Classroom Teacher (Grades 1 - 5)

PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL•Philadelphia, PA

12d•$57,000 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

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 Primary–Junior 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s 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

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.