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 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.
Rochester Prep currently consists of six 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. Rochester Prep schools are consistently some of the city's top-performing, and our students have an impressive 85% college acceptance rate.
Job Description
Uncommon Schools seeks an accomplished, passionate 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 make us uncommon. It's important to us that our compensation practices align with our values and enhance our ability to attract and retain talent. Our compensation philosophy is focused on equity and fairness, retaining our talented staff and valuing their expertise, and transparency and clarity.
Compensation for this position: The starting compensation for this role based in Rochester is between $50,000 to $64,700. The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members.
Other Benefits:
Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
Extensive, best-in-class training and development
Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
Financial planning & wellness
403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
529 college savings program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
Financial planning tools and assistance
Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
Paid leave of absence
Fully paid parental leave
Fully paid medical leave
Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
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].
