Middle School History Teacher

Rochester Prep Charter School • Rochester, NY

7d

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is seeking a Middle School History Teacher to help students become self-guided learners and prepare them for the academic autonomy and college-preparatory focus of high school. Teachers work in grade-level teams and departments, develop subject mastery, and support students’ social-emotional development. History instruction emphasizes textual analysis, analytical writing, discourse, and engaging strategies that bring history to life. The in-house curriculum highlights the diverse histories of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, women, and ancient cultures, and their impact on the development of the United States.

The teacher will create an inclusive, safe classroom where students can express evidence-based opinions, engage in student-led discussion, and develop skills in argumentation, corroboration, inquiry, and historiography through primary and secondary sources. The role includes analyzing student work and assessments with school leaders, differentiating instruction, partnering with families and colleagues, and participating in coaching, professional development, and school-wide meetings. A bachelor's degree is required before employment. Certification is not required for hire, but teachers must meet New York State certification eligibility requirements and become certified in New York within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in students’ best interests.
• Ability to learn independently, solicit 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 Education, History, Geography, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, or the Humanities.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before employment begins.
• Meet New York State certification eligibility requirements.
• If the teacher does not have a degree in education, enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during employment.
• Become certified in New York State within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Facilitate student-led discussions of historical topics, including open-ended inquiry, peer debate, and synthesis of arguments.
• Teach students to analyze authors’ claims and sourcing and develop argumentation, corroboration, inquiry, and historiography skills using primary and secondary sources.
• Teach the in-house history curriculum, including the histories of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, women, and ancient cultures and their impact on the United States.
• Build an inclusive and safe learning environment where students can express evidence-based opinions and perspectives.
• Meet weekly with the principal and/or instructional coach to analyze student work and assessment trends and respond to them.
• Differentiate instruction to support all learners.
• Build positive relationships with students and partner with their families to support students’ learning needs.
• Participate in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching.
• Attend weekly school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model core values, and encourage student achievement.
• Collaborate with the grade-level team to set academic goals and develop instructional practices.

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.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA), dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
• 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
• Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support.
• Wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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