Middle School ELA Teacher

Uncommon Schools • Camden, NJ

10d • $56,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Uncommon Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are passionate about literature and building an engaging classroom culture. Our teachers develop subject mastery and have a keen sense of the socio-emotional changes middle schoolers experience. At the heart of all ELA classes is an emphasis on writing and discourse designed to give students the tools to be confident in the power of their own voice. Teachers are trained in a variety of research-based instructional strategies to prioritize discussion, ignite a passion for literature, build reading comprehension, and promote agency. By the conclusion of eighth grade, students are prepared for the academic autonomy and college preparatory focus of our high schools.

Requirements

• 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 Humanities, English, Social Sciences, or other related fields of study.
• Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration at Uncommon Schools in the state of NJ, but you do need to 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

• Instruction
• You'll empower students to be their fullest selves by teaching an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum that seeks equitable outcomes for all students.
• You'll guide students to analyze literary and non-narrative texts, assess an author's purpose, write in a variety of genres, and grapple with meaningful questions in student-led discourse.
• You'll create an inclusive and safe environment, allying with students to speak and write in their authentic voice.
• You’ll guide students to choose books of interest independently, as they develop their own passions and interests as readers.
• Data Analysis
• You'll meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments.
• You'll learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.
• School Culture
• You’ll build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• You’ll partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.
• You'll engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• You'll participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.
• You'll 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)
• 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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees