Elementary School Apprentice Teacher

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!

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 in New York City. 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 and/or consequences for student behavior;
• Serving as an advisor to a small group of students;  
• Helping to co-lead advisory/homeroom 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.

• 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 and/or 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 Bachelor's degree from a College or University. For teaching roles in New Jersey, the candidates must have earned a cumulative 2.75 GPA (for candidates graduating before September 1, 2016) or 3.0 (for candidates graduating on or after September 1, 2016)

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

The compensation for this role is $60,000. 

* The range above represents our compensation scales for the 2025-2026 school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2025, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales. New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2025  for next school year which aligns to the scale above.

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].