The High School ELA Teacher will teach a literature curriculum that emphasizes diversity and prepares students for advanced coursework. Responsibilities include facilitating student-led discourse, analyzing student work, and collaborating with colleagues to support student success.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and a demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban settings. Experience in Humanities or related fields is preferred, along with a commitment to social emotional and academic development.
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 High School English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are passionate about literature and building an engaging, rigorous classroom culture focusing on helping all students prepare for college. Our teachers become experts in their course content, and have a keen sense of how to motivate and inspire high school students. At the heart of our English classes is an emphasis on reading and student-led discourse. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to prioritize discussion, ignite a passion for literature, and promote strong voice and agency within students. At the conclusion of each high school year students are more prepared for the academic rigor and independence of college coursework, as well as for a long term love of literacy. Responsibilities1. InstructionYou'll teach from a robust literature curriculum shared across our high schools that prioritizes inclusive texts, emphasizes diversity, and prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP), SAT and collegiate level coursework. You'll conduct a deep exploration of daily content in order to guide students to analyze books by authors like James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Shakespeare, and Yaa Gyasi; books that ignite a passion for literature, sharpen a critical eye for examining the world, and deepen students’ intellectual identity. You’ll develop students’ independent and collaborative reading, writing, and discussion skills. You'll facilitate student-led discourse, teaching students to use evidence to make sophisticated claims, and to synthesize and evaluate arguments and rhetoric.You’ll analyze student comprehension and writing regularly and determine how to adapt and write your own lessons to maximize student learning. You’ll partner with your department and your grade level team on content and instructional strategies that support your students and help all students succeed. 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 and have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the time employment begins. You do not need to be certified to be hired; however, if hired you will need to pass state teacher certification tests to meet the MA state requirements.All Commonwealth charter teachers must either have an appropriate MA educator’s license or pass required the MTEL(s) including the Communications and Literacy MTEL , Subject Specific MTEL, and the MTEL SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) Endorsement within first year of employment. All core academic teachers
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Parental Leave
Mental Health Support
Wellness Benefits
Retirement Savings Program
Medical Leave
Disability Leave
assigned to teach English learners are required to earn the SEI endorsement. Any teacher without a SEI endorsement has one year from date of assignment to teach ELs, to earn the MTEL SEI endorsement. 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 $71,000 to $116,000. 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 $71,000.
The range above represents our compensation scales for the 2026-2027 school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2026, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales. New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2026 for next school year which aligns to the scale above.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 PlanningPension through Mass. Teachers Retirement System 403(b) retirement savings program Paid 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].
Hiring Start Time: RY 26-27
Market context
Massachusetts High School ELA demand
High school ELA teachers in Massachusetts are typically in demand where districts need strong literacy instruction and support for diverse student needs. This role is competitive because employers often look for a bachelor’s degree, Humanities or related experience, and a clear commitment to both social-emotional and academic development in urban schools. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show classroom readiness and interest in adolescent literacy.
