Description

Substitute Teacher - Spanish (October 26, 2025 - February 2, 2026 assignment) 

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.

William Penn Charter School seeks a long-term Upper School Spanish substitute teacher from the middle of October 2025 through the beginning of February 2026, who will also advise a group of students. Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Spanish or a closely related field (an advanced degree is preferred) and previous teaching experience, ideally at the upper school level. Given that Spanish is the primary language of instruction, candidates must also possess intermediate-high to advanced level proficiency according to ACTFL guidelines. 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 Spanish/Language and Culture 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 Spanish to students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades
• 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, Language and Culture Department Chair, or their designee 
   

Competencies:

• Intermediate-high to advanced level proficiency in Spanish according to ACTFL guidelines
• 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 Spanish; Candidates with college level experience will also be considered
• Bachelor's degree in Spanish or a closely related field
• Experience designing and teaching student-centered Spanish Language and Culture.

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 Spanish, 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.