Uncommon Schools
North Star Academy Charter School Teaching Positions (2010-2011)
Newark, NJ
North Star Academy Charter School of Newark is one of New Jersey's very first charter public schools and has also become one of its most celebrated. North Star was hailed by President George W. Bush during his visit as "a jewel of excellence," and the Class of 2004 (100% college matriculation) was touted by the New York Times as a harbinger of New Jersey public education reform. The school and its programs have been featured in a PBS Documentary ("Charter Schools that Work"), Time Magazine ("A Real School of Rock"), and in the recently published book No Excuses: Closing the Racial Gap in Learning. The network currently serves students in grades K-2 and 5-12 across 4 campuses: one elementary school, two middle schools, and a high school. In the fall of 2010, North Star will open a new elementary school and a new middle school.
The North Star network is one of the five Uncommon Schools networks. To learn more about Uncommon Schools, please visit
http://www.uncommonschools.org.
North Star is looking for the following teachers for 2010-2011 to staff new and growing schools:
* High School Teacher Positions: English, History, Math, Science.
* Middle School Teacher Positions: English, History, Math, Science, Special Education Coordinator.
* Elementary Teacher Positions: K-1 Lead , K-1, 2-4 Lead , 2-4, Art, Music, Special Education Coordinator.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
* Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school;
* Show unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness;
* Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct;
* Implement curricula and activities to meet academic standards;
* Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards;
* Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices;
* Participate in the collaborative curriculum development process;
* Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct;
* Be accountable for students’ mastery of academic standards;
* Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities;
* Exhibit resilience to persevere and turn challenges into opportunities;
* Focus constantly on student learning, thinking critically and strategically to respond to student learning needs;
* Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues;
* Engage families in their children’s education;
* Commit to continual professional growth, participating actively in department meetings, faculty meetings, and other meetings; and
* 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;
* Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom;
* Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects;
* Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player;
* Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred; and
* Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting.
Valid NJ Certification is helpful but not required. Belief in and alignment with North Star’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
COMPENSATION
We offer a competitive compensation package, including a salary significantly above the district scale and comprehensive health benefits. Aside from extensive professional development, all our teachers are equipped with email, high-speed internet access, library budget, and all necessary instructional supplies.
