Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher and Language & Culture Chair

Reports to Middle School Director/Upper School Director 

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 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 full‑time Spanish Teacher and Language & Culture Department Chair to begin in the 2026–2027 academic year. The teaching load will include courses in grades 7–11 in one or more world languages (to include Spanish). In addition to teaching responsibilities, this position includes serving as the Department Chair for the Language & Culture Department.

Successful candidates must embrace student‑centered pedagogy and the meaningful integration of technology in language learning; model curiosity, cultural humility, and a commitment to professional growth; and demonstrate a desire to build positive and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, administrators, and families in a manner consistent with the School’s mission. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education is highly desirable.

In addition to salary and benefits, teachers and department chairs have access to extensive professional development opportunities through the Penn Charter Teaching and Learning Center.

Essential Functions

Teaching Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in teaching practice and in relationships with students and colleagues.
• Teach three classes in one or more world languages (to include Spanish).
• Collaborate regularly with members of the Language & Culture Department on curriculum design, assessment, and departmental initiatives.
• Serve as an advisor to approximately ten Middle School students.
• 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.
• Use the HUB (Penn Charter’s learning management system) to post assignments, maintain an updated gradebook, and communicate with students and families.
• Maintain a growth mindset and actively participate in professional development, observations, and feedback cycles.
• Regularly review and update curriculum maps in partnership with colleagues,  division directors, and the assistant head of school.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, or their designee.

Department Chair Responsibilities

• Teach three classes (as part of the full‑time load) while fulfilling department chair duties.
• Provide instructional leadership through regular classroom observations, coaching, and feedback for department colleagues.
• Lead curricular development and alignment across Middle and Upper School language courses.
• Support hiring processes for language faculty, including participating in interviews and evaluating demonstration lessons.
• Facilitate department meetings, professional learning, and collaborative planning.
• Serve as a liaison between the department and school leadership, communicating departmental needs, initiatives, and goals.
• Support the integration of student‑centered pedagogy, proficiency‑based instruction, and meaningful technology use across the department.
• Model curiosity, cultural humility, and a commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Contribute to a departmental culture that values collaboration, innovation, and the celebration of global perspectives.

Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build meaningful, professional relationships with students, colleagues, and families.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High energy, initiative, and strong work ethic.
• Empathy, patience, and cultural humility.
• Ability to remain professional and courteous while interacting with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Deep understanding of language acquisition and willingness to explore new pedagogical practices and technologies.
• Passion for teaching world languages and working with adolescents.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

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 essential functions.

Required Education and Experience

• Near‑native to native fluency in Spanish, with the ability to teach all levels through Advanced Studies.
• Bachelor’s degree in a world language, linguistics, foreign language education, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of teaching experience.
• Prior departmental leadership experience.
• Knowledge of ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and Integrated Performance Assessments.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Familiarity with Quakerism and Quaker education.
• Master’s degree in education or a related field.
• Teacher certification (preferred but not required).
• Near-native to native level fluency in additional language, and ability to teach all levels through Advanced Studies is highly desirable.

 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.

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.