Independent School Teaching Fellows Program of Greater Philadelphia (ISTF)

Title: Teaching Fellow

Independent School Teaching Fellows of Greater Philadelphia

Job Description:

The Independent School Teaching Fellows Program of Greater Philadelphia is a multi-school collaborative offering a teaching fellowship role for emerging educators, in an initiative that seeks to increase both the presence of and opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly people of color, in schools. Emerging educators from underrepresented identities are encouraged to apply. In the past, this teaching fellowship has been a 2-year program. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the program has secured funding to offer this role as a one-year position, with the possibility of a 2nd year.

The ISTF program follows a cohort model and provides Teaching Fellows with in-depth experiences with mentor teachers in lower, middle, and upper school classrooms, as well as the opportunity to work with diverse student populations. Fellows engage in weekly professional development sessions that are centered on best practices and salient topics in teaching and learning. 

Teaching Fellows will have the opportunity to work and train in a variety of independent school settings in the greater Philadelphia region. Teaching Fellows are paired with a mentor and placed with one of our school partners each semester. Our current school partners include:

• William Penn Charter School, an all gender, preK-12 Quaker independent school founded by William Penn in 1689 and located in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia
• Community Partnership School, a co-ed preK-5 independent school founded in 2006 and located in North Central Philadelphia that centers the experiences of low income and low wealth families of color
• Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, a single sex preK-8 and a co-ed upper school independent school founded in 1861 and located in the Northwest corner of Philadelphia
• Friends’ Central School, a co-ed, nursery-12, Quaker independent school founded in 1845 and located in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
• The Agnes Irwin School, an all-girls, PK-12 independent school founded by Agnes Irwin in 1869 and located in Rosemont, Pennsylvania

Interested applicants must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. A degree in education is not required. 

Responsibilities of position:

• Approach teaching and learning through an equity-informed and culturally responsive lens
• Fulfill duties of assistant teacher in an early childhood, lower school, middle or upper school classroom while working closely with a mentor teacher
• Punctuality and consistent attendance for full school days, typically 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., plus meetings and duties before or after school
• Actively participate in the school community through student activities
• Attend weekly professional development sessions on best practices and salient topics in education

Qualifications/Characteristics of Candidates:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience working with children is preferred
• Collaborates well with colleagues
• Able to adapt to a variety of school settings
• Genuine interest in working with students 
• Dedicated to the creating an inclusive classroom community
• Willingness to apply feedback and embrace a growth-mindset

The following materials should be submitted:

• One-page cover letter explaining interest in the position and a summary of key qualifications. Please attach the letter in PDF format and not place it in the body of the email. 
• Current resume
• For more information about the ISTF partner schools, please visit the following websites: 
• www.agnesirwin.org 
• www.communitypartnershipschool.org
• www.friendscentral.org
• www.sch.org
• www.penncharter.com

Qualifications/Characteristics of Candidates:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience working with children is preferred
• Collaborates well with colleagues
• Able to adapt to a variety of school settings
• Genuine interest in working with students 
• Dedicated to the creating an inclusive classroom community
• Willingness to apply feedback and embrace a growth-mindset

About William Penn Charter School

William Penn Charter School is an all gender, Quaker, coeducational, PreK-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 values scholarship and inquiry. Our school emphasizes academics, the arts, athletics, spiritual awareness and service learning.

Connections working at William Penn Charter School