Middle School ELA Teacher

Rochester Prep Charter School • Rochester, NY

1d

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is seeking a Middle School English Language Arts teacher to help students build subject mastery, develop as readers and writers, and prepare for the academic independence and college-preparatory focus of high school. The role emphasizes literature, writing, discourse, and an engaging classroom culture responsive to the socio-emotional development of middle school students. Teachers use research-based instructional strategies to promote discussion, reading comprehension, and student agency.

The teacher delivers an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum and creates a safe classroom where students can express their authentic voices. The role includes analyzing student work and assessment trends with school leaders, differentiating instruction, building relationships with students and families, and collaborating with grade-level colleagues. Teachers participate in coaching, mentorship, professional development, and school-wide meetings.

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of public charter schools serving communities in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. The organization provides ongoing educator coaching, feedback, and professional development. Compensation for this position is $52,000 to $68,000, with starting pay based on factors including relevant full-time teaching experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely start at $52,000.

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.
• Ability to learn independently, seek feedback, and implement it to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before starting employment.
• Academic expertise in Humanities, English, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• If the candidate does not have a degree in education, enrollment in a teacher preparation program and maintenance of a GPA of 2.5 or higher during employment are required to meet New York State certification eligibility requirements.
• Must become certified in New York State within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities.
• One to two years of experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum designed to promote equitable outcomes.
• Guide students in analyzing literary and non-narrative texts, assessing authorial purpose, writing in varied genres, and engaging in student-led discourse.
• Create an inclusive and safe classroom environment that supports students in speaking and writing in their authentic voices.
• Guide students in independently choosing books and developing their interests as readers.
• 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 support their children's learning needs.
• Participate in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• Attend 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

• Competitive compensation.
• Paid time off, including sick time and paid holidays, plus approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks during spring, winter, and summer.
• Extensive training and development.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts, dependent care flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
• Paid leave of absence 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