The Philadelphia School (TPS) is seeking full-time Lead Teachers in grades 4-5 for the 2023-2024 academic year. We are a Preschool - 8 progressive, independent school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an enrollment of 410 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 with a deep interest in progressive pedagogy, social justice, place-based learning, and who demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Position Summary:
Our program places high value on team-teaching and multi-age groupings. Classrooms in our Junior Unit (grades 4-5) have two lead teachers who work closely and collaboratively to instruct children, in whole groups and small groups.
We seek to hire experienced elementary educators who have strong classroom management and communication skills, as well as a flexible approach to teaming. We expect all of our teachers to build respectful and supportive relationships with their students, develop strong home-school partnerships with parents, to participate in school wide initiatives, and to work closely with their supervisor to develop their craft. We are looking for teachers with strong interpersonal and communication skills grounded in the practices of progressive education. A demonstrated commitment to engaging in active work supporting diversity and social justice is essential, and experiences in environmental and outdoor education, Responsive Classroom, The Project Approach, Reading and Writing Workshop, constructivist math pedagogy, art, and drama are all a plus. Technological expertise and experience with online learning is also beneficial. All of our teachers bring a rich range of interests and expertise to their work.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with other teachers, the learning resource team, and specialists to meet the needs of diverse learners and to develop an engaging thematic curriculum
Build respectful and supportive relationships with students
Deliver progressive and intentional instruction
Develop strong home-school partnerships and communicate with families clearly, frequently, and with cultural competence
Participate in school wide initiatives
Engage in ongoing professional development and growth
Qualifications:
B.A. required; Master’s Degree in a related field of study preferred
2+ years lead teaching experience
An orientation to progressive philosophy and teaching methods
A comfort with, or commitment to, outdoor education and learning outside the classroom
Strong understanding of child development, including the social, emotional, and intellectual domains
An ability and commitment to create a warm, nurturing, and supportive classroom for young children
Strong writing, editing and communication skills at both the student and parent levels
Familiarity with some of our core resources and methodologies: Responsive Classroom, the Project Approach, Reading and Writing Workshop, and Bridges to Mathematics
Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice as integral to the curriculum and community experience
Passion for instilling in children a lifelong love of learning
Application Process:
Qualified candidates should visit our website and apply under Employment Opportunities. For full consideration please provide a cover letter tailored specifically to your interest in and alignment with our school program, resume and contact information for 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.
The Philadelphia School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or sexual orientation in the operation of its educational programs and activities.
