Visual Arts Teacher

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

Teachers hold the primary responsibility for the implementation and development of Uncommon’s curriculum and the success of its students. Therefore, Uncommon Schools seeks teachers who are committed to continuously improving curriculum and instruction through collaboration as part of a grade level and school team. We are seeking teachers for the following subject areas:

Visual Arts: we are seeking an art teacher to oversee basic, intermediate and advanced art classes for teenage students. These courses would include basic drawing, painting and ceramics projects that allow participants to build a portfolio of work. The curriculum should also include art history lessons and critical thinking skills. 

Responsibilities

• Implement curricula and activities to meet academic standards; preparing lessons on art and art history in accordance with students' learning objective;
• Teach knowledge and skills in art, including drawing, painting, lettering, and art history;
• Demonstrate techniques in activities such as drawing and painting; and can apply elements of design and modern principles of art;
• Knows the fundamentals and different approaches to drawing media technique;
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards;
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices;
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions;
• Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior;
• 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
• 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 preferred
• By the time that employment begins, candidates must have received a Bachelor's degree from a College or University. For teaching roles in New York and Massachusetts, candidates must have also earned a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher by the time employment begins. For teaching roles in New Jersey, the candidates must have earned a cumulative 2.75 GPA (for candidates graduating before September 1, 2016) or 3.0 (for candidates graduating on or after September 1, 2016).
• Valid State Certification is helpful but not required. Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable. 

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 $71,000 to $116,000. 

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 $71,000. 

* The range above represents our compensation scales for the 2026-2027 school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2026, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales. New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2026  for next school year which aligns to the scale above.

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
• Pension through Mass. Teachers Retirement System  
  • 403(b) retirement savings program 
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all 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.