The Philadelphia School (TPS) is seeking a full-time classroom teacher for the 2025-2026 academic 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:
Hosted in our newly renovated 2501 Lombard building, our Primary - Junior Unit program remains committed to thematic integration across disciplines. There are two lead teachers (co-teachers) in each of 4 vertically grouped classrooms in primary and junior units, each comprised of first and second graders and fourth and fifth graders respectively. Students remain with the same teaching team over a two year span. The teaching team of 8 teachers works closely together to align curriculum and instruction, planning together weekly. Our third grade consisting of two classrooms exists independently staffed with two lead teachers (co-teachers). Classroom teachers inspire and support young learners during their foundational academic years, creating a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with the co-teacher, other classroom teachers, the learning resource team, and specialists to meet the needs of diverse learners
Partner with co-teacher and unit 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 maintains respect and inclusion
Develop strong home-school partnerships and communicate with families clearly, frequently, and with cultural competence
Participate in school wide initiatives including engaging 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
Solid 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 the team, student and family levels
Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice as integral to the curriculum and community experience
Demonstrated proficiency with integrating technology
Familiarity with various teaching programs such as Responsive Classroom, Fundations and Bridges in Mathematics
Passion for instilling in children a lifelong love of learning
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.
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.