Job Description
Leave Replacement: Middle School Language Arts Teacher & Advisor
The Philadelphia School (TPS) is seeking a full-time, short term leave replacement (approximate dates November 16, 2026 - January 29, 2027) for our 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher & Advisor. We are a Preschool - Grade 8 progressive, independent school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an enrollment of approximately 440 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, interpersonal 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 schoolwide initiatives, and work closely with their supervisor to develop their craft. 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:
Our 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher & Advisor plays an integral role on the 8th Grade Teaching Team. The successful candidate will be someone who is knowledgeable about best practices and current research as it relates to middle school literacy instruction to ensure the best possible experience and outcomes for our wide range of learners. This role also includes supporting the 8th grade class's annual Shakespeare production.
Position Responsibilities:
• Adapt and implement developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based language arts lessons aligned with progressive educational philosophy and current best practices.
• Support production of 8th Grade Shakespeare Play
• Participate actively in faculty meetings, grade-level teams, and curriculum planning groups.
• Participate in school-wide initiatives, including other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in a related field of study preferred
• 2+ years lead teaching experience strongly preferred
• Flexible, collaborative educator with a deep interest in progressive education
• Solid understanding of child development, including the social, emotional, and intellectual domains
• Ability and commitment to create a warm, nurturing, and supportive classroom for middle school children
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills at the team, student, and family levels; strong interpersonal skills, too
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as integral to the curriculum and community experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with integrating technology
Passion for instilling in children a lifelong love of reading, writing, and preferably, theater.
The pay range for this position is $14,500 - $18,500 on education and applicable experience.
Application Information:
Qualified candidates should visit our website and click on “Job Opportunities” under “Quick Links”. 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 Human Resources department at humanresourcesoffice@tpschool.org.