Teacher Assistant

North Star Academy Charter School; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous paid time off

Health insurance (medical)

Dental and vision insurance

Paid leave of absence options

Job summary

Uncommon Schools in Newark, NJ is seeking staff to assist teachers, support students, and help with classroom operations. The role involves tutoring, observing Master Teachers, and providing administrative support, with opportunities to lead small groups and participate in school-wide activities.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines. Bachelor's degree is preferred, and the organization offers extensive professional

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 a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Hard-working, urgent, energetic, and willing to learn and adapt.
• Reflective and eager to improve, flexible with unpredictability.
• Strong time management and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Organizational and communication skills with children; problem solving.
• Interest in a critical support role in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience in schools or urban communities is preferred but not required.
• Commitment to Uncommon’s mission and educational philosophy.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, though not required; passion for K-12 education.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with instruction, assessments, grading, and classroom tasks.
• Potentially teach small groups of students and provide tutoring daily.
• Support students with one-on-one and small group interventions.
• Observe Master Teachers to improve instructional techniques and classroom management.
• Provide administrative support including copies, hallway duty, and organizing materials.
• Participate in grade-level activities, school events, and staff orientation/training.

Skills

Self-motivation

Team player

Strong time management

Organizational skills

Clear communication with children

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Education background not required (but passion for K-12 education)

Job 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

• Assist teachers with instruction, assessments, grading, and other classroom responsibilities;
• Potentially teach small groups of students;
• 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;
• Provide administrative support including but not limited to copies, hallway duty, organizing classroom materials, etc.

As appropriate, perform all duties expected of staff, including but not limited to:

• Participating in grade-level activities, and school-wide functions, events, and trips;
• Providing consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior;
• Serving as an advisor to a small group of students;
• Supervising students during transitions, breakfast, lunch and afterschool;
• Communicating effectively with students, families, and colleagues;
• Participating 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 has a strong sense of personal responsibility;
• Ideal candidates are hard-working, urgent, energetic, and are willing to learn and adapt;
• Is extremely reflective and constantly wants to improve;
• is flexible and enjoys dealing with unpredictability;
• Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines;
• A strong candidate will possess strong organizational skills, communication skills (particularly with children), and problem solving skills;
• Interest in performing a critical support role and the 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 mission of educating urban students. Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable;
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required. A background in education is not required, though candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K-12 students.

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.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $47,000 to $50,000.

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

• 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)
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefit

*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 [emailprotected] .