Interim Lower School Innovation and Design Teacher (Spring 2027)

Interim Lower School Innovation and Design Teacher (Spring 2027)

Exempt Position

Reports to

Director of Lower School and Director of Educational Technology

William Penn Charter School is an all gender, Quaker, coeducational, 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.

Position Summary

This position will begin on March 8, 2027 and conclude on June 17, 2027. The Lower School Innovation and Design teacher will work with a co-teacher to guide students through the innovation design process as well as their exploration of topics, including digital citizenship, coding, AI, robotics, and using technology tools to express themselves creatively and effectively. They will partner with Lower School faculty to work collaboratively toward meeting the needs of students through the use of technology and create a culture of innovative teaching and learning. Applicants showing a commitment to excellence in educational technology, the ability to lead and manage change, excellent interpersonal skills, flexible and creative thinking, and the ability to facilitate collaboration are highly preferred. Candidates must also have lower school experience and ideally have taught students spanning pre-K-5. 

The successful candidate will also embrace student-centered pedagogy, model curiosity, a desire for professional growth, and be willing to work collaboratively with colleagues. Additionally, they will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their teaching practice and when building relationships and have the ability to support educators in using technology to advance learning that meets the diverse learning, cultural, and social-emotional needs of individual students. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism, Quaker education, and Responsive Classroom is highly desirable. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

IdeaLab

• Foster innovation and creativity by providing opportunities for students to design and build projects using the IdeaLab resources

• Guide students to explore the connections between engineering and technology

• Ensure a multidisciplinary approach (STEAM) to support Project Based Learning (PBL) design units

• In partnership with their co-teacher, the technology department and Lower School leadership, oversee the maintenance, scheduling, and ordering of supplies for the IdeaLab, and Collaborative Workspaces

Teaching/Curriculum

• A commitment to teaching through the mission of the school, with a curricular framework that encourages students to create, innovate and design as a means for positive change 

• Partner with the other Lower School Innovation and Design Teacher to integrate and design innovative student learning experiences based on the ISTE standards 

• Work with the department to develop and implement a scope and sequence of skills related to design thinking and technology pre-K through 12 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lower School Director or Director of Educational Technology or their designee.

Competencies:

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of educational technology best practices.

• Demonstrates best practices and passion in teaching technology and innovation skills to school-age children.

• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice in their approach to the work and in building relationships with students, faculty, and other community members.

• Embodies excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse faculty and staff members and the larger school community.

• Shares a passion for working with children and collaborating with peers.

• Stay current on technological tools and platforms to support instruction through ongoing research, attending conferences, and engaging in school visits

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry at least 30 pounds

• Ability to walk, stand, sit on the floor, or kneel for extended periods of time

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Technology or related field is preferred

• Experience in elementary school education

• Knowledge of pertinent technology integration models and pedagogical practices

• Knowledge of educational platforms and software including but not limited to Google Workspace, macOS, and SMARTboard. 

Interim Lower School Innovation and Design Teacher, Spring 2027 

Exempt Position

Reports to

Director of Lower School and Director of Educational Technology

William Penn Charter School is an all gender, Quaker, coeducational, 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.

Position Summary

This position will begin on March 8, 2027 and conclude on June 17, 2027. The Lower School Innovation and Design teacher will work with a co-teacher to guide students through the innovation design process as well as their exploration of topics, including digital citizenship, coding, AI, robotics, and using technology tools to express themselves creatively and effectively. They will partner with Lower School faculty to work collaboratively toward meeting the needs of students through the use of technology and create a culture of innovative teaching and learning. Applicants showing a commitment to excellence in educational technology, the ability to lead and manage change, excellent interpersonal skills, flexible and creative thinking, and the ability to facilitate collaboration are highly preferred. Candidates must also have lower school experience and ideally have taught students spanning pre-K-5. 

The successful candidate will also embrace student-centered pedagogy, model curiosity, a desire for professional growth, and be willing to work collaboratively with colleagues. Additionally, they will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their teaching practice and when building relationships and have the ability to support educators in using technology to advance learning that meets the diverse learning, cultural, and social-emotional needs of individual students. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism, Quaker education, and Responsive Classroom is highly desirable. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

IdeaLab

• Foster innovation and creativity by providing opportunities for students to design and build projects using the IdeaLab resources

• Guide students to explore the connections between engineering and technology

• Ensure a multidisciplinary approach (STEAM) to support Project Based Learning (PBL) design units

• In partnership with their co-teacher, the technology department and Lower School leadership, oversee the maintenance, scheduling, and ordering of supplies for the IdeaLab, and Collaborative Workspaces

Teaching/Curriculum

• A commitment to teaching through the mission of the school, with a curricular framework that encourages students to create, innovate and design as a means for positive change 

• Partner with the other Lower School Innovation and Design Teacher to integrate and design innovative student learning experiences based on the ISTE standards 

• Work with the department to develop and implement a scope and sequence of skills related to design thinking and technology pre-K through 12 

Perform other duties as assigned by the Lower School Director or Director of Educational Technology or their designee.

Competencies:

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of educational technology best practices.

• Demonstrates best practices and passion in teaching technology and innovation skills to school-age children.

• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice in their approach to the work and in building relationships with students, faculty, and other community members.

• Embodies excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse faculty and staff members and the larger school community.

• Shares a passion for working with children and collaborating with peers.

• Stay current on technological tools and platforms to support instruction through ongoing research, attending conferences, and engaging in school visits

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry at least 30 pounds

• Ability to walk, stand, sit on the floor, or kneel for extended periods of time

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Technology or related field is preferred

• Experience in elementary school education

• Knowledge of pertinent technology integration models and pedagogical practices

• Knowledge of educational platforms and software including but not limited to Google Workspace, macOS, and SMARTboard. 

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.