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 53 schools serving more than 21,000 students in six 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.
Physics teachers will be responsible for supporting student mastery of the laws and applications of motion, forces, and gravity. Understanding of the processes of work and energy and the laws of thermodynamics. Understanding of how light and sound waves function in our environment. Understanding of principles of electricity and magnetism and how they are applied. In addition to teaching Physics curriculum, the teacher will plan and execute labs to supplement student mastery of content. Our teachers prepare all students such that they have the choice to study and excel in any STEM discipline. We prepare all students to be citizen scientists that have the tools and knowledge to critically engage in the field of science regardless of their university major or professional career. Our teachers become experts in their course content and have a keen sense of how to motivate and inspire high school students.
Responsibilities
1. Instruction
- You’ll teach a curriculum that includes, but is not limited to, analysis of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Sciences that prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP) and collegiate level coursework.
- You'll develop students’ practices skills of questioning, modeling, constructing explanations, data analysis, argumentation, and planning and conducting interactive labs.
- You’ll create an environment where students feel confident using their voice to engage in scientific discourse.
- You will facilitate student-led discourse, during which students use evidence to make sophisticated claims and synthesize and critique arguments.
- You'll facilitate student-led inquiry of various scientific topics and engage students in lab and project-based performance tasks.
- You'll work with the Science department to determine academic and engagement goals for students.
2. Data Analysis
- You'll meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments.
- You'll learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.
3. School Culture
- You’ll build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
- You’ll partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.
- You'll engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
- You'll participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.
- You'll partner with your grade level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.
Our people are what makes us Uncommon. We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise. Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.
Compensation for this position: The starting compensation for this role based in Newark is between $59,000 to $83,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members.
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.
Newark, New Jersey
Full Time