5-12 Special Education Teacher - job 1 of 3

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. 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!

Uncommon Special Education teachers are passionate about developing and monitoring accommodations for students with special needs. Special Education teachers advocate for students and believe that specialized instruction and related services increase academic achievement. Special Education teachers offer academic, emotional, and physical support while maintaining high expectations. 

Responsibilities

1.     Instruction

• You'll modify, differentiate, and teach an inclusive curriculum that emphasizes diversity. 
• You'll collaborate with families and Special Education teams to develop 504 and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that offer appropriate accommodations and modifications.
• You'll create an inclusive and safe environment where students feel empowered to become self-guided learners.

2.     Special Education Specific Responsibilities

• You'll collaborate with general education teachers, school leaders, and families to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments and ensure compliance with Individualized Education Plans.
• You will gather academic growth data and write goals to prepare for annual IEP meetings.
• You will teach pull-out, push-in, small group, and one-on-one instruction 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.

• 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 Special Education, the Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, or related fields of study. 
  • Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the time employment begins. You do not need to be certified to be hired; however, if hired you will need to pass state teacher certification tests to meet the MA state requirements.

Teachers are qualified to teach independently if the teacher holds one of the following qualifications for the appropriate grade and severity level:

• MA special education license
• Special education license or equivalent issued by another state or
• Documented completion of approved undergraduate or graduate program in special education

If a teacher does not hold any of the qualifications above, the teacher may only deliver specialized instruction if:

• The teacher is under the direct supervision and oversight* of an educator who holds an initial or professional special education license (Moderate Disabilities License), or is otherwise qualified as per above;

And

• Must pass the following MTELs within the first year of employment:
  • Communications and Literacy Skills test, and,
  • MTEL subject area tests (English or Mathematics)
  • SEI endorsement

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 $57,000 to $89,000. 

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 $57,000. 

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
  • Pension through Mass. Teachers Retirement System  
  • 403(b) retirement savings program 
• 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. 

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 brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective 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 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].