Apprentice Teacher - Uncommon Schools

Sound Foundations; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive health benefits

Financial planning assistance

Job summary

Sound Foundations in Rochester, NY, is seeking an Apprentice Teacher to gain hands-on experience in education. This role enables individuals with limited teaching experience to observe and learn from experienced educators, co-teach, and provide support within the classroom.

Apprentice Teachers will develop their teaching skills through summer and school-year professional development, preparing them for future roles as full-time teachers.

Qualifications

• 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 strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Relentless commitment to the mission of educating urban students.

Responsibilities

• Teach classes on behalf of Deans and teacher‑leaders.
• Provide substitute teaching coverage.
• Support students with one-on-one and small-group tutoring.

Skills

Strong organizational and communication skills

Time-management skills

Problem-solving skills

Self-motivated

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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. 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!

Job Description

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 observe best practices in classroom instruction and education reform from experienced teachers and school leaders at a leading charter management organization. They will observe and learn from Master Teachers, co‑teach with teacher‑leaders, provide in‑house substitute teaching coverage, 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 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 gain the experience and support necessary to develop their teaching skills. By the end of the year, Apprentice Teachers will be 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.
• Implement curricula and activities to meet academic standards.
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress toward academic standards.
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices.
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, grade‑level activities, and school‑wide functions, events, and trips.
• Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior.
• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students.
• Help co‑lead advisory/homeroom in the morning and afternoon.
• Supervise students during transitions, breakfast, lunch and afterschool.
• Be accountable for students’ mastery of academic standards.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in an annual three‑week staff orientation and training.

Qualifications

• 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 strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Hard‑working, urgent, energetic, and willing to learn and adapt.
• Extremely reflective and constantly seeks improvement.
• Flexible and enjoys dealing with unpredictability.
• Strong time‑management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, particularly with children, and problem‑solving skills.
• Interest in performing a critical support role and 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 the mission of educating urban students; belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non‑negotiable.
• By the time employment begins, candidates must have received a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university.

Educational Background and Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree is required. A background in education is not required, though candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K‑12 students.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is $45,000.

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 plus pre‑tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving 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 plus wellness benefits.
• A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility Statement

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 [e-mail].