26-27 SY: Per Diem Building Substitute Teacher (6-8)

Start Date: August 2026

School: Esperanza Academy Charter Middle School

Location: 4261 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140

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

This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about education and interested in making a direct impact in the lives of students. Whether you're exploring a future in teaching or looking for meaningful, flexible work, this role offers a unique way to engage with youth in a supportive and mission-driven environment.

Position Highlights:

• Guaranteed minimum of 3 days per week
• Daily rate: $163
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate other professional or academic commitments
• Opportunity to gain hands-on classroom experience in a dynamic high school setting

Ideal candidates are dependable, adaptable, and enthusiastic about working with diverse student populations. This is an excellent entry point for aspiring educators or professionals transitioning into the education field.

Join a dedicated team at Esperanza Academy Charter School and contribute to our mission of academic excellence and community empowerment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Embrace our mission both inside and outside the classroom.
• Recognize the importance of cultivating strong relationships for student success.
• Prioritize student-centered, data-driven instruction while maintaining high standards.
• Follow lesson plans left by the regular teacher.
• Deliver instruction across various subjects and grade levels.
• Adjust instruction as needed to meet student needs while staying aligned with the provided plans.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and orderly classroom environment.
• Implement the school's behavior management policies.
• Address disruptive behavior effectively and seek assistance if necessary.
• Monitor students in the classroom, hallways, lunchroom, recess, and/or during transitions.
• Ensure student safety and attendance is accurately recorded.
• Report to the school on time and complete the assignment for the full scheduled day.
• Demonstrate professionalism in interactions with students, staff, and administrators.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and school information.
• Leave clear, written feedback for the regular teacher regarding student progress, behavior, and any issues encountered during the day.
• Notify appropriate staff of emergencies or significant concerns.
• Be prepared to substitute in different subjects or grade levels as needed, sometimes on short notice.
• Adapt to various classroom routines, expectations, and technologies.
• Follow all school and district policies and procedures.
• Complete required paperwork or reports (e.g., attendance, incident reports).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• A passion for education and a belief that your zip code does not dictate your destiny.
• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required. (Official transcripts showing the degree conferred are required prior to the starting date of employment.)
• Clearances: All applicants must have FBI, PA Criminal, and PA Child Abuse background checks completed within the last 12 calendar months.
• Urban Education experience is preferred but not required.
• 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 that prioritizes student well-being and builds an “opportunity community” in Hunting Park.

✔ Pathways for Career Advancement: Receive mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities to grow your career in education and student services.