About Frankford Friends School:
Since 1833, Frankford Friends School (FFS) has provided a values-based Quaker education in the heart of Philadelphia. Our diverse and inclusive community reflects the city's demographics and fosters students' understanding of themselves and the broader world. FFS emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to guide student engagement with real-world issues. Through project-based learning and partnerships with community organizations, our students become active contributors to meaningful change. Graduates of FFS attend selective public and private high schools.
Position Overview:
FFS seeks a Preschool Teacher to create and lead a Reggio-inspired, project-based classroom that fosters curiosity, respect, and a love for learning. As part of the Early Childhood teaching team, the Preschool Teacher nurtures students' social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth while maintaining strong communication with families.
Reports to:
Director of Early Childhood Center
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Classroom Leadership: Plan and implement engaging, interdisciplinary, and collaborative learning experiences.
- Student Development: Foster a supportive environment promoting students' social, emotional, and academic growth.
- Family Engagement: Maintain regular communication with families about student progress through various channels and offer guidance for extending learning at home.
- Assessment: Evaluate student progress using formal and informal assessments.
- Behavior Management: Apply positive and effective strategies to support student behavior and independence.
- Quaker Values: Integrate peace, simplicity, integrity, community, and stewardship into the curriculum and interactions.
- Team Collaboration: Mentor and direct assistant teachers and contribute to a strong sense of community.
- Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Director. These duties may include diaper changing and potty training.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:
The successful candidate is a collegial and dedicated teacher who is well versed in their subject area, able to form excellent relationships with young children and has:
- A minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in working with ages 2-5 yrs;
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills;
- The interest in and capability to work, plan, and implement project-based learning initiatives;
- The ability to establish cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents;
- Strong organizational and classroom management skills;
- Enthusiasm and passion for the school’s mission, culture and values;
- An understanding and commitment to living the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, integrity, community, and stewardship;
- Flexibility and a commitment to a continuous process for professional growth - teaching, use of educational technologies, cultural competency, and inclusivity.
- Ability to be adaptive, reflective, resilient, and flexible in work situations.
Educational Requirements:
- AAS in Early Childhood Education; BA/BS/MA in Early Childhood Education preferred
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
- Ability to work in various settings (classroom, outdoors, etc.).
- Capable of navigating stairs, standing or walking for extended periods, and lifting up to 35 lbs.
- Be able to pass all criminal record checks, background checks, and child abuse clearances.
FFS encourages its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to applicable laws and vaccine availability.
FFS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or gender. In addition to federal law requirements, FFS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
Employment Type:
- Exempt | Full-time, 12 month
Hours:
- On campus hours between 7:45 and 4:15 on all school days
Wage Range and Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Benefits include:
- Paid parental leave
- Tuition remission and free aftercare for FFS-enrolled children
- Health care coverage
- 5% match on retirement contributions
- Professional development opportunities
- 10 days PTO
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three references to hiring@frankfordfriends.org. Please include Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Center in the subject line.
This description is subject to change by Frankford Friends School as the needs and requirements of the position change.
