high school.

The role includes teaching an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum; helping students analyze literary and non-narrative texts, write across genres, and participate in student-led discourse; and cultivating a safe classroom where students can speak and write authentically. The teacher analyzes student work and assessment trends with a principal and/or instructional coach, differentiates instruction, builds relationships with families, and collaborates with colleagues through professional development and school-wide meetings.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students.
• Self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
• Demonstrated interest in impacting K–12 students in urban schools and communities; 1–2 years of experience is preferred.
• Academic expertise in Humanities, English, Social Sciences, or a related field of study.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before starting employment.
• Meet New Jersey state certification eligibility requirements: cumulative undergraduate or graduate GPA of at least 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 for graduates before 9/1/16.
• Instructional staff must become certified in New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• 1–2 years of experience working with K–12 students in urban schools and communities.

Responsibilities

• Teach an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum that seeks equitable outcomes for all students.
• Guide students in analyzing literary and non-narrative texts, assessing authorial purpose, writing in varied genres, and engaging with meaningful questions through student-led discourse.
• Create an inclusive, safe learning environment that supports students in speaking and writing in their authentic voices.
• Help students independently choose books of interest and develop their reading passions.
• Meet weekly with the principal and/or instructional coach to analyze student work samples and assessment trends and respond accordingly.
• Implement strategies to differentiate instruction for learners in the classroom.
• Build positive relationships with students so they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• Partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources support each child’s learning needs.
• Participate in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching.
• Participate in weekly school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model core values, and encourage student achievement.
• Collaborate with the grade-level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid spring, winter, and summer breaks.
• Training and development.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible spending account (FSA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA), and health savings account (HSA).
• Retirement benefits, subject to role eligibility.
• Paid leave options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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