Teaching Assistant Trainee (Hiring Immediately)

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter

schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-

resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student

population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network

identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 53 schools

serving more than 20,000 students in five cities : Boston, Camden, New York

City, Newark and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in

and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We

achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional

learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

Job Description

The Apprentice Teacher position provides a unique opportunity for talented

individuals with limited or no teaching experience to explore the field of

education and to gain hands-on practice and the training necessary to become a

successful full-time classroom teacher. Apprentice Teachers will have an

opportunity to observe best practices in classroom instruction and education

reform from experienced teachers and school leaders at a leading charter

management organization. Apprentice Teachers observe and learn from Master

Teachers, co-teach with teacher-leaders, provide in-house substitute teaching

coverage for teachers, and support teachers with tutoring, grading, and

individual or small group student instruction. Depending on school needs and

candidate background, Apprentice Teachers may also teach their own class of

students, allowing for direct teaching experience within a more limited

teaching load. Apprentice Teachers will also assist with a variety of work

inside and outside of the classroom, including teaching Enrichment classes,

organizing student events, and developing mentoring relationships with

students. Through full participation in summer and school-year professional

development, as well as regular meetings with an instructional coach,

Apprentice Teachers will have many opportunities to gain the experience and

support necessary to develop their teaching skills. By the end of the year,

Apprentice Teachers will be very strong candidates for full-time teaching

positions.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach classes on behalf of Deans and teacher-leaders who are observing other teachers;
• Provide substitute teaching coverage for teachers within the school;
• Potentially teach one class or small groups of students;
• Periodically plan and deliver instruction, gradually taking on more responsibility throughout the year;
• Develop teaching skills to potentially become a full-time teacher at the school;
• Support students by providing one-on-one and small group tutoring daily, and small group intervention and student support;
• Observe Master Teachers in order to improve instructional techniques and classroom management;
• Meet regularly with a coach to implement feedback on lessons and instruction;
• Teach or help coordinate an Enrichment class;
• Assist teachers with instruction, assessments, grading, and other classroom responsibilities;

As appropriate, perform all duties expected of classroom teachers, including

but not limited to :

• Implementing curricula and activities to meet academic standards;
• Designing and implementing assessments that measure progress towards academic standards;
• Using assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices;
• Participating in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions, events, and trips;
• Providing consistent rewards andor consequences for student behavior;
• Serving as an advisor to a small group of students;
• Helping to co-lead advisoryhomeroom in the morning and afternoon;
• Supervising students during transitions, breakfast, lunch and afterschool;
• Being accountable for students’ mastery of academic standards;
• Communicating effectively with students, families, and colleagues;
• Participating in an annual three-week staff orientation and training.

Qualifications

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Evidence of self-motivation, willingness to be a team player, and has a strong sense of personal responsibility;
• Ideal candidates are hard-working, urgent, energetic, and are willing to learn and adapt;
• Is extremely reflective and constantly wants to improve;
• is flexible and enjoys dealing with unpredictability;
• Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines;
• A strong candidate will possess strong organizational skills, communication skills (particularly with children), and problem solving skills;
• Interest in performing a critical support role and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment;
• Prior experience working in schools andor urban communities is preferred but not required;
• Relentless commitment to mission of educating urban students. Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
• By the time that employment begins, candidates must have received a Bachelors degree from a College or University.

Qualifications

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Evidence of self-motivation, willingness to be a team player, and has a strong sense of personal responsibility;
• Ideal candidates are hard-working, urgent, energetic, and are willing to learn and adapt;
• Is extremely reflective and constantly wants to improve;
• is flexible and enjoys dealing with unpredictability;
• Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines;
• A strong candidate will possess strong organizational skills, communication skills (particularly with children), and problem solving skills;
• Interest in performing a critical support role and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment;
• Prior experience working in schools andor urban communities is preferred but not required;
• Relentless commitment to mission of educating urban students. Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree is required. A background in education is not required,

though candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K-12

students.

Additional Information

Our people are what makes us Uncommon. We believe our compensation

philosophy and benefits should reflect our values equity, transparency, and

clarity to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their

expertise. Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to

develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality

education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position : The starting compensation for this role

based in Boston is between $45,00 and $47,000. The starting pay will depend on

various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience,

education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Because we value

staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current

staff members.

Other Benefits :

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
• 403(b) retirement savings program
• 529 college savings program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
• Financial planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Paid leave of absence
• Fully paid parental leave
• Fully paid medical leave
• Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and

inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are

committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse

backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an

inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues

of race and identity for our staff and students. 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].