Upper School Social Studies (leave replacement)

Upper School Social Studies Long-term Substitute - 

August 2026 through January 2027

William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, all-gender, pre-K-12 independent, day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is "that of God" in every person. A school community that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented, and valued. Our curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in us a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

As our mission states, we value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts, and athletics. Through global connections, civic engagement, and a focus on environmental sustainability, we inspire students to be thinkers, collaborators, innovators, and leaders. We educate students to live lives that make a difference.

POSITION SUMMARY

William Penn Charter School seeks a long-term Upper School Social Studies substitute teacher for Semester 1 (from late August 2026 through January 2027) who will also collaborate with colleagues to advise a small group of students. Specific courses to be determined prior to the start of the school year. Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Social Studies/History or a closely related field (an advanced degree is preferred) and previous teaching experience, ideally at the upper school level. The successful candidate will embrace student-centered pedagogy and technology use in the classroom, model curiosity and a desire for professional growth, possess an understanding of and appreciation for teaching adolescents, and exhibit a desire to build positive and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, administrators, and parents in a manner consistent with the School's mission. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education is highly desirable. The candidate would be expected to adhere to the School's shared curriculum, which allows for autonomy in daily lessons and in occasional units. Candidates will have the opportunity to join and contribute to a well-established and successful PK-12 Social Studies program.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice both in their teaching practice and in building relationships with students and other community members
• Attend meetings, write comments, and report grades according to predetermined dates on the school calendar
• Fulfill additional duties of an Upper School teacher including proctoring study halls and chaperoning trips or dances according to a predetermined schedule
• Consistently use the assignment feature of the HUB (Penn Charter's learning management system) to post homework and dates of assessments and maintain an updated grade book also in the HUB
• Maintain a growth mindset and actively participate in faculty professional development and supervision, including observations and feedback conversations, with support from the assistant head, division director, and department chair
• Collaborate with colleagues on lesson, unit, and assessment design and follow shared expectations of unit timing and assessment
• Other duties as assigned by the Upper School Director, Social Studies Department Chair, or their designee 

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to teach students of varied ability with care
• High energy, initiative, and strong work ethic
• Empathy and patience
• A capacity for flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to remain professional and courteous while interacting with students, colleagues, and parents
• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education and a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies and developing trends
• Exhibit a passion for teaching and for working with adolescents
• Proficient in Google Suite & Microsoft Office programs

Physical Demands:

• Intermittent or prolonged periods of sitting and standing
• Ability to lift approximately 20 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

Required education and experience

• Previous experience teaching Middle or Upper school Social Studies; Candidates with college level experience will also be considered
• Bachelor's degree in Social Studies/History or a closely related field 
• Experience designing and teaching student-centered Social Studies.

Preferred education and experience

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education
• Teacher Certification (preferred, but not required)
• Master’s Degree in History, education, or similar field

We will review application materials as they are submitted and interview candidates on a rolling basis until the position has been filled.

William Penn Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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.