The Independent School Teaching Fellows Program of Greater Philadelphia is a multi-school collaborative offering a two-year Teaching Fellowship program that seeks to increase both the presence of and opportunities for people of color or underrepresented groups in independent schools. People from underrepresented identities are encouraged to apply to this teaching fellowship program designed to prepare candidates to teach in independent schools. While all students benefit from diversity, students of color in independent schools seldom see adults in positions of authority who look like them. Responses from students and families confirm how much representation matters. 

 

This two-year program follows a cohort model and provides teaching fellows with in-depth experiences with mentor teachers in lower, middle, and upper school classrooms, as well as the opportunity to work with diverse student populations. Fellows will engage in weekly professional development sessions and are centered on best practices and salient topics in teaching and learning. Teaching Fellows are encouraged to move beyond technical application to develop skills in reflection, responsible decision-making, and in acquiring a clear personal philosophy of education. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in education from Rosemont College at a greatly reduced price. 

 

Teaching Fellows will have the opportunity to work and train in a variety of independent school settings in the greater Philadelphia region. Teaching Fellows are paired with a mentor and placed with one of our school partners each semester. Our current school partners include:

 

• William Penn Charter School, a co-ed, preK-12 Quaker independent school founded by William Penn in 1689 and located in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia
• Community Partnership School, a co-ed preK-5 independent school founded in 2006 and located in North Central Philadelphia that centers the experiences of low income and low wealth families of color
• Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, a single sex prek-8 and a co-ed upper school independent school founded in 1861 and located in the Northwest corner of Philadelphia
• Holy Child School at Rosemont, a co-ed, preschool-8, independent, Catholic school founded in 1949 and located in Lower Merion township
• Friends’ Central School, a co-ed, preschool-12, Quaker independent school founded in 1845 and located in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

 

Interested applicants must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree. A degree in education is not required. 

Responsibilities of position:

• Approach teaching and learning through a culturally responsive lens
• Fulfill duties of assistant teacher in an early childhood, lower school, middle or upper school classroom while working closely with a mentor teacher
• Punctuality and consistent attendance for full school days, typically 8:00am - 3:00pm, plus meetings and duties before or after school
• Actively participate in the school community through student activities
• Attend weekly professional development sessions on best practices and salient topics in education

 

Qualifications/Characteristics of candidates:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience working with children not required, but preferred
• Collaborates well with colleagues
• Able to adapt alternative strategies in solving challenges
• Genuine interest in others’ experiences and perspectives
• Dedicated to the social justice dimensions of education
• Willingness to listen and lean into difficult conversations

 

Applicants should apply via the William Penn Charter School tracking system. The following materials should be submitted:

 

• One-page cover letter explaining interest in the position and a summary of key qualifications. Please attach the letter in PDF format and not place it in the body of the email. 
• Current resume 
• Contact information for three references 
• For more information about the ISTF partner schools: William Penn Charter School, Community Partnership School, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Holy Child School at Rosemont, and Friends’ Central School, please visit the following websites: www.penncharter.com; www.communitypartnershipschool.org, www.sch.org; https://www.holychildrosemont.org; https://www.friendscentral.org

 

We will review application materials as they are submitted and interview candidates on a rolling basis until the positions have been filled.

 

Prior to hiring, we ask all potential employees to be vaccinated and protected from the life-threatening impact of COVID 19. At Penn Charter we have supported our community's efforts to eradicate the spread of COVID 19 by facilitating access to Covid-19 vaccinations for all current employees and eligible students.

 

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.