Middle School Science Teacher Job at Uncommon Schools in Rochester

Join Our Mission at Uncommon Schools!

At Uncommon Schools, we are more than just a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools; we are a community dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for students in economically disadvantaged areas. With schools in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are on a mission to close the college completion gap and prepare every student for a bright future. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, a testament to our commitment to their success. We deeply invest in our educators, providing 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!

Your Role: Middle School Science Teacher

As a Middle School Science Teacher, you will be an integral part of a grade-level team, equipping students with the tools and knowledge to engage critically in the field of science. Your passion for inquiry-based learning will inspire students to explore and question the world around them. With a focus on student discourse and scientific practices, you will help students develop a love for science that prepares them for academic autonomy and success in high school.

Key Responsibilities

1. Instruction

• Teach an interdisciplinary, NGSS-aligned curriculum covering topics like climate systems, the cosmos, energy transformations, and ecological systems.
• Develop students’ skills in questioning, modeling, data analysis, and conducting interactive labs.
• Foster confidence and meaningful engagement in science through your enthusiasm for the subject.
• Highlight the interconnectedness of scientific fields and their relevance to our local and global communities.

2. Data Analysis

• Collaborate weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze student work and assessment trends.
• Implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.

3. School Culture

• Build positive relationships with students, ensuring they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• Partner with families to provide resources that support their child's learning needs.
• Engage in professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• Participate in weekly school-wide meetings to foster community and encourage student achievement.
• Collaborate with your grade-level team to set academic goals and refine instructional strategies.

Qualifications

• A strong commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaboration with internal and external partners for the benefit of students.
• A self-directed learner who actively seeks and implements feedback to improve outcomes.
• Required Experience:
  • 1-2 years of experience impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities preferred.
  • Academic expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields.
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required. Certification is not mandatory at hiring, but you must meet NY state certification eligibility requirements and enroll in a teacher preparation program if you do not have a degree in education.

Why Join Us?

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the health, wellness, and financial stability of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity and fairness, aiming to attract and retain top talent.

Compensation

The salary for this role ranges from $50,000 to $64,700, determined by factors such as relevant teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely start at $50,000.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
• Financial planning support, including a 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
• Paid leave options for parental, medical, and disability needs.
• Mental health and counseling support, plus wellness benefits.

*A detailed list of all benefits is available upon request.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects 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 Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any kind. We ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and in performing core job functions.