Middle School Math Teacher

North Star Academy Charter School•Newark, NJ

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities. Middle School Math teachers work in grade-level teams to help students become self-guided learners. Teachers foster a deep appreciation for mathematics, refine their subject mastery, and use varied instructional strategies to build students’ problem-solving skills and perseverance. The role prepares eighth-grade students for the academic autonomy and college-preparatory focus of high school. Teachers deliver Uncommon’s in-house, Common Core State Standards-based math curriculum and culturally responsive problem-solving activities. They analyze student work and assessment trends with school leaders, differentiate instruction, build supportive relationships with students and families, and participate in team collaboration, coaching, mentorship, and professional development. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before beginning employment and academic expertise in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or a related field. Teacher certification is not required for consideration in New Jersey, but candidates must meet New Jersey certification eligibility requirements and instructional staff must become certified in New Jersey within a reasonable period after starting 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 mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or another related field.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before the start of employment.
For New Jersey certification eligibility, a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for graduates on or after September 1, 2016, or at least 2.75 for graduates before that date.
Instructional staff must obtain New Jersey certification within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Teach foundational middle school math principles, including ratios and proportions, expressions and equations, and the number system.
Use the in-house CCSS-based math curriculum and culturally responsive problem-solving activities.
Motivate students to grapple with problems, think critically, and explore different approaches to solving them.
Foster students’ confidence, engagement, and appreciation for mathematics.
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 in the classroom.
Build positive relationships so students feel seen, loved, and heard.
Partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support student learning.
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 develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Paid time off including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks
Training and development
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
Dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA)
Health savings account (HSA)
Financial planning
New Jersey Pension program
Paid leave options, including parental, medical, and disability leave
Mental health and counseling support
Wellness benefit