Elementary Science Teacher - 3rd-5th Grade - 2026/2027 School Year

Mastery Schools; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 61,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan with 5% match

NJ/PA pension options

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Mastery Schools in Philadelphia seeks a Science teacher to empower K-12 learners through hands-on investigations and data-informed instruction aligned with NGSS. You will create engaging lessons, leverage cross-curricular connections, and support student inquiry from kindergarten through 12th grade.

As part of a collaborative network, you will receive coaching from school leaders and central office academic teams, participate in ongoing professional development, and contribute to a culture of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or certification; proven classroom impact.
• Data-informed instruction with measurable progress.
• Engaging, rigorous instruction aligned to NGSS and standards.
• Ability to differentiate for varied learners.

Responsibilities

• Drive student achievement and set high expectations for all students
• Analyze assessment data and inform instruction to advance learning
• Collaborate in grade-level teams to discuss student work and share best practices
• Engage families in their children’s education through regular communication
• Demonstrate genuine care for students’ personal and academic success
• Respond positively and effectively to challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset

Skills

Subject matter expertise

Data-driven instruction

Engaging instruction

Education

Bachelor's degree

Teacher certification

Job description

About Mastery

Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.

About Mastery

Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.

At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices.

Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.

Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

The Opportunity

At Mastery, we have fully embraced the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)framework to create a transformative learning environment. The NGSS framework aligns with our state’s NJSLS-Science and STEELS standards. This approach engages students with the core ideas and crosscutting concepts of science through engagement in the practices of science and engineering.

In joining Mastery as a Science teacher, you will have the opportunity to empower students to become active participants in their own learning, fostering deep understanding, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for scientific exploration.

From kindergarten through twelfth grade, our students tackle real-world phenomena through hands‑on investigations, data analysis, and problem‑solving tasks that mirror the experiences of real scientists. Your role is crucial to enhancing our students' problem‑solving skills and developing a deeper appreciation for the relevance and impact of science in their lives.

At Mastery we value Continuous Improvement and want you to learn and grow in your craft. We utilize a team of Assistant Principals, central-office coaches, and school-based content teams to provide every teacher coaching and feedback. Embracing NGSS means continuous professional development and growth. You'll have access to workshops, training sessions, and collaboration opportunities with fellow educators, keeping you updated with the latest pedagogical practices and scientific discoveries. Together, we can inspire a new generation of scientists, innovators, and critical thinkers who are ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive student achievement and set high expectations for all students
• Commit to professional growth, self-reflection, a receptiveness to feedback, and a desire to continuously improve
• Implement rigorous and appropriate lesson plans, assignments, and assessments in cooperation with Mastery school-based leadership and curricular resources developed by Mastery’s central office Academic Team
• Work closely with school leaders to analyze student assessment data to measure progress and use data to inform instruction
• Collaborate in grade level teams to discuss student work, share best practices, plan events for joy and humor, and ensure student mastery of standards
• Engage families in their children’s education by building relationships and maintaining regular communication
• Demonstrate genuine interest, belief, and care for students’ personal and academic success
• Respond positively and effectively to challenges with a solutions-oriented resiliency

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required with a record of personal, professional, and/or academic achievement
• Teacher certification - completed or in process
• Demonstrated expertise in subject area
• Outstanding instructional skills driven by data and delivered through rigorous and engaging strategies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the role, and to work in the environmental conditions required, such as: traveling to network campuses; maneuvering in office spaces (including standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, speaking loudly and clearly, seeing and hearing things both near and far away); stooping, kneeling, reaching file cabinets/shelves; fine finger and hand manipulation in use of computer, chalkboard, dry erase, &/or projectors; filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; sitting for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse, and typing.

Salary and Bonus Information

• This role is eligible for a $5,000 bonus as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses!
• All info found at New teachers start at $60,900, with Mastery offering up to $86,700 based on experience and education.
• Salaries range from $60,900 to $112,700, with growth opportunities as your career progresses.

#TeachAtMastery

Mastery's Benefits Package

We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery for full-time employees), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as access to the Health Advocate Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics.

Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings !

Annual Calendar

As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our calendar here . We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!

Why You Should Apply

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist Mastery's Talent Acquisition Team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.