Job 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 52 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.

Uncommon Schools in Brooklyn currently manages twenty four schools serving students in grades K through 12. We believe in strong authentic relationships between teachers and students, supported by effective school systems and an engaging instructional model that enables students to flourish academically and personally. Our students in Brooklyn have an impressive 99% college acceptance rate.

Job Description

Uncommon Schools seeks an accomplished, passionate Elementary Music Teacher to join our faculty. The position represents an exciting opportunity to join a growing program that is dedicated to developing excellence in musical talent throughout the K-12 education of our scholars. Our general music pedagogy is grounded in the Orff and Kodaly approaches. Our music program includes singing, movement, playing instruments, and music literacy in every class, with students engaged in as much active music-making as possible. Instrumental instruction includes recorder (in third grade), unpitched percussion, and Orff instruments. 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Implement network-provided curricula and activities to meet music-specific academic standards;
• Teach all music-based content including but not limited to singing, dance and movement, elementary instrumental (recorder, Orff instruments, drumming) music;
• Develop music literacy lesson components related to teaching rhythm and pitch notation, solfege reading and singing, improvisation and composition
• High-level collaboration with Enrichment teachers and Director of Operations to create and plan for multiple performances throughout the school year
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards;
• Support school instructional and cultural needs including but not limited to academic teaching coverage, test proctoring, daily systems duties, additional supportive duties
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, department activities, and school-wide functions;
• Develops strong classroom management skills congruent with Uncommon Schools system of management;
• Be accountable for students’ mastery of musical standards;
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues; and
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts of Bachelor of Music in Music, Music Education or Performance
• Experience teaching general and vocal music to elementary aged children;
• Experience with the Kodaly and Orff approaches. Levels training in one or both pedagogies is highly preferred;
• Ability to manage and direct large groups of students;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Valid State Certification is helpful but not required;
• Piano and vocal proficiency, knowledge of recorder, basic guitar. Additional instrument proficiency is helpful.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable;
• Experience performing and/or teaching music is highly preferred;
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred;
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom;
• Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom;
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects; and
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.

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 New York City for school year 2023-2024 is between $64,000 to $96,900 and the starting compensation for school year 2024-2025 is between $65,000 to $97,900. The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, certifications, tenure with Uncommon Schools, and work location. Because one of the things that we value is staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges. Please note: ranges may differ for staff who work from a location other than New York.

Benefits: We offer comprehensive, flexible, and competitive compensation, benefits and perks that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Financial Planning & Wellness

  • 403(b) retirement savings plan and/or region specific Pension plan 

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program & 529 Savings plan

• Generous Time-Off plan aligned with school calendars

• Leave of Absence

  • 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave +

• Mental Health and Counseling support

• Relocation Assistance

• Other Perks and Discounts

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].

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