Classroom Teacher (Grades 1-5)

The Philadelphia School; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a passionate classroom teacher for a progressive independent school in Philadelphia. This role offers the opportunity to inspire young learners through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to diversity and social justice. As part of a collaborative team, educators will create engaging, interdisciplinary curricula and foster a nurturing environment that supports academic and social-emotional growth. Join a vibrant community dedicated to immersive learning and personal development, where your contributions will shape the future of education for young minds.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of lead teaching experience required.
• Strong commitment to progressive education and social justice.
• Ability to create a nurturing classroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with co-teachers to develop engaging thematic curriculum.
• Integrate technology to enhance instruction and student engagement.
• Foster strong home-school partnerships with families.

Skills

Classroom Management

Communication Skills

Progressive Pedagogy

Diversity and Inclusion

Technology Integration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Responsive Classroom

Fundations

Bridges in Mathematics

Job description

The Philadelphia School (TPS) isseeking 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 apply via our website. 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.