25-26SY: Special Education Teacher (9-12)

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 believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education that meets their individual needs. We seek a passionate and dedicated Special Education Teacher who will provide personalized instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs.

As a Special Education Teacher, you will play a critical role in ensuring students receive the accommodations, modifications, and individualized instruction they need to succeed. You will work closely with general education teachers, related service providers, and families to create inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.

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 an opportunity to join a mission-driven school community that is passionate about equipping every student for academic success and lifelong achievement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide push-in support to students with diverse learning needs in general education classrooms, reinforcing academic content and ensuring accessibility.
• Deliver small-group and one-on-one instruction to students based on their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Foster a positive and engaging learning environment where all students feel valued and supported.
• Assist in administering and scoring assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Implement accommodations and modifications to support students in achieving grade-level academic standards.
• Build positive relationships with students and families, serving as a bridge for effective communication between home and school.
• Support students in developing academic, social-emotional, and self-advocacy skills.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure that students receive appropriate support and instruction in all subjects.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, IEP documentation, and compliance paperwork.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices in special education.

What you will bring:

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and the transformative power of learning.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, 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 Special Education (PK-12 or 7-12) or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience teaching students with disabilities at the K-12 level is preferred but not required.
• Strong differentiation and classroom management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with general education teachers, families, and support staff.
• Experience integrating assistive technology and individualized learning tools is a plus.
• 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.