The Middle School ELA Teacher will empower students through an inclusive curriculum and guide them in analyzing texts and writing in various genres. They will also analyze student data to differentiate instruction and build positive relationships with students and families.
Requirements summary
Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to supporting students' development and an interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools. A bachelor's degree is required, and teacher certification eligibility in New Jersey must be met.
Company DescriptionUncommon 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.
Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!Job DescriptionUncommon Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are passionate about literature and building an engaging classroom culture.
Our teachers develop subject mastery and have a keen sense of the socio-emotional changes middle schoolers experience.
At the heart of all ELA classes is an emphasis on writing and discourse designed to give students the tools to be confident in the power of their own voice.
Teachers are trained in a variety of research-based instructional strategies to prioritize discussion, ignite a passion for literature, build reading comprehension, and promote agency.
By the conclusion of eighth grade, students are prepared for the academic autonomy and college preparatory focus of our high schools.Responsibilities1.
InstructionYou'll empower students to be their fullest selves by teaching an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum that seeks equitable outcomes for all students.You'll guide students to analyze literary and non-narrative texts, assess an author's purpose, write in a variety of genres, and grapple with meaningful questions in student-led discourse.
You'll create an inclusive and safe environment, allying with students to speak and write in their authentic voice.You’ll guide students to choose books of interest independently, as they develop their own passions and interests as readers.2.
Data AnalysisYou'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 CultureYou’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.QualificationsA demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social emotional and academic developmentAn enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of studentsA self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectivesRequired Experience:A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).Academic expertise in Humanities, English, Social Sciences, or other related fields of study.Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off
Mental Health Support
Wellness Benefits
Financial Planning
Comprehensive Health Insurance
New Jersey Pension Program
Paid Leave of Absence Options
Extensive Training and Development
Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration at Uncommon Schools in the state of NJ, but you do need to meet NJ state certification eligibility requirements (a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 if you graduated prior to 9/1/16).
All instructional staff are required to become certified in the state of New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.Additional InformationOur people are what make us Uncommon.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.
Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
CompensationCompensation for this role is between $56,000 to $80,000.
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 $56,000.
BenefitsGenerous 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 PlanningNew Jersey Pension programPaid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive.
We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color.
Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.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 [email protected].
Market context
New Jersey middle school ELA demand remains steady
Middle school ELA roles in New Jersey are often competitive because schools look for candidates with a humanities background, a bachelor’s degree, and eligibility for New Jersey teacher certification. Candidates who can show a commitment to student development and strong literacy instruction may stand out. The job requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time. Before applying, confirm your certification pathway and tailor examples of classroom writing and reading support to the posting.
