25-26SY: K-12 Art 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, 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 our math and reading proficiency growth is among the highest in Pennsylvania. Students graduate at a rate exceeding 90%, and our dropout rate is only 1%. For 9 out of 11 years, the Academy has been awarded a silver or bronze medal rating in the U.S. News & World Report 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 believe in the power of the arts to inspire, transform, and enrich students’ lives. We seek a passionate and creative Art Teacher who will engage students in hands-on learning experiences that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. We believe that great teaching creates transformative learning opportunities, and our teachers are uniquely positioned to make the greatest impact on students.

As an Art Teacher, you will design and implement a dynamic visual arts curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania State Standards, fostering an appreciation for art across diverse cultures and historical contexts. Through your guidance, students will explore a variety of artistic mediums, techniques, and creative processes while developing the skills necessary for artistic expression. You will also build strong relationships that foster a culture of excellence, inclusion, 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 diverse, mission-driven school community that is passionate about closing the opportunity gap.

Why Teach Art at Esperanza Academy?

✔ Inspire Creative Expression – Help students develop confidence in their artistic abilities and explore their creative potential.

✔ Supportive & Inclusive Community – Join a mission-driven school that values collaboration, diversity, and professional growth.

✔ Commitment to Equity – Be part of a school that seeks to eliminate barriers and expand opportunities for all students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned art lessons that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and artistic skill development.
• Introduce students to a variety of artistic mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment where all students feel valued and empowered to express themselves.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, including English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education or 504 plans.
• Incorporate art history, cultural influences, and contemporary artists into lessons to provide students with a well-rounded artistic education.
• Organize student art exhibits, showcases, and community art projects to celebrate student work and creativity.
• Collaborate with student support staff, including counselors, social workers, and special education teams, to support the whole child.
• Use student data and formative assessments to refine instruction and ensure student growth in artistic and critical thinking skills.
• Engage families as partners in student success through open and proactive communication.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance your instructional practice and stay updated on best practices in art education.

What You Will Bring:

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and a passion for using art to engage, inspire, and empower students.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, 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 Art K-12 (or willingness to obtain certification).
• Experience teaching visual arts at the K-12 level is preferred but not required.
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create a positive learning environment.
• Experience integrating technology and digital media into art instruction is a plus.
• Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Esperanza Academy values diversity and seeks to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including but not limited to BIPOC educators, multilingual educators, and individuals committed to educational equity.

Esperanza Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Esperanza Academy are based on doing what is best for kids, job requirements, and individual qualifications 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.