Asheville, North Carolina
San Francisco, California
Posted: 17-Mar-26
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type: Full Time
Salary: $50,000-$75,000
Categories:
Salary Details:
About Frankford Friends School
Since 1833, Frankford Friends School has offered a values-based Quaker education in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Frankford Friends School students are members of a community that is highly diverse and inclusive and the racial composition of the school closely mirrors that of the City of Philadelphia. Frankford Friends School`s curriculum emphasizes the 21st century skills of critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving and uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a foundational framework to engage students in understanding issues that affect people and the planet. An important aspect of this initiative is the formation of partnerships with people and organizations who are working on the same issues that students explore in class. Not only do students see what action might look like, but they understand the connection between what they learn and local action and service, and become true protagonists for change in their own communities.
Frankford Friends School has campuses in Frankford (217 students; 3 yrs through 8th grade) and Fishtown (35+ students; 2 through Kindergarten-ready). Our graduates attend selective public and private high schools.
General Position Description
The Mandarin Chinese Teacher creates and administers a classroom program that is conducive to student learning and which emphasizes mutual respect for all people. The Mandarin Chinese Teacher is flexible, committed to a continuous process for professional growth, and a collegial member of the FFS faculty and staff.
The Mandarin Chinese Teacher Specialist will develop and implement an engaging Mandarin Chinese language program for Frankford Friends. The course load includes daily Mandarin Chinese classes for grades 6–8, and twice weekly classes for students in grades 1 to 5. This role includes active participation in school life, which may include advising, elective classes, study halls, lunch and recess duties, field trips, office hours, and student events as appropriate for the teacher schedule. The Mandarin Chinese Teacher Specialist will contribute to the school community through admissions-related events and regular student progress reporting. Attendance at several after-school and evening activities is required throughout the year.
Reports to
Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning
Key Responsibilities
- Design and deliver engaging, student-centered lessons in Chinese language, culture, and Philadelphia’s Chinese-speaking communities;
- Develop a curriculum that aligns with the school’s mission and educational philosophy;
- Develop and maintain a scaffolded Chinese language program across grade levels, ensuring continuity and skill progression, with the goal of entering high school at the level of Chinese 2 or honors Chinese 2;
- Use a variety of assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adjust instruction accordingly;
- Foster a learning environment that supports students’ social, emotional, and academic growth;
- Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers about student progress through phone calls, emails, conferences, newsletters, and report cards;
- Actively participate in the school community, including extracurricular activities, advisory groups, and school events;
- Model and promote expectations aligned with the school’s values and Quaker ethos;
- Collaborate with colleagues to support interdisciplinary learning and school initiatives;
- Lead school community events that showcase Chinese language and culture;
- Demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced school environment, and the ability to adapt to new challenges as needed;
Other related duties as assigned: The essential functions and duties listed above are intended to describe the general components of the position and the level of work performed by the Physical Education and Health/Wellness Teacher. The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The omission of functions or duties does not exclude them from this position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position, as determined by the Head of School.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required
- Supervise and engage with students during lunch, recess, and transitions
- Chaperone field trips, overnight trips, and special events
- Maintain accurate and timely student records, including grades and progress reports
- Participate actively in professional development and continuous learning opportunities
This description is subject to change by Frankford Friends School as the needs and requirements of the position change.
FFS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or gender. In addition to federal law requirements, FFS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
Educational Requirements
The successful candidate is a collegial and dedicated teacher who is well versed in their subject area, able to form excellent relationships with 3-14 year old students and has:
- Chinese studies, education, or a related field
- Experienced in teaching Mandarin Chinese, comprehensible input and other research-based approaches to language acquisition preferred
- Native or near-native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese
- Strong English communication skills
- Familiarity with ACTFL World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages
- Skilled in forming strong, supportive relationships with students ages 6–14
- An excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing
- A creative, out-of-the-box thinker who brings innovative thinking to the classroom
- A proactive problem solver who approaches challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset
- Flexible and adaptable, and able to maintain a positive, professional attitude in a dynamic environment
- A team player who collaborates effectively and contributes to a supportive school culture
- Enthusiastic about the school’s mission, culture, and Quaker values
- Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and continuous professional growth
- Proficient in educational technology and its integration into the classroom
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- This position requires significant flexibility and the capacity to work in a variety of settings: office, classroom, community meeting spaces, outdoors, etc. It may require the ability to sit, stand, walk up and down up to three flights of stairs and through the campus, for the entirety of the school day, in all seasons, and to occasionally carry children or lift up to 35 lbs.;
- The Chinese Language Teacher will encounter a wide variety of challenges and deadlines and will work with a diverse array of persons, including students, families, FFS employees, and community members. They must be able to work in an environment that can be highly stressful at times and have the ability to be flexible as needed;
- Be able to pass all criminal record checks, background checks, and child abuse clearances.