Middle School English Teacher - long-term substitute

August 2025-January 2026 

Reports to: English Department Chair and Middle School Director

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 community 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 long-term Middle School English substitute teacher from the end of August 2025  through the end of January 2026. Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in English or a closely related field (an advanced degree is preferred) and previous teaching experience, ideally at the middle school level. The successful candidate will embrace student-centered pedagogy and technology use in the classroom, model curiosity and a desire for professional growth, possess an understanding of and appreciation for teaching adolescents, and exhibit a desire to build positive and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, administrators, and parents in a manner consistent with the School's mission. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education is highly desirable. The candidate would be expected to adhere to our shared curriculum, which allows for autonomy in daily lessons and occasional units. Candidates will have the opportunity to join and contribute to a well-established and successful PK-12 English/Language Arts program.

Essential Functions:

• 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
• Teach four (4) Middle School English classes 
• Serve as an advisor to a cohort of Middle School students
• Attend meetings, write comments, and report grades according to predetermined dates on the school calendar
• Fulfill additional duties of a Middle School teacher including proctoring study halls and chaperoning trips or dances according to a predetermined schedule
• Consistently use the assignment feature of the HUB (Penn Charter's learning management system) to post homework and dates of assessments and maintain an updated grade book also in the HUB
• Maintain a growth mindset and actively participate in faculty professional development and supervision, including observations and feedback conversations, with support from the assistant head, division director, and department chair
• Collaborate with colleagues on lesson, unit, and assessment design and follow shared expectations of unit timing and assessment
• Other duties as assigned by the Middle School Director, English Department Chair, or their designee 

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to teach students of varied ability with care
• High energy, initiative, and strong work ethic
• Empathy and patience
• A capacity for flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to remain professional and courteous while interacting with students, colleagues, and parents
• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education and a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies and developing trends
• Exhibit a passion for teaching literature and writing, and for working with adolescents
• Proficient in Google Suite & Microsoft Office programs

Physical Demands:

• Intermittent or prolonged periods of sitting and standing
• Ability to lift approximately 20 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

We will review application materials as they are submitted and interview candidates on a rolling basis until the position has been filled.

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

• Previous experience teaching middle school English
• Bachelor's degree in English or a closely related field 
• Experience designing and teaching student-centered English Language Arts curriculum, including the teaching of analytical writing

Preferred education and experience

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education
• Teacher Certification (preferred, but not required)
• Master’s Degree in English education or similar field

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