Upper School Social Studies

Upper School Social Studies Teacher

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 Upper School Social Studies teacher for the 2026-2027 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 cross-divisional 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
• Teach four sections of Upper School Social Studies. Potential courses include Advanced Studies: American Political History (11th), Advanced Studies: Government and Politics (12th), Advanced Studies: Psychology (11/12th) or Ancient and Medieval Civilizations (9). 
• Serve as an advisor to a small group of Upper School students.
• Engage in the collaborative work of the department to consistently review and develop curriculum and instructional practices to best support student growth and engagement.
• Participate in a co-curricular activity such as coaching, clubs, assisting with a theatrical performance, or community service.
• Attend meetings, write comments, and report grades according to predetermined dates on the school calendar.
• Consistently use the HUB (Penn Charter’s learning management system) to post homework and dates of assessments, and to maintain an updated gradebook.
• 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 assigned by the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, or their designee, such as occasionally proctoring study halls and chaperoning school events.

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 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
• Experience with shepherding students through research projects.
• Three years or more of recent experience teaching Social Studies at the Middle and/or Upper School level
• Teacher Certification (preferred, but not required)
• Master’s Degree in History, education, or similar field

Salary and benefits  

William Penn Charter School offers competitive salaries and comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. William Penn Charter School is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

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.