High School Science Teacher

Responsibilities

• Teach curriculum covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Sciences, preparing students for Advanced Placement and collegiate coursework.
• Develop students’ practice skills of questioning, modeling, constructing explanations, data analysis, argumentation, and planning and conducting interactive labs.
• Create an environment where students feel confident using their voice to engage in scientific discourse.
• Facilitate student‑led discourse, where students use evidence to make sophisticated claims and synthesize and critique arguments.
• Facilitate student‑led inquiry of various scientific topics and engage students in lab and project‑based performance tasks.
• Work with the Science department to determine academic and engagement goals for students.
• Meet weekly with principal or instructional coach to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments.
• Learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.
• Build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• Partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child’s learning needs.
• Engage in practice‑based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• Participate in weekly, school‑wide meetings to cultivate community, model core values, and encourage student achievement.
• Partner with your grade‑level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social‑emotional and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students.
• A self‑directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
• Required Experience:
  • A demonstrated interest in impacting K‑12 students in urban schools and communities (1‑2 years experience preferred).
  • Academic expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields of study.
  • Prior to the start of employment, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Teacher certification is not a prerequisite, but must meet New Jersey state certification eligibility requirements (final GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 if prior).
  • All instructional staff are required to become certified in New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Compensation for this role is between $60,000 to $85,000. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full‑time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full‑time teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $60,000.

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best‑in‑class training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre‑tax FSA, DCFSA, and HSA.
• Financial planning
  • New Jersey Pension program
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits.

* A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

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.