Upper School English Teacher

Friends’ Central School Overview

Friends’ Central School is an independent, coeducational Quaker day school founded in 1845 and serving approximately 880 students in Nursery through grade 12. Located in the Philadelphia suburbs, the School has two campuses. The Middle & Upper Schools are located just outside of West Philadelphia in Wynnewood, and the Lower School is on our Old Gulph Road campus in the heart of Wynnewood. 

The exceptional faculty at Friends’ Central offers a curriculum that cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth of our students. Our pedagogy is grounded in continuing revelation, reflection, integrity, and a willingness to accept responsibility. From Nursery to Grade 12, our students participate in a process designed to foster creative, critical, and flexible thinking, along with compassion. As they transform from playful children to skilled, self-possessed teenagers, they are always intellectually curious and engaged thinkers. Friends’ Central prepares graduates to succeed in college and in life. 

Upper School English Teacher

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic Upper School English teacher for a full-time position beginning in August 2026. The position involves leading engaging, discussion-based courses that foster critical thinking, analytical reading, and effective written and oral communication. Through the study of literature, students explore enduring questions to better understand themselves and the world around them, while writing is used as a primary tool for developing clear, critical, and analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Teach four sections of English, typically involving two grade levels and two preps.
• Focus on critical thinking, analysis, and understanding of literature in the service of clear writing and thinking.
• Lead discussion-based, student-centered classes.
• Prioritize the teaching of writing as a process.
• Foster an environment of inquiry that encourages students’ exploration and curiosity, and engender a love of and appreciation for reading.
• Assess students’ progress and performance in a timely fashion, especially through feedback and grading written assignments.
• Engage with fellow English teachers through grade-level and departmental work, including curricular design.
• Communicate with teachers, advisors, and parents regarding student needs and progress.
• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, proactively guiding and supporting their academic progress and social-emotional well-being, and serving as the key contact between advisees’ parents and the school.
• Attend and contribute to faculty, department, and other committee meetings. Attend and contribute to colleague in-service meetings.
• Contribute to the School in an extra/co-curricular capacity as appropriate (coaching, advising clubs, etc.).

Qualifications

• Degree in English or related field, advanced degree preferred
• Five to seven years of high school teaching experience; our English teachers work with all ages of students, grades 9-12

In addition to having a professional and educational background in teaching English, we are looking for candidates who will:

• Be an enthusiastic teacher and supportive guide for Upper School-aged students 
• Continue to develop and coordinate our English curricula with other faculty 
• Stay current with best practices in teaching literature and writing, including incorporating technology and differentiating instruction 
• Determine learning goals and design coherent instruction and assessment accordingly 
• Be prepared to encourage and facilitate extracurricular reading and writing for students 
• Be prepared to work in close partnership with parents as both a teacher and advisor
• Possess excellent communication skills, including writing skills
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills 
• Enhance the School’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity as outlined in our Diversity Statement 
• Understand and be committed to the School’s Quaker values and mission
• Be an engaged member of the Friends’ Central faculty and the wider school community in and out of the classroom

Physical Demands

Physical demands include dexterity for office machines and supply operation including but not limited to writing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, reaching and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

Please apply here. The application will require a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. All applications should be completed by May 10, 2026.

Friends’ Central School seeks candidates with a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning community who will address issues of diversity, as well as enhance the Philosophy of Inclusivity and Awareness articulated in our Diversity Statement.