What are the responsibilities and job description for the 25-26SY: K-5 Teachers position at Esperanza Academy?
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 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 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.
As an Elementary Teacher, you will design and implement engaging, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate lessons while differentiating curricular materials to ensure that all students can access high-quality instruction. Our elementary school curriculum includes the American Reading Company (ARC) as the foundation for English Language Arts and Illustrative Mathematics for math instruction. Your curriculum will align with Pennsylvania State Standards and focus on early literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, and problem-solving skills. You will also build strong relationships that foster a culture of belonging, curiosity, and confidence.
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 Elemenary at Esperanza Academy?
✔Be Part of a Founding Team – Play a key role in establishing a strong academic foundation for students from the very first day in our brand-new elementary school building.
✔ Supportive & Inclusive Community – Join a mission-driven school that values collaboration, diversity, and professional growth.
✔ Commitment to Equity – Be part of a school that actively seeks to eliminate barriers and expand opportunities for all students.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned lessons in all core content areas.
- Differentiate instruction and curricular materials to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, including English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education or 504 plans.
- 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.)
- PA Teaching Certification in one or more of the following areas: Elementary Education (PK-4) or Elementary Education (K-6).
- Experience teaching early literacy, numeracy, and foundational skills at the K-6 level is preferred but not required.
- Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create a positive learning environment.
- Experience integrating technology, project-based learning, and inquiry-based instruction is a plus.
- Clearances: All applicants must have current FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks. For more information regarding required clearances click here.
- Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
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.