William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, co-educational, 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 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 Social Studies teacher to begin in the 2022-23 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 sections of Middle School social studies, including Civics (8th) and World Geography (7th). An ability to serve as team leader for one or both courses is desirable.
• Serve as an advisor to a group of Middle School students.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Ability to teach multiple subjects in Middle School social studies, including Civics.
• Ability to guide students through research projects and support their development in writing.
• 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 history and working with middle school students.
• Belief that every student can be successful.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask.
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction for various levels of learners.
• 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 history or a related field (an advanced degree is preferred) 
• Minimum of 3 years of experience teaching social studies at the middle and/or upper school level

Preferred education and experience 

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education

Salary and benefits  

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

We will review application materials as they are submitted and interview candidates on a rolling basis until the position has 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.