Middle School Special Education Teacher - Up to $5,000 Signing Bonus!

About Freire Schools

Established in 1999, Freire Schools ( www.freireschools.org ) is a network of four charter schools across Philadelphia and Delaware whose mission is to prepare students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. We’re distinguished by our belief in every student who walks through our doors, our strong code of conduct and commitment to peace that ensures a safe environment for all, our sense of family throughout our community, and our joyous and engaged classrooms that focus on academic achievement. As evidence of our impact, in 2023 Stanford’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes ranked Freire Schools in the top 15 in the country for academic gains out of 368 charter networks nationwide.

About the team

For this Middle School Special Education Teacher position, you’ll be working for our middle school in center city Philadelphia called Freire Charter Middle School (5th-8th Grade): Freire Schools’ youngest Dragons are preparing for college and changing what it means to be in middle school. We’re constantly applying a persistent growth mindset to challenge the limits of what’s possible in middle school and prepare students to succeed in a college prep high school. Freire Schools is committed to peace at all levels of its community, and aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for our middle school students.

Freire Charter Middle School: 1026 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

What you’ll do

As a member of Freire’s special education team, you will ensure that students on your caseload receive high-quality instruction, services, and support through effective co-teaching and targeted interventions. 

Responsibilities

• Co-teach and collaborate with general education teachers to create and maintain a classroom culture of critical thinking, learning, respect, and high achievement for all students. 

• Familiarize yourself with IEPs and specially designed instructional/behavioral accommodations for the students on your caseload.

• Leverage content specific curriculum and create learning materials to promote critical thinking and problem solving. 

• Establish consistent communication rhythms with families regarding individual student progress and school related information. 

• Actively participate in professional development and collaboration with staff to support the needs of our students.

Who you are

You believe all students, especially those with diverse learning needs, can succeed and bring our values of equity, love, critical thinking, and diversity to life through inclusive instructional practices and strong relationships. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for this role are encouraged to apply.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Valid state teaching certification or commitment to obtain

• Strong instructional skill and content knowledge

• Experience supporting students through co-teaching, accommodations, and targeted interventions

• Positive, collaborative, solution-oriented mindset

• At least two years of experience working with diverse student populations

Pay and benefits

Salaries for certified teachers entering their first year start at $60,000, with an overall salary range of $50,000–$85,000 based on experience and qualifications. Freire Schools offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer contribution for Pennsylvania employees, and a strong commitment to developing all staff as professionals while working with exceptional students in Philadelphia. Freire Schools is committed to maintaining a workplace environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, in service of the policy goal to provide all persons equal access to all categories of employment regardless of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic background, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, veteran/military status, or any other category protected by state or federal law.