Upper School English Teacher 

 

Reports to

 

Upper School Director and Department Chair

 

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 that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented, and valued. Our curriculum embraces an array 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 Upper School English teacher to begin in the 2025-26 academic year as a member of a strong and collegial department committed to academic excellence. The successful candidate will embrace student-centered pedagogy and technology use in the classroom, model curiosity and a desire for professional growth, and exhibit eagerness 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 a plethora of professional development opportunities via the PC Teaching and Learning Center.

 

 

Essential Functions:

• Teach four Upper School English classes and adhere to the shared curriculum of each course. Serve as an advisor. 
• Engage in the collaborative work of the department to consistently review and develop curriculum and instructional practices to best support student growth and engagement.
• Participate in a co-curricular activity such as coaching, clubs, assisting with a theatrical performance, or community service.
• Attend meetings, write comments, and report grades according to predetermined dates on the school calendar.
• Consistently use the HUB (Penn Charter’s learning management system) to post homework and dates of assessments, and to maintain an updated gradebook.
• 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.
• Actively participate in faculty professional development and supervision, including observations and feedback conversations, with support from the assistant head, division director, and department chair.
• Regularly review and update curriculum maps in partnership with departmental colleagues, the department chair, the division director, and the assistant head of school.
• Other duties assigned by the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, or their designee, such as occasionally proctoring study halls and chaperoning school events.

 

Competencies:

 

• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction for various levels of learners
• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education and a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies, and research-based practices
• Exhibit a passion for teaching literature and writing and working with adolescents
• The belief that every student can be successful
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask
• Emotional maturity and a sense of humor

 

Physical Demands:

• Intermittent or prolonged periods of sitting and standing
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

 

Required education and experience

 

• An undergraduate degree in English or a related field (an advanced degree is preferred) 
• Previous experience teaching English at the Upper School level; post-secondary teaching experience may be considered

 

Preferred education and experience 

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education
• Undergraduate degree in English or a closely related field (an advanced degree is preferred) and previous teaching experience, ideally at the high school level. 

 

Salary and benefits  

 

William Penn Charter School offers competitive salaries and comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. William Penn Charter School is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified 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.