Middle School Science Teacher

Overview

Uncommon Middle School Science teachers work in grade-level teams to prepare all students with the tools and knowledge to critically engage in science. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, student discourse, science practices, and interdisciplinary understanding. Teachers support socio-emotional development and aim for subject mastery, preparing students for high school with an emphasis on autonomy and college readiness.

• Instruction:
  Teach an interdisciplinary, NGSS-aligned curriculum covering topics such as climate and Earth’s systems, the cosmos, matter and energy transformations, electricity and magnetism, and molecular and ecological systems. Develop students’ practices of questioning, modeling, constructing explanations, data analysis, argumentation, and planning and conducting interactive labs. Foster confidence and meaningful engagement in science and cultivate awareness of the interconnected nature of science fields and their relation to local and global communities.
• Data Analysis:
  Meet weekly with the principal and/or instructional coach to analyze trends in student work samples and assessments. Learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners.
• School Culture:
  Build positive relationships with students, partner with families to ensure appropriate resources, participate in practice-based PD, mentorship, and coaching, and contribute to weekly school-wide meetings to model core values and support student achievement. Collaborate with the grade-level team to set academic goals and refine instructional strategies.

• Commitment to supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students.
• Self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.

• Demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years preferred).
• Academic expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields of study.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to start of employment. Teacher certification is not required for consideration in NJ, but candidates must meet NJ state certification eligibility requirements (a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 if graduated prior to 9/1/16). All instructional staff are required to become certified in New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits to support health, wellness, and finances of staff and their families. Compensation ranges from $56,000 to $80,000, with starting pay influenced by teaching experience, certifications, and tenure. Benefits include generous paid time off, holidays, extended breaks, health/dental/vision insurance, FSAs, HSA, pension, and parental/maternity/personal leave options, plus mental health and counseling support. A detailed benefits list is available.

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions.

About Uncommon:
We believe in a welcoming, diverse environment and strive to reflect the communities we serve. Over 70% of staff identify as people of color. We welcome applicants and do not discriminate based on protected characteristics under federal, state, or local laws.