25-26SY: Social Studies Teacher (7-12)

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 understanding history, civics, and social sciences empowers students to become engaged citizens and critical thinkers. We seek a passionate and dynamic Social Studies Teacher who will inspire students to explore historical events, evaluate primary sources, and connect past and present issues to their own lives.

As a Social Studies Teacher, you will design engaging, rigorous, and inquiry-based lessons and differentiate curricular materials to ensure all students can access high-quality instruction. Your curriculum will align with Pennsylvania State Standards and will emphasize historical analysis, research skills, civic engagement, and ethical reasoning. 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 Social Studies at Esperanza Academy?

✔ Engage in Culturally Relevant Instruction – Expose students to diverse perspectives and historical narratives.

✔ 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 rigorous, standards-aligned Social Studies lessons and differentiate curricular materials to ensure all students can access high-quality instruction.
• Teach students to analyze historical events, evaluate sources, and develop strong research and writing skills.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to engage in discussions and debates.
• Differentiate instruction and curriculum materials to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, including English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education or 504 plans.
• Integrate technology, primary sources, and multimedia resources to enhance historical and civic understanding.
• Collaborate with student support staff, counselors, and special education teams to support the whole child.
• Use student data and formative assessments to refine instruction and ensure academic growth for all students.
• 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 social studies education.

What you will bring:

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and commitment to closing the opportunity gap.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required. (Official transcripts showing the degree conferred are required before the starting date of employment.)
• Certification: Applicants interested in this opportunity should have ONE of the following PA teacher certifications before their start date: Social Studies (7-12) or Grades 4-8 (4-6, Social Studies 7-8).
• Experience teaching Social Studies, history, government, or civics 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, historical inquiry, and student-led learning experiences into 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.