Visual Arts Teacher

Job Description

Teachers hold the primary responsibility for the implementation and development of Uncommon’s curriculum and the success of its students. 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, ceramics projects, 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 student learning objectives.
• Teach knowledge and skills in art, including drawing, painting, lettering, and art history; demonstrate techniques in activities such as drawing and painting; 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 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, graduates must also have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. In New Jersey, graduates must have earned a cumulative 2.75 GPA (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 to $116,000. Starting pay is determined by factors including 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 $71,000. The range represents our compensation scales for the 2026‑2027 school year. For hires starting before June 30, 2026, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, with an increase beginning July 1, 2026 for the next school year.

• Generous paid time off, including 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 flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA).
• Financial planning support.
• Pension through the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System.
• 403(b) retirement savings program.
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support and 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.