Classroom Teacher (Grades 1 5)

Classroom Teacher (Grades 1 - 5)

The Philadelphia School (TPS) is seeking a full-time Classroom Teacher. We are a Preschool - Grade 8 progressive independent school located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania with an enrollment of approximately 420 students. Since our founding in 1972 The Philadelphia School has grown in size complexity and diversity. This growth has been rooted firmly in the progressive values with which our founders began: immersive learning responsive pedagogy and meaningful engagement with the world.

The Philadelphia School seeks educators who possess a deep interest in progressive pedagogy social justice and place-based learning and who demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth. We hire experienced educators who have excellent classroom management and communication skills as well as a flexible approach to teaming. All our teachers build respectful and supportive relationships with their students develop strong home/school partnerships with parents and caregivers participate in school wide initiatives and work closely with their supervisor to develop their craft. Our teachers have strong interpersonal and communication skills. They are grounded in the practices of progressive education with a demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity and social justice as well as environmental education. All our teachers bring a rich range of interests and expertise to their work.

Position Summary:

Our PrimaryJunior Unit program (i.e. grades 1 to 5) remains committed to thematic integration across disciplines. First- and second-grade students are taught in single-grade looped classrooms with two lead teachers (co-teachers) supporting each classroom and students remaining with the same teaching team over a two-year span. Third fourth and fifth grades are organized as stand-alone classrooms each staffed by two lead teachers (co-teachers). Across the grades classroom teachers work collaboratively to align curriculum and instruction engaging in regular shared planning. Classroom teachers inspire and support young learners during their foundational academic years creating dynamic inclusive and engaging learning environments.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the co-teacher other classroom teachers the Learning Resource team and specialists to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Partner with a co-teacher and grade team to develop an engaging thematic curriculum and interdisciplinary projects
• Participate in planning and executing weekly off-campus outdoor days in fall and spring
• Deliver progressive and intentional instruction around academic and social emotional learning
• Integrate technology to enhance instruction and student engagement
• Use a variety of formative and summative assessment tools to monitor and evaluate student progress
• Provide timely and constructive feedback to students to support their academic and personal growth
• Foster a classroom atmosphere that supports respect and inclusion
• Develop strong home/school partnerships and communicate with families clearly and frequently and with cultural competence
• Engage in a range of activities for school-sponsored and individually-sought professional development including a periodic process of growth-oriented feedback and evaluation
• Participate in school-wide initiatives including other duties as assigned

Faculty are encouraged to partner with the Auxiliary Programming team to deliver up to two weeks of summer camp instruction as well as extra-curricular club facilitation throughout the academic year. Participation in auxiliary programming supports the educational mission and helps sustain resources that benefit the entire TPS community. We value the unique expertise our teachers bring to these programs and additional compensation is generally provided in recognition of this additional commitment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required; masters degree in a related field of study preferred
• 2 years lead teaching experience required
• Orientation to progressive philosophy and teaching methods
• Solid understanding of child development including the social emotional and intellectual domains
• Ability and commitment to create a warm nurturing and supportive classroom for young children
• Strong writing editing and communication skills at the team student and family levels
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging as integral to the curriculum and community experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with integrating technology
• Familiarity with various teaching programs such as Responsive Classroom Wilson Foundations and Bridges in Mathematics
• Passion for instilling in children a lifelong love of learning

The pay range for this position is $57000 - $78000 depending on education and applicable experience.

Application Process:

For full consideration please provide a cover letter tailored specifically to your interest in and alignment with our school program - including the grade level(s) that you are most interested in teaching resume and contact information with three professional references.

The Philadelphia School welcomes and celebrates diversity in our student body and in our faculty and is committed to providing an education for all of our children that instills in them a respect understanding and appreciation for the many races cultures religions family structures and ethnicities that make up our complex and diverse world.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Philadelphia School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Philadelphia School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws to ensure fair treatment of all applicants and employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability please contact our Human Resources department at