Job Description
Location: Philadelphia, PA Position Type: Full-Time | 2026-2027 School Year ABOUT ESPERANZA ACADEMY Esperanza means hope. Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), located in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia, is dedicated to serving the students within its community. We believe education can be a vehicle for social and economic advancement, especially in historically underserved communities. This core belief drives our relentless pursuit to become the best educational option for all students in the Philadelphia area. Our proven track record of academic success with historically underserved students sets us apart. The Academy has 11th-grade test scores above the city of Philadelphia average and value-added math and reading proficiency growth is among the highest in Pennsylvania. Students graduate at a rate exceeding 90% and drop out at only 1%. For 9 out of 11 years, the Academy has been awarded a silver or bronze medal rating in the US News ranking of Best High Schools in the country. In the fall of 2025, we opened a brand-new elementary school building, marking the completion of our expansion to a full K-12 program serving over 2,200 students. This growth will make Esperanza Academy the second-largest single charter school in Philadelphia, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education to even more students in our city. THE OPPORTUNITY At Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), we keep students at the center of our work. We believe that a strong elementary education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a founding team dedicated to laying a strong foundation for student achievement from day one. Esperanza Academy Charter School is seeking a mission-aligned and dynamic Elementary Science Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. We believe that great teaching creates meaningful learning opportunities, and our teachers play a critical role in building strong academic foundations for students in the early grades. As an Elementary Science Teacher, you will create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and deepen students’ understanding of the world around them. You will also build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support a joyful, rigorous, and inclusive classroom environment. We are committed to supporting and developing our teachers through meaningful professional growth opportunities, ongoing collaboration, and a culture that values innovation and continuous learning. This full-time position for the 2026-2027 school year offers a unique opportunity to join a diverse, mission-driven school community that is passionate about closing the opportunity gap. Key Responsibilities: Teach high-quality, standards-based science lessons aligned with the Esperanza Academy Instructional Guide and the Essentials. Create a classroom culture that fosters exploration, critical thinking, and a love of science. Differentiate instruction and curricular materials to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, including English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education Plans or 504 plans. Use student assessment data to guide instruction, monitor progress, and provide targeted supports. Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment where students feel valued and supported. Integrate technology, hands-on activities, and real-world connections to enhance student learning experiences. Implement formative and summative assessments to track student progress and adjust instruction accordingly. Collaborate with special education teachers, support staff, and intervention teams to ensure all students receive appropriate support and services. Build strong relationships with students and families, serving as a bridge for communication between home and school. Teach and reinforce positive behavior expectations, using restorative practices and social-emotional learning strategies. Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance instructional practice and stay updated on best practices in elementary education. What you will bring: A Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education or a related field from an accredited college or university. (Official transcripts showing the degree conferred are required before the starting date of employment.) Certification: The ideal candidate holds the following PA teacher certification before their start date: Grades PK–4, Grades 4–8 with Science concentration, or Elementary K–6. Experience teaching early literacy, numeracy, and foundational skills at the K-6 level is preferred but not required.