William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, all gender, pre-K-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is “that of God” in every person. A school that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented, and valued. Our curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in us a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

As our mission states, we value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts, and athletics. Through global connections, civic engagement, and a focus on environmental sustainability, we inspire students to be thinkers, collaborators, innovators, and leaders. We educate students to live lives that make a difference.

POSITION SUMMARY

William Penn Charter School seeks a full-time Upper School Mathematics and Science Teacher to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year. The successful candidate will join two strong and collegial departments committed to academic excellence and promoting the joy of mathematics and science. The successful candidate will embrace student-centered pedagogy and technology use in the classroom, model curiosity and a desire for professional growth, and exhibit eagerness to build positive and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, administrators, and families in a manner consistent with the School’s mission. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education is highly desirable. In addition to salary and benefits, teachers have access to a plethora of professional development opportunities through the Penn Charter Teaching and Learning Center.

Essential Functions

• Teach four Upper School courses from within the mathematics, science, and technology programs. Potential courses could include core classes in Algebra II and Precalculus through advanced levels of Calculus and Statistics, as well as various levels of Physics or Computer Programming
• Offer additional help to students outside of class on an as needed basis
• Serve as an advisor to a group of Upper School students
• Contribute to student life through the support of a co-curricular activity, such as coaching a sport, advising clubs, assisting with a theatrical performance, or community service
• Collaborate with science, mathematics and technology colleagues to support interdisciplinary connections and alignment across the Upper School curriculum
• Provide appropriate accommodations and support for students with documented disabilities and learning differences
• Provide timely feedback on student performance and progress to students, their caregivers, and their academic advisors
• Engage in the collaborative work of the departments to consistently review and develop curriculum and instructional practices to best support student growth and engagement
• Attend meetings, write comments, and report grades according to predetermined dates on the school calendar
• Consistently use the HUB (Penn Charter’s learning management system) to post assignments, assessment dates, and resources, and to maintain an accurate gradebook
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice both in their teaching practice and in building relationships with students and other community members
• Maintain a growth mindset and actively participate in faculty professional development and supervision, including observations and feedback conversations
• Regularly review and update curriculum maps in partnership with departmental colleagues, department chairs, the division director, and the assistant head of school
• Participate in appropriate committee work within the school community
• Perform other duties assigned by the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, or their designee, such as occasionally proctoring study halls and chaperoning school events, including dances, sporting events, concerts, or student retreats

Competencies

• Ability to teach across multiple course levels and subjects from Algebra II through Calculus and Statistics, with an adaptable approach to teaching assignments
• Ability to teach Upper School Physics Courses, including core Physics and/or Advanced Physics offerings
• Capacity to create a positive learning environment for all students, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning
• Exhibit a passion for teaching and working with adolescents
• Possess the belief that every student can be successful
• Model intellectual curiosity and a commitment to reflective teaching practices
• Enthusiastically embrace student-centered pedagogy that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and real-world applications
• Commitment to facilitating instruction in a technology-rich classroom to enhance student learning
• Effective use of mathematical modeling, laboratory-based investigation, design, and the implementation of inquiry-based instruction

• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education and a passion for innovation, with a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace research-based pedagogical practices and emerging technologies, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence

• Effective classroom management skills
• Experience using formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, give feedback, and adjust instruction as needed
• Demonstrated experience in differentiating instruction for various levels of learners
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with students, families, and colleagues
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask
• Emotional maturity and a sense of humor
• Desire to be actively involved in and supportive of a vibrant student life community

Physical Demands:

• Intermittent or prolonged periods of sitting and standing
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

Salary and benefits  

William Penn Charter School offers competitive salaries and comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. William Penn Charter School is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program-qualified employer.

William Penn Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Required education and experience:

• An undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field  
• Previous experience teaching Mathematics or Science at the Upper School level; post-secondary teaching experience will also be considered

Preferred education and experience 

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education
• Three years or more of recent experience teaching Mathematics or Science at the Upper School level
• Master's Degree

About William Penn Charter School

William Penn Charter School is an all gender, Quaker, coeducational, PreK-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter values scholarship and inquiry. Our school emphasizes academics, the arts, athletics, spiritual awareness and service learning.

Connections working at William Penn Charter School