Summer Teaching Fellow 2024

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 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

Founded in 2010, The Summer Teaching Fellowship (STF) is a paid teacher preparation program designed for current and rising college seniors (college juniors and seniors) who are committed to pursuing a career in urban education. Fellows will develop, grow, and enhance their instructional skills through robust professional development, classroom observations, mentorship and coaching from STF staff, and hands-on instructional support in classrooms. At the end of the Fellowship, Fellows will be considered for full-time offers to teach at Uncommon upon graduation. Today, we have over 200 STF alums working in our schools, 4 of which are in the School Principal role.

The Summer Teaching Fellowship is part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitment to attract, hire and retain aspiring teachers with a unique and specialized understanding and connection to historically excluded and underrepresented communities in education. 93% of  Uncommon’s scholars and families identify as coming from communities of color. Today,  over 50% of our teachers identify as members of people of color, more than double the national average. We believe students learn best when they see themselves reflected in their teachers' backgrounds and life experiences. We aim to continuously improve our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

STF is currently offered in Brooklyn, NY and Newark, NJ, and serves students in grades K-12. Applicants can indicate their choice of region grade level, and subject expertise  on the application. While we try our best to honor candidates preferences, size and capacity vary per region and are filled based on need. STF is a general teaching program, applicants willing to support in different regions, grade levels and subjects will have the best chances of being selected. 

Specific Responsibilities (may vary by host site): 

• Participate in a 2 week STF orientation and continuous summer professional development;
• Supervise students during transitions, breakfast, snack and dismissal;
• Co-lead advisory/homeroom;
• Teach one class or small groups of students;
• Implement feedback on performance to support the development of teaching skills;
• Support students by providing one-on-one and small group intervention and student support;
• Observe Mentor Coach in order to improve instructional techniques and classroom management;
• Meet regularly with a coach to implement feedback on lessons and instruction;
• Lead instruction, assessments, grading, and other classroom responsibilities;
• Communicating effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Current standing as an undergraduate college junior or senior graduating in Winter 2024 or Spring 2025
• U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75
• Full availability from June 3rd to August 4th, 2024 (Final Program dates have not been announced)
• Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities is preferred but not required
• Background or major in education is not required, though candidates should show a  proven passion for working with K-12 students
• Willingness to commute to and from Newark, NJ and Brooklyn, NY to downtown Brooklyn

The strongest STF candidates exhibit the following traits: 

• Strong interest in pursuing a full-time teaching role with Uncommon upon graduation
• Proven commitment to teaching in urban education
• Evidence of  grit, strong work ethic and willingness to implement feedback
• A high degree of self-reflectiveness, professionalism, and flexibility
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy

Additional information

The Hiring Process

• Phase 1: Pre-screening application
• Phase 2: STF Personal Response Questions
• Phase 3: 1 Hour Interview & Demo Lesson on Zoom with Uncommon Leaders
• Phase 4: Update on Application and/or Offer Letter Sent

Compensation

• Stipend of $3500 for Elementary School Fellows & $4000 for Middle School and High School Fellows (to be taxed)
• Transportation stipend (amount varies by region)
• Free dormitory-style housing

Other information

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

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 stf@uncommonschools.org.

Videos to Watch

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