Middle School Science Teacher

Rochester Prep Charter School • Rochester, NY

4d

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities. Middle School Science teachers work on grade-level teams to prepare students to engage critically with science through inquiry-based learning, student discourse, and science practices. Teachers use varied instructional strategies to develop students’ scientific questioning and analysis, pursue subject mastery, and support the social-emotional needs of middle school students. By the end of eighth grade, students are prepared for the academic autonomy and college-preparatory focus of high school.

Teachers deliver an interdisciplinary, NGSS-aligned curriculum covering areas such as climate and Earth’s systems, the cosmos, matter and energy transformations, electricity and magnetism, and molecular and ecological systems. They work with colleagues to analyze student learning, differentiate instruction, build strong relationships with students and families, and contribute to school community and professional development. Uncommon provides weekly coaching, feedback, training, and professional development.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in students’ best interests.
• Self-directed learning and willingness to solicit and implement feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
• Academic expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field of study.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before employment begins.
• Meet New York State certification eligibility requirements; certification is not required at hire.
• If the candidate does not have a degree in education and needs to meet certification eligibility requirements, enrollment in a teacher preparation program and a GPA of at least 2.5 during employment are required.
• Become certified in New York State within a reasonable period after starting employment.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities; 1–2 years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach an interdisciplinary, NGSS-aligned science curriculum, including topics such as climate and Earth’s systems, the cosmos, matter and energy transformations, electricity and magnetism, and molecular and ecological systems.
• Develop students’ skills in questioning, modeling, constructing explanations, analyzing data, argumentation, and planning and conducting interactive labs.
• Foster students’ confidence, engagement, and interest in science.
• Help students understand connections among scientific fields and their local and global communities.
• Meet weekly with the principal and/or instructional coach to analyze student work and assessment trends and respond accordingly.
• Learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners.
• Build positive relationships with students and help them 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.
• 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.
• Enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during employment if not holding a degree in education and needing to meet New York State certification eligibility requirements.
• Become certified in New York State within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

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 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.
• Wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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