High School AP Capstone Teacher

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

Instruction

• Teach from a robust curriculum shared across our high schools that prioritizes topical issues, teaches students how to collaborate with others, and engages students in the research process.
• Facilitate student-led research projects in AP Capstone courses by consistently reviewing student progress and using questions to steer projects in an appropriate direction.
• Develop students’ independent and collaborative reading, writing, and discussion skills through several long-term individual and group assignments.
• Prepare for and conduct one-on-one and small group conferences, teaching students how to critique and revise their own work.
• Stay current on student progress and comprehension, regularly writing and adapting lessons to maximize student learning.
• Partner with your department and your grade level team on content and instructional strategies that support your students and help all students succeed.
• Attend a week-long summer training required and led by the College Board for the AP Capstone courses you teach.

Data Analysis

• Meet weekly with your principal and/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.

School Culture

• 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 our core values, and encourage student achievement.
• Partner with your grade level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.

Qualifications

• Relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school.
• Unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is a must.
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for relevant academic subjects.
• Evidence of self-motivation, willingness to be a team player, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Ability and desire to implement feedback from school leaders and colleagues to become a more effective educator in service to our students.
• A background in education is not required for new teachers, but strong candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K-12 students and prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must have received a Bachelor's degree from a college or university before employment begins.
• Candidates must have also earned a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher by the time employment begins.

Additional qualifications for experienced teachers

• Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom.
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred.
• Valid State Certification and Master’s degree are helpful but not required.

Pay

Compensation for this role is between $72,000 to $115,000. 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 $72,000.

Benefits

• 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 flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA).
• Financial Planning: 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match.
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits.