Middle School ELA Teacher

North Star Academy Charter School • Newark, NJ

1d

About The Position

Uncommon Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are passionate about literature and building an engaging classroom culture. They develop subject mastery and understand the socio-emotional changes middle school students experience. ELA instruction emphasizes writing and discourse, helping students become confident in their own voices. Teachers use research-based instructional strategies to prioritize discussion, inspire a passion for literature, build reading comprehension, and promote student agency. By the end of eighth grade, students are prepared for the academic independence and college-preparatory focus of high school.

Teachers deliver an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum, guide students in analyzing literary and nonfiction texts and writing across genres, and create a safe classroom environment where students can express themselves authentically. They use student work and assessment data to differentiate instruction, collaborate with school leaders and colleagues, build relationships with students and families, and participate in professional development and school-wide community-building.

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of public charter schools serving communities in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. The organization provides educators with coaching, feedback, training, and professional development. Compensation for this role is $60,000–$90,000, with starting pay determined by factors including relevant full-time teaching experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

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.
• Demonstrated interest in impacting K–12 students in urban schools and communities.
• Academic expertise in Humanities, English, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before the start of employment.
• 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.
• Become certified in the state of New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of experience working with K–12 students in urban schools and communities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum designed to support equitable outcomes for all students.
• Guide students in analyzing literary and non-narrative texts, assessing authors’ purposes, writing in a variety of genres, and engaging in student-led discourse.
• Create an inclusive and safe classroom environment where students can speak and write 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 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 are available to support their children’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.
• Extensive training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health savings accounts.
• Financial planning.
• New Jersey Pension program.
• Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support.
• Wellness benefit.

What This Job Offers

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