26-27 SY: High School Science Teacher (9-12)

Start Date: August 2026

School: Esperanza Academy Charter School

Location: 301 W. Hunting Park Ave.

ABOUT ESPERANZA ACADEMY

Esperanza means hope. Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), located in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia, is dedicated to serving the students within its community. We believe education can be a vehicle for social and economic advancement, especially in historically underserved communities. This core belief drives our relentless pursuit to become the best educational option for all students in the Philadelphia area.

Our proven track record of academic success with historically underserved students sets us apart. The Academy has 11th-grade test scores above the city of Philadelphia average and value-added math and reading proficiency growth is among the highest in Pennsylvania. Students graduate at a rate exceeding 90% and drop out at only 1%. For 9 out of 11 years, the Academy has been awarded a silver or bronze medal rating in the US News ranking of Best High Schools in the country.

In the fall of 2025, we opened a brand-new elementary school building, marking the completion of our expansion to a full K-12 program serving over 2,200 students. This growth will make Esperanza Academy the second-largest single charter school in Philadelphia, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education to even more students in our city.

THE OPPORTUNITY

At Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), we keep students at the center of our work. We believe that science education is critical for fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge. We seek a passionate and dynamic Environmental Science Teacher who will engage students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning that builds scientific literacy and critical thinking skills.

As a Science Teacher, you will design engaging, rigorous, and investigative lessons and differentiate curricular materials to ensure that all students can access high-quality science instruction. Your curriculum will align with Pennsylvania State Standards and will expose students to scientific inquiry, experimental design, and STEM career pathways. You will also build strong relationships that foster a culture of discovery, innovation, and scientific exploration.

We are committed to supporting and developing our teachers through meaningful professional growth opportunities, ongoing collaboration, and a culture that values innovation and continuous learning.

This full-time position for the 2026-2027 school year offers a unique opportunity to join a diverse, mission-driven school community that is passionate about closing the opportunity gap.

Why Teach Science at Esperanza Academy?

✔Inspire Future Innovators – Spark curiosity and equip students with scientific inquiry skills needed for careers in STEM fields.

✔ Supportive & Inclusive Community – Join a mission-driven school that values collaboration, diversity, and professional growth.

✔ Commitment to Equity – Be part of a school that actively seeks to eliminate barriers and expand opportunities for all students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned science lessons and differentiate curricular materials to ensure all students can access high-quality instruction.
• Foster a positive, inquiry-based, and culturally responsive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions and explore new ideas.
• Teach students to apply scientific reasoning, develop hypotheses, analyze data, and conduct experiments.
• Differentiate instruction and curriculum materials to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, including English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education or 504 plans.
• Incorporate STEM applications, laboratory experiments, and real-world problem-solving into daily instruction.
• Collaborate with student support staff, counselors, and special education teams to support the whole child.
• Use student data and formative assessments to refine instruction and ensure scientific growth for all students.
• Engage families as partners in student success through open and proactive communication.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance instructional practice and stay updated on best practices in science education.

What you will bring: 

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university. (Official transcripts showing the degree conferred are required before the starting date of employment.)
• PA Teaching Certification in ONE of the following PA teacher certifications before their start date: General Science (7-12), Biology (7-12), Chemistry (7-12), Physics (7-12), Earth & Space Science (7-12)
• Experience teaching Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or General Science at the K-12 level is preferred but not required.
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create a positive learning environment.
• Experience integrating technology, data analysis, and inquiry-based learning into math instruction is a plus.
• Clearances: All applicants must have current FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks. For more information regarding required clearances click here.
• Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.

Follow Us: To learn more about Esperanza Academy, please visit our website at https://www.esperanzaacademycs.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Esperanza Academy values diversity and seeks to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including but not limited to BIPOC educators, multilingual educators, and individuals committed to educational equity.

Esperanza Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Esperanza Academy are based on doing what is best for kids, job requirements, and individual qualifications 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.

Why Work With Us:

✔ Mission-Driven Impact – Be part of a team dedicated to educational equity and building an "opportunity community" in Hunting Park.

✔ Competitive Compensation – We value your expertise and commitment to student success, offering a competitive salary that reflects your impact.

✔ Comprehensive Benefits from Day One – Enjoy health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance, along with retirement benefits, starting on your first day for complete peace of mind.

✔ Work-Life Balance – Take advantage of paid time off and school holidays, ensuring you have time to recharge and return inspired.

✔ Tuition Assistance for Your Growth – Further your education with up to $8,000 in tuition reimbursement, available after six months, as long as funds are available.

✔ Pathways for Career Advancement – Benefit from mentorship, coaching, and professional development designed to help you sharpen your skills and grow within our school community.