Job title: Pre-K Enrichment Teacher
Company: Uncommon Schools
Job description:
About Us
At Uncommon Schools, we’re more than just a nonprofit network of public charter schools. We’re a passionate team dedicated to transforming education for students in underserved communities across Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. Our mission is clear: we want to bridge the college completion gap and equip every student with the skills they need for success in college and in life. We’re proud to say that our students consistently surpass national benchmarks—a testament to our unwavering commitment to their success.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our culture. With over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color, we celebrate a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences. We believe in investing in our teachers with weekly coaching and ongoing professional development to ensure they shine in their roles. So if you’re ready to work hard and make a genuine impact, come join us!
Position Overview
As an Uncommon Pre-K Teacher, you will have the incredible opportunity to spark a love for learning in our youngest students right from the start. You won’t just be teaching; you’ll be part of a vibrant community that nurtures curiosity, achievement, empathy, and respect—qualities we truly value in our classrooms. Each learning space is designed to be engaging, intentional, and, most importantly, fun! You’ll work alongside a fellow educator, forming a teaching team that emphasizes hard work and celebrates the individuality of every child, all while laying a strong academic foundation that supports students on their journey to college and beyond.
What You’ll Do
Teaching and Learning
- You’ll rotate between teaching performing arts and Spanish to two Pre-K groups, creating immersive and engaging experiences.
- Collaborate with the team to design lesson plans that align seamlessly with our educational themes.
- Partner with the director to plan a performance calendar that showcases our students’ talents.
Supporting Student Progress
- Meet weekly with your director to analyze student data and adapt your teaching to their needs.
- Dive into differentiated instruction strategies to support every learner in your classroom.
Fostering a Positive Classroom Environment
- Implement our instructional model in partnership with instructional coaches to help students meet their academic and performance goals.
- Utilize a variety of data sources—including assessments and classroom observations—to inform your teaching.
- Create a nurturing atmosphere where students develop a positive relationship with school, their teachers, and their peers.
- Support the holistic development of children, including social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
- Model and promote expressive and receptive language skills throughout the day.
Building Supportive Relationships
- Pitch in wherever needed for classroom coverage or school duties.
- Establish strong, trusting relationships with students to ensure they feel valued and heard.
- Collaborate with families to provide the resources and encouragement their children need to thrive.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, mentorship, and coaching to keep growing as an educator.
- Participate in key school-wide activities, from morning arrivals to student assemblies.
- Work closely with your teaching partner and team to set academic goals and refine instructional strategies.
What We’re Looking For
- A genuine commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and a dedication to fostering an anti-racist culture.
- A passion for nurturing both the social emotional and academic growth of students.
- An eagerness to engage with families to best support their children’s educational journeys.
- A proactive learner who welcomes feedback and seeks new ways to improve.
Required Background
- A desire to make a positive impact on Pre-K-12 students in urban settings, ideally with 1-2 years of experience.
- Expertise in early childhood education.
- A background in music or the performing arts.
- Basic proficiency in teaching Spanish (think simple songs, numbers, and colors).
- You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before starting with us. Certification isn’t mandatory for hiring, but you must meet NY state certification requirements. If you don’t have an education degree, you’ll need to enroll in a teacher prep program and maintain at least a 2.75 GPA during your time with us.
- All Uncommon teachers are required to obtain state certification in New York within a reasonable timeframe.
What We Offer
Our greatest asset is our people. We provide competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of our staff and their families.
Compensation
- The salary for this role ranges from $72,000 to $115,000. Starting pay will be based on factors like your full-time teaching experience, education credentials, and length of service at Uncommon. If you’re new to full-time teaching, your starting salary will likely be $72,000.
- Note: The above compensation reflects our scaling for the 2025-2026 school year. If you start before June 30, 2025, you will initially receive a slightly lower range, but your salary will adjust on July 1, 2025, to align with the new scale.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off, including sick leave, holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks throughout the year (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
- Exceptional training and career development opportunities.
- A comprehensive suite of health, dental, and vision insurance options, including pre-tax spending accounts (FSA, DCFSA, HSA).
- Financial planning support and a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer matching.
- Paid leave options for various needs, as well as mental health counseling and wellness programs.
At Uncommon Schools, we’re dedicated to building an inclusive team that reflects the rich diversity of our student body. We know that fostering open dialogues around race and identity helps everyone grow, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all candidates. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion defines who we are as an organization.
If you’re ready to bring your passion and skills to a team that values your voice and contributions, we can’t wait to hear from you. Please reach out to request any accommodations needed throughout the hiring process. Let’s create something incredible together!
Expected salary: $72000 – 115000 per year
Location: New York City, NY
Job date: Sat, 05 Apr 2025 04:02:56 GMT
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