The Philadelphia School (TPS) is seeking a full-time Preschool Associate Teacher for our 3-year olds program in its inaugural year. We are a Preschool - Grade 8 progressive, independent school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an enrollment of 412 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. We hire experienced educators who have excellent classroom management and communication skills, as well as a flexible approach to teaming. All of 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 of our teachers bring a rich range of interests and expertise to their work.
Position Summary:
Associate teachers play an important and collaborative role in the classroom. They work directly with students, classroom teachers, and specialists to plan and support implementation of the curricula. Our early childhood center was designed specifically for our youngest students. It has light-filled classrooms, direct access to a large, nature-based play yard, raised garden beds and a kitchen. There are two lead teachers and an associate teacher in our preschool and kindergarten classrooms and one lead teacher and two associate teachers for the preschool 3s program. The role of the associate is intended to provide additional support while building their own capacity as an early childhood educator. Associate teachers will be given specific responsibility for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate explorations.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with the lead teacher, associate teachers, the learning resource team, and specialists to meet the needs of diverse learners
Partner with teaching team to develop an engaging emergent thematic curriculum
Participate in the planning, preparation, and delivery of instruction with the mentoring of lead teacher
Collaborate with the lead teacher to communicate effectively with families about their child’s progress and daily experiences
Provide one-on-one and small group support to students’ physical and physiological needs
Participate in school wide initiatives including attending required faculty meetings and engaging in ongoing professional development and growth
Qualifications:
BA required. Preference given to those who have experience working with younger learners and have completed coursework in a related field of study
An interest in progressive philosophy and teaching methods
Growing 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
Familiarity with or interest in some of our core resources and methodologies: Outdoor Education, Responsive Classroom, the Project Approach, Reggio philosophies
Strong writing, editing and communication skills at both the student and family levels
Application Process:
Qualified candidates should visit our website and apply under Employment. For full consideration please provide a cover letter tailored specifically to your interest in and alignment with our school program, 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 HR department at humanresourcesoffice@tpschool.org.