Job Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 52 schools serving 19,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond. 

North Star Academy currently manages fourteen schools in Newark, NJ serving students in grades K through 12. We believe in strong authentic relationships between teachers and students, supported by effective school systems and an engaging instructional model that enables students to flourish academically and personally. North Star Academy is NJ's #1 highest performing public charter school and has served Newark families for over 20 years.

Job Description

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher will help provide and guide instruction for K-12 ESL students across several campuses at North Star Academy. The ESL teacher will work closely with the school-based Special Education Coordinators, as well as with teachers and leaders throughout the region, so this position requires the ability to travel between our Newark campuses. The ESL Teacher will report to the Associate Director of Special Education.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school
• Show unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness
• Provide in-class support in the general education setting and small group instruction to ESL students
• Provide support and feedback to content teachers on sheltered instruction strategies as needed
• Attend and participate IEP meetings for English Learners as directed by the Associate Director of Special Education
• Follow ESSA guidelines for identification, instruction, assessment, and exiting ESL students
• Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct
• Implement curricula and activities to meet academic and language acquisition standards aligned to the WIDA English language development standards
• Complete training for administering WIDA assessments used to identify and determine continued eligibility for ESL services
• Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct
• Be accountable for students’ mastery of academic and language acquisition standards
• Exhibit resilience to persevere and turn challenges into opportunities
• Focus constantly on student learning, thinking critically and strategically to respond to student learning needs
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Engage families in their children’s education
• Commit to continual professional growth

Qualifications

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Flexibility to adapt to the needs of our students
• Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred; and
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred
• By the time that employment begins, candidates must have received a Bachelor's degree from a College or University. For teaching roles in New Jersey, the candidates must have earned a cumulative 2.75 GPA (for candidates graduating before September 1, 2016) or 3.0 (for candidates graduating on or after September 1, 2016).
• Valid NJ English as a Second Language State Certification is required
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Additional Information

Our people are what makes us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.

Compensation for this position: The starting compensation for this role based in Newark is between $59,000 to $76,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, certifications, tenure with Uncommon Schools, and work location. Because one of the things that we value is staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges. Please note: ranges may differ for staff who work from a location other than Newark.

Other Benefits:

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • New Jersey Pension program
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Paid leave of absence 
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance 
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.

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