25-26SY: Elementary Physical Education and Health Teacher

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Position Type: Full-Time | 2025-2026 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. This core belief drives our relentless pursuit to become the best educational option for all students in the Philadelphia area.

Our strong track record of academic excellence and impact within our community makes us stand out. 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 will open a brand-new elementary school building, marking the completion of our expansion to a full K-12 program serving over 2,400 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 empower students through transformative learning experiences that pave the way for academic success and life beyond the classroom. Esperanza Academy Charter School seeks a dedicated and dynamic Elementary Physical Education & Health Teacher for our new elementary school. We believe that great teaching creates transformative learning opportunities, and our teachers are uniquely positioned to make the greatest impact on student outcomes.

As an Elementary Physical Education & Health Teacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic journeys by designing rigorous and engaging PE and health education lessons aligned with Pennsylvania State Standards. You will also build strong relationships that foster a culture of excellence, community, and belonging. 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 2025-2026 school year offers a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven school community that is passionate about equipping every student for academic success and lifelong achievement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach high-quality, standards-based Physical Education and Health lessons, aligned with the Esperanza Academy Instructional Guide and Pennsylvania State Standards.
• Plan and lead age-appropriate physical activities, including sports, team-building exercises, and fitness programs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment where all students feel encouraged to express themselves using a new language.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, including English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education or 504 plans.
• Promote and model sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance.
• Utilize technology, fitness tracking, and interactive learning tools to enhance student engagement.
• Collaborate with student support staff, counselors, and special education teams to support the whole child.
• Assess student progress through formative and summative assessments and adjust instruction as needed.
• Organize and participate in school-wide health initiatives, fitness challenges, and athletic events.
• Engage families as partners in student success through open and proactive communication.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance instructional practice and stay updated on best practices in health and physical education.

What You Will Bring:

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and the transformative power of learning.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education, Physical Education, Kinesiology, or a related field from an accredited college or university. (Official transcripts showing the degree conferred are required before the starting date of employment.)
• PA Teaching Certification in Health & Physical Education K-12 or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience teaching health and physical education at the K-12 level is preferred but not required.
• Strong classroom and gym management skills, with the ability to create an engaging, structured, and safe learning environment.
• Experience integrating technology and digital resources into health and physical education instruction is a plus.
• Knowledge of adaptive physical education strategies to support students with diverse needs.
• Clearances: All applicants must have current FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks conducted within the last 12 months.

Follow Us: To learn more about Esperanza Academy, please visit our website at https://www.esperanzaacademycs.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.