Job Description
Job DescriptionJoin Our Mission at Uncommon Schools!
Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. With locations in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are on a mission to close the college completion gap and prepare every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, showcasing our commitment to their success. 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!
About the Role: Middle School Literacy Specialist
Are you passionate about empowering students who face reading and writing challenges? As a Middle School Literacy Specialist, you will be a visionary leader, guiding at-risk students to thrive in the rigorous academic programs at Rochester Prep. Your focus will be on delivering impactful literacy interventions that bridge gaps in reading and writing, ensuring every student has access to a grade-level curriculum through literacy equity.
Reports to: Building Principal
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and deliver multi-tier literacy intervention services for students in grades 5 - 8.
- Monitor student progress and communicate updates with school team leaders, teachers, and families.
- Create an inclusive and safe environment where students feel empowered to become self-guided learners.
- Collaborate with general and special education teachers, school leaders, and families to analyze and respond to trends in student work and assessments.
- Build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
- Partner with families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support learning needs.
- Participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.
Qualifications
- A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools.
- 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 seeks 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 Literacy, Special Education, the Humanities, Social Sciences, or related fields of study.
- Prior to employment, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. Certification is not necessary to be hired, but you must meet NY state certification eligibility requirements. This includes enrolling in a teacher preparation program and maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher during your employment if you do not have a degree in education. Uncommon Schools teachers are required to become certified in New York within a reasonable period after starting employment.
Why Join Us?
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 aims to attract & retain top talent.
Compensation
The salary for this role ranges from $50,000 to $64,700. Starting pay is determined by various factors, including relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely start at $50,000.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off, including 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, plus pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
- Financial Planning:
- 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
- Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
- Mental health and counseling support, along with wellness benefits.
*A detailed list of all benefits is available upon request.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of the communities we serve, with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type. We 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.