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High School Science Teacher - job 1 of 2

Company Description

Uncommon 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. With over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color, we exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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 Description

Uncommon High School Science teachers work collaboratively across the network to prepare all students with the tools and knowledge to critically engage in the field of science and develop them into self-directed learners. At the heart of all Science courses is inquiry-based learning, including a robust focus on student discourse and the science practices. Science teachers employ a variety of instructional strategies to develop a passion for scientific questioning and analysis in their students. Our teachers prepare all students such that they have the choice to study and excel in any STEM discipline. We prepare all students to be citizen scientists that have the tools and knowledge to critically engage in the field of science regardless of their university major or professional career. Our teachers become experts in their course content and have a keen sense of how to motivate and inspire high school students. 

Responsibilities

1.     Instruction

  • You’ll teach a curriculum that includes, but is not limited to, analysis of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Sciences that prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP) and collegiate level coursework. 
  • You'll develop students’ practices skills of questioning, modeling, constructing explanations, data analysis, argumentation, and planning and conducting interactive labs.
  • You’ll create an environment where students feel confident using their voice to engage in scientific discourse.
  • You will facilitate student-led discourse, during which students use evidence to make sophisticated claims and synthesize and critique arguments. 
  • You'll facilitate student-led inquiry of various scientific topics and engage students in lab and project-based performance tasks. 
  • You'll work with the Science department to determine academic and engagement goals for students.

2.     Data Analysis

  • You'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 Culture

  • You’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.

Qualifications

  • A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization
  • A demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social emotional and academic development
  • An enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students
  • A self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
  • Required Experience:
    • A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).
    • Academic expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, 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. Certification is not required to be hired at Uncommon, but you do need to meet NY state certification eligibility requirements. To meet these requirements, you must enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher during your employment with us if you do not have a degree in education. Uncommon Schools teachers are required to become certified in the state of New York within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Additional Information

Our 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.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $65,000 to $103,900.

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 $65,000.

Benefits

  • Generous 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 Planning
    • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
  • 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.

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].

Average salary estimate

$84450 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$65000K
$103900K

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What You Should Know About High School Science Teacher, Uncommon Schools

If you're passionate about science education and want to make a meaningful impact, Uncommon Schools is the place for you as a High School Science Teacher in New York, NY! Here at Uncommon Schools, we're driven by a mission to provide a transformative education for students in economically disadvantaged communities. As a High School Science Teacher, you'll help cultivate the next generation of scientific thinkers. You’ll lead engaging lessons across various disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, creating an environment that fosters scientific inquiry and student discourse. We’re big on hands-on learning, so expect to facilitate exciting lab activities and student-led projects. Through weekly coaching and mentorship, we ensure that you’re not just teaching—you're also growing as an educator. You’ll work closely with other dedicated professionals who share your enthusiasm for sparking curiosity in students. Building strong relationships with your students is pivotal because we believe every child should feel valued and heard. Additionally, you’ll engage with families to help provide the necessary support for their child’s educational journey. And don’t worry, we’ve got competitive compensation and incredible benefits to back you up. If you have a strong foundation in Science and a commitment to our values, we’d love to see you join our team to inspire students and help them navigate their educational paths towards realizing their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for High School Science Teacher Role at Uncommon Schools
What qualifications do I need to become a High School Science Teacher at Uncommon Schools?

To be a High School Science Teacher at Uncommon Schools, you must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While certification is not required at the time of hire, you need to meet NY state certification eligibility and enroll in a teacher preparation program to obtain certification within a reasonable timeframe. A background in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics is strongly preferred, alongside a commitment to impacting K-12 students in diverse urban schools.

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What responsibilities do High School Science Teachers have at Uncommon Schools?

As a High School Science Teacher at Uncommon Schools, your responsibilities include teaching a rigorous curriculum that covers subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. You will facilitate interactive labs and projects while fostering a classroom environment that encourages scientific discourse. Additionally, you'll analyze student data weekly to enhance learning outcomes and collaborate closely with your grade level team to achieve academic goals.

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How does Uncommon Schools support the professional development of High School Science Teachers?

Uncommon Schools is dedicated to investing in the professional growth of its educators. As a High School Science Teacher, you'll benefit from weekly coaching sessions, feedback, and practice-based professional development opportunities. This supportive culture encourages you to hone your skills and implement effective instructional strategies that benefit your students.

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What is the compensation range for a High School Science Teacher at Uncommon Schools?

Compensation for High School Science Teachers at Uncommon Schools ranges from $65,000 to $103,900, depending on factors such as your relevant teaching experience and educational background. New teachers without full-time experience can expect to start at $65,000, while those with more experience may command higher salaries.

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What benefits can I expect as a High School Science Teacher at Uncommon Schools?

Uncommon Schools offers an attractive benefits package for its High School Science Teachers. This includes generous paid time off, health, dental, and vision insurance plans, mental health support, a 403(b) retirement savings program with employer matching, and extensive training and development opportunities. We believe in supporting every educator’s health, wellness, and professional journey.

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Common Interview Questions for High School Science Teacher
How would you engage students in scientific discourse as a High School Science Teacher?

Engaging students in scientific discourse involves creating an open and supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. I would use guiding questions to encourage participation, facilitate group discussions, and promote evidence-based arguments. Incorporating inquiry-based learning practices, such as hands-on experiments, can also motivate students to articulate their ideas in a scientific context.

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Can you describe a successful lesson you've taught in a science subject?

One successful lesson I taught was on the scientific method using a hands-on experiment with plant growth. Students formed hypotheses, planted seeds, and conducted observations over weeks. This not only solidified their understanding of scientific principles but also fostered teamwork and communication skills as they worked in groups to analyze their results.

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What strategies do you use to differentiate instruction in your science classes?

I employ various strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students. This includes grouping students based on their skill levels for certain tasks, providing varying types of resources (like videos, models, and texts), and offering choice in projects to allow students to explore their interests within the science curriculum. Regular assessments help me adjust my teaching to support all learners effectively.

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How do you utilize data to improve student performance in your science classroom?

I believe in the power of data to inform instruction. I regularly analyze student assessments and work samples, identifying trends and areas for improvement. This information enables me to tailor my teaching strategies and differentiate instruction, ensuring all students receive the support they need to succeed.

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What do you believe is the most important aspect of teaching science to high school students?

The most important aspect of teaching science at this level is inspiring curiosity and critical thinking. Encouraging students to ask questions and explore answers drives engagement and fosters a love for learning. I aim to cultivate an environment where students feel empowered to investigate scientific concepts and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

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How would you build relationships with your students as a High School Science Teacher?

Building relationships with students starts with showing genuine interest in their lives. I take the time to learn about their interests and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, consistent communication, providing support, and being approachable helps me establish trust and make my students feel valued and heard.

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What role does collaboration play in your teaching philosophy?

Collaboration is essential in my teaching philosophy. I encourage students to work together in labs, group projects, and discussions to learn from one another. Additionally, I collaborate with fellow educators to share ideas and strategies, which ultimately enriches the learning experiences I provide for my students.

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Describe how you would handle a student who is disruptive during a science lesson.

If a student is disruptive, my first approach is to address the behavior calmly and privately. I would seek to understand what’s causing the disruption while providing guidance on proper behavior. If necessary, I would work with the student to find strategies to engage them positively in the lesson, ensuring the classroom remains an optimal learning environment for everyone.

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How would you incorporate technology into your science lessons?

Incorporating technology into my lessons could take many forms, from interactive simulations and virtual experiments to data analysis tools. I aim to leverage technology to enhance students' understanding and engagement by providing them with resources that allow them to explore scientific concepts dynamically.

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What excites you the most about teaching science?

What excites me most about teaching science is the opportunity to spark curiosity and critical thinking in my students. Science is all around us, and being able to explore phenomena and concepts with students, igniting their passion for understanding the world, is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing students connect the dots and appreciate the relevance of science in their everyday lives.

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Founded in 1997, the Uncommon Schools is a charter school that is fully funded by the government and does not require entrance exams. This school offers different educational programs and academics. Uncommon Schools is located in New York.

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January 28, 2025

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