Manager, Teaching & Learning - 5-8 ELA

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!

Are you passionate about improving how middle school students learn to read, write, and think critically? As Manager of Teaching & Learning for 5-8 ELA, you'll partner with school leaders and teachers to implement high-quality ELA instruction across a portfolio of schools. You'll use data and instructional coaching to help educators refine their practice, support students in mastering essential literacy skills, and drive measurable achievement. This role offers the opportunity to shape how thousands of students experience ELA instruction while building strong, collaborative relationships with school teams.

Duties & Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching & Teacher Development

• Coach ELA teachers across grades 5-8 through classroom observations, practice clinics, and professional development sessions to improve lesson execution and student outcomes
• Model exemplary ELA instruction in classrooms and co-teach key content areas when needed to support teacher learning
• Lead and facilitate power meetings (planning and data meetings) with school leaders and teachers, ensuring meetings are well-prepared, focused, and actionable
• Build systems for ongoing observation, feedback, and follow-up with teachers and leaders to support continuous growth

Data Analysis & Action Planning

• Analyze and respond to student achievement data across your portfolio of schools to identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities for targeted instruction
• Systematically track progress on key power standards and adjust action plans based on student performance and evidence of teacher implementation
• Partner with Regional School Leaders to collect, analyze, and synthesize data that informs programmatic decisions
• Create targeted action plans that accelerate student learning and ensure equitable access to high-quality instruction

Curriculum & Professional Development Design

• Design, create, and facilitate professional development, practice clinics, and training sessions for teachers and leaders
• Create resources that connect assessment and instruction materials—including scripted lesson plans and assessment scripts—to help educators internalize and implement curriculum effectively
• Support individual school campuses in leveraging instructional blocks to meet the needs of all students and maximize teacher strengths

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with members of the K-12 Teaching & Learning team, school leadership, and other departments to make data-driven decisions and support school success
• Contribute to broader initiatives and projects as needed to support organizational goals

Required Experience & Skills

• 3+ years of direct experience in teaching, school leadership, content coaching, or curriculum development (e.g., classroom teacher, Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, or similar role)
• Proven track record of driving and coaching student achievement for a grade span, department, or team of teachers
• Exceptional data analysis and action planning skills that have directly led to improved student outcomes
• Strong management, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively with teachers, leaders, and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated project management skills, including attention to detail, ability to balance priorities, and capacity to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines
• A founder's mentality: ability to take initiative, work independently, and begin projects without close supervision
• Strong commitment to our organizational mission and educational philosophy

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred

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 for this position

The full compensation range for this role is $94,300 - $107,400. Starting pay is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to, relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Because internal candidates often bring significant tenure, they typically land at the upper end of the salary scale. In exceptional cases of extensive internal tenure, compensation may be adjusted beyond the posted range to maintain internal equity and recognize long-term contributions.

Benefit Highlights:

• 19 days of paid time off
• 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts
• 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 [email protected].