William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, all-gender, pre-K-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is "that of God" in every person. A school community that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented, and valued. Our curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in us a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

 

As our mission states, we value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts, and athletics. Through global connections, civic engagement, and a focus on environmental sustainability, we inspire students to be thinkers, collaborators, innovators, and leaders. We educate students to live lives that make a difference.

 

Position Summary

William Penn Charter School seeks a full-time Middle School Science teacher to begin in the 2024-2025 academic year. Successful candidates must embrace student-centered pedagogy and technology use in the classroom, model curiosity and a desire for professional growth, and exhibit a desire to build positive and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, administrators, and parents in a manner consistent with the School's mission. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education is highly desirable. In addition to salary and benefits, teachers have access to many professional development opportunities via the PC Teaching and Learning Center.

 

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice both in their teaching practice and in building relationships with students and other community members
• Teach four (4) Middle School Science classes (options include: environmental science (6th grade), life science (7th grade), or physical science (8th grade)
• Serve as an advisor to a cohort of Middle School students
• Attend meetings, write comments, and report grades according to predetermined dates on the school calendar
• Participate in a co-curricular activity such as coaching, clubs, assisting with a theatrical performance, or community service
• Fulfill additional duties of a Middle School teacher, including proctoring study halls and chaperoning trips or dances according to a predetermined schedule
• Consistently use the assignment feature of the HUB (Penn Charter's learning management system) to post homework and dates of assessments and maintain an updated grade book also in the HUB
• Maintain a growth mindset and actively participate in faculty professional development and supervision, including observations and feedback conversations, with support from the assistant head, division director, and department chair
• Collaborate with colleagues on lesson, unit, and assessment design
• Other duties as assigned by the Middle School Director, Science Department Chair, or their designee 

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to teach environmental, life, and physical sciences
• High energy, initiative, and strong work ethic
• Empathy and patience
• Ability to remain professional and courteous while interacting with students, colleagues, and parents
• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education and a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies and developing trends
• Exhibit a passion for teaching science and working with adolescents
• Proficient in Google Suite & Microsoft Office programs

Physical Demands:

• Intermittent or prolonged periods of sitting and standing
• Ability to lift approximately 20 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Required education and experience

 

• Previous experience teaching middle school sciences
• Bachelor's degree in environmental, life, or physical science or a closely related field 
• Experience designing and teaching lab-based, student-centered curriculum

Preferred education and experience

 

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education
• Teacher Certification (preferred, but not required)
• Master’s Degree in environmental, life, or physical sciences or a related field

 

Salary and benefits

William Penn Charter School offers competitive salaries and comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. In addition, the school provides generous retirement savings options, sick leave and holidays (including winter and spring breaks), tuition remission for up to two children at a time, and access to robust professional development opportunities via our Teaching and Learning Center and memberships, workshops, and conferences offered by professional organizations. William Penn Charter School is also a qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

 

William Penn Charter School 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.