Visual Arts Teacher

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond.

Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Teachers hold the primary responsibility for the implementation and development of Uncommon’s curriculum and the success of its students. Therefore, Uncommon Schools seeks teachers who are committed to continuously improving curriculum and instruction through collaboration as part of a grade level and school team. We are seeking teachers for the following subject areas:
Visual Arts – an art teacher to oversee basic, intermediate, and advanced art classes for teenage students. These courses would include basic drawing, painting, and ceramics projects that allow participants to build a portfolio of work. The curriculum should also include art history lessons and critical thinking skills.

• Implement curricula and activities to meet academic standards.
• Prepare lessons on art and art history in accordance with students’ learning objectives.
• Teach knowledge and skills in art, including drawing, painting, lettering, and art history.
• Demonstrate techniques in activities such as drawing and painting and can apply elements of design and modern principles of art.
• Know the fundamentals and different approaches to drawing media technique.
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress toward academic standards.
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices.
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions.
• Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior.
• Be accountable for students’ mastery of academic standards.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training.

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• 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.
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred.
• By the time employment begins, candidates must have received a Bachelor's degree from a college or university.
• For teaching roles in New York and Massachusetts, candidates must have also earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the time employment begins.
• For teaching roles in New Jersey, candidates must have earned a cumulative 2.75 GPA (for recipients graduating before September 1, 2016) or 3.0 (for those graduating on or after September 1, 2016).
• Valid state certification is helpful but not required.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non‑negotiable.

Compensation for this role is between $71,000 and $116,000. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, educational certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $71,000. The range above represents our compensation scales for the  school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2026, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales.

New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2026 for the next school year.

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks…