Middle School Literacy Specialist

Company Description

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!

Job Description

The Middle School Literacy Specialist will be a visionary for students who are at-risk for academic underperformance due to reading and writing challenges. This person will support students to succeed in the rigorous academic programs offered at Rochester Prep.  This role will focus on leading and delivering literacy interventions, that aim to close gaps in reading and writing, to students who are considered at-risk or students with specific learning disabilities.  The Literacy Specialists will be instrumental in giving students access to grade level curriculum through literacy equity. 

Reports to: Building Principal

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

1. Oversee and deliver multi-tier literacy intervention services for students in grades 5 - 8.  
2. Monitor progress of students and share with school team leaders, teachers, and families. 
3. Create an inclusive and safe environment where students feel empowered to become self-guided learners. 
4. Collaborate with general and special education teachers, school leaders, and families to analyze and respond to trends in student work and assessments.
5. Build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
6. Partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support learning needs. 
7. 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 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 Literacy, Special Education, the Humanities, Social Sciences, or related fields of study. 
  • Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Certification is not required to be hired at Uncommon, but you do need to meet NY state certification eligibility requirements. To meet these requirements, you must enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during your employment with us if you do not have a degree in education. Uncommon Schools teachers are required to become certified in the state of New York within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Additional Information

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.

Our Approach to AI and Your Application
At Uncommon Schools, we value thoughtful use of technology. Your responses should begin with your own thinking and reflect your authentic voice, experiences, and commitment to our mission. Generative AI can be used to refine or organize writing, but not to generate initial responses or replace your ideas. Every application is reviewed by a member of our Recruitment Team, and we are committed to understanding the person behind the application. 
 

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $52,000 to $68,000. 

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 $52,000.

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

  • 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 SY 26-27 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 recruitment@uncommonschools.org.

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