Special Education Teacher

Position: Special Education Teacher, Lower School
Organization: Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School
School Year: 2026-2027
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19142
Salary: $55-75K

Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School (SLA) was founded to address the need for community access to exceptional, leadership-based education in the heart of southwest Philadelphia. Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School supports over 600 students in grades K-8 in single-sex classrooms, leveraging research from the world-renowned Gurian Institute around socio-emotional learning and differentiation between the sexes, fueling growth, leadership, and engagement for all students. Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms are supported by two educators from the SLA team. This translates to more individual student attention and increased opportunities for differentiated instruction.

We understand that a collaborative learning environment between teachers, parents, and school staff is crucial to setting up every child’s educational success.

Our Mission and Life at SLA
SLA is committed to building talented and committed cadres of teachers charged with the skills to develop leaders by empowering scholars to change the factors that define their reality. Our staff will work with students to develop the leadership skills necessary to drive complete community rejuvenation in Southwest Philadelphia. In developing these skills, students will cultivate an array of leadership components that they can apply to community change on a global scale.

Job Description

This role is for you if –

Like SLA, you believe that EVERY child

• is a LEADER capable of academic achievement
• can positively impact and contribute to the school and community
• needs a positive and hopeful definition of reality in order to succeed

Qualifications

• Minimum:
  • A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Appropriate Instructional I or Instructional II Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate, Temporary Teaching Certificate or valid out of state license for the given subject area for which you are teaching.
  • Required criminal history background check, physical and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
• Preferred:
  • A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university either in education or in content areas (e.g. Math, Science)
  • Two (2) years of urban teaching experience
    
    

Key Responsibilities

An SLA Teacher is charged with providing instruction to our students and is specifically responsible for, but not limited to:

• Implementing instruction according to the school’s educational goals and objectives by focusing on high standards and achievement for all students, including ELL and/or those who receive special education services.
• Instructing classes as assigned by leveraging school curriculum and texts and other support materials as needed.
• Providing timely and actionable feedback to students regarding their assignments and assessments.
• Developing and Implementing lesson and unit plans to support effective delivery of instruction.
• Encouraging students to set and maintain standards of behavior needed to achieve.
• Maintaining a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Providing for continuous evaluation of student progress consistent with school established goals and policies.
• Maintaining student records and other pertinent data as determined by the school.
• Facilitating students’ progress and growth toward stated objectives of instruction within the limits of the resources provided by the school.
• Actively participating in all professional development, team planning, and data analysis meetings as needed.
• Collaborating with grade level and/or content peers to create a consistent learning experience for students.

An ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate the following and/or have experiences with:

• Commitment to the success of all SLA students and specifically to raising the academic achievement of children in high-poverty communities and/ or children with special needs.
• Desire to grow professionally and seek out new opportunities to learn; and integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions.
• Ability to use data to inform instruction
• Innovative teaching methodologies through techniques such as team teaching, demonstrations, simulations, and consultations.
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to critically assess challenges and identify effective instructional/behavioral solutions to support the success of each of his or her students.
• Exceptional classroom management skills.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong working knowledge of technology used to design and differentiate instruction for students.

Additional Information

Salary

• Competitive salary based on education and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) Matching Plan

Employment Period

• Ten (10) Months, non-tenurable position

Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.