Reports to: Director of Upper School and Science Department Chair

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 substitute for Upper School Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year. The need is from the start of the academic year through November 15th, with the possibility for an extension through January 15th. Successful candidates must embrace student-centered pedagogy and technology use in the classroom, model curiosity and a commitment to professional growth, and demonstrate a desire to build positive, 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. In addition to salary and benefits, teachers have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities through the PC Teaching and Learning Center.

Essential Functions:

• Teaching three Upper School Biology and one Anatomy and Physiology courses.
• Serving as an advisor to approximately eight Upper School students 
• Participating in a co-curricular activity such as coaching, clubs, assisting with a theatrical performance, or community service
• Demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice both in their teaching practice and in building relationships with students and other community members
• Attending meetings, writing comments, and reporting grades according to predetermined dates on the school calendar
• Consistently using the assignment feature of the HUB (Penn Charter's learning management system) to post homework and dates of assessments, and maintain an updated gradebook, also in the HUB
• Collaborating with colleagues on lesson and unit design
• Maintaining a growth mindset and actively participating in faculty professional development and supervision, including observations and feedback conversations, with support from the assistant head, division director, and department chair
• Regularly reviewing and updating curriculum maps in partnership with science teacher colleagues, the department chair, the division director, and the assistant head of school
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, or their designee, such as occasionally proctoring study halls and chaperoning school events

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to teach Biology, Anatomy and Physiology
• High energy, initiative, and strong work ethic
• Empathy and patience
• 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 science and 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 

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

• Previous experience teaching Biology, Anatomy and Physiology courses 
• Bachelor's degree in Biology or education with a concentration in Biology or a closely related field
• Experience designing and teaching lab-based, student-centered curriculum

Preferred education and experience

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education
• Previous experience teaching online or in a concurrent classroom model would be a plus
• Teacher Certification (preferred, but not required)
• Master’s Degree in Biology or a related 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