YouthBuild Philly·Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Senior Seminar teacher will design and facilitate learner-centered lessons that focus on student voice, transferable competencies, and the development of post-secondary plans. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with inter-departmental teams to provide academic and personal mentorship to students within a supportive school culture.
YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter high school, with a singular focus on supporting youth aged 17-20 who have been pushed out of traditional schools. During our 1-year alternative program, YouthBuild facilitates a warm, loving culture that uses a variety of structures to build community, such as a restorative-justice approach to discipline, weekly community meetings, and school-wide service projects. Students are empowered to attain their high school diploma and vocational certifications, while receiving unconditional support by the staff around them. At YouthBuild, we work intentionally to disrupt the cycle of poverty and support our students to achieve post-secondary success (4-year college, 2-year college, vocational training program, or liveable wage job). Visit https://www.youthbuildphilly.org/ to learn more.
The Senior Seminar teacher will create a positive, relationship-centered learning environment across four sections of Senior Seminar, where student voice and authentic thinking drive instruction. You will design learner-centered lessons that help students develop transferable competencies and professional skills such as teamwork, resilience, and high-quality work, culminating in the creation and presentation of individualized post-secondary plans. By tracking progress, offering ongoing feedback, and communicating updates through PowerSchool, you will play a key role in each student’s success. Additionally, you will work in cross-departmental teams to support cohorts of students, actively participating in a dynamic, collaborative school culture under the guidance of the Director of Academics.
You are/have… Invested in our core values - Respect, Excellence and Perseverance. Equity-focused and believe that all students can achieve. Passionate about community service and civic engagement. Excited to mentor students and support them throughout their time at YouthBuild and beyond. Collaborative and dedicated to personal and professional development. A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree strongly preferred. Three to five years’ teaching experience, preferred. A current Social Studies 7-12 certification; special education certification, background or experience is a plus.
What You’ll Do: Create a positive learning environment built on strong relationships. Design learner-centered lessons for students, four sections of Senior Seminar classes in total, that develop transferable competencies and culminate in the demonstration of a student’s individual post-secondary plan. Use instructional strategies where student voice and thinking are the primary focus and content coverage is secondary. Develop learning experiences that emphasize professional skills (e.g. teamwork, people skills, motivation, high quality work, resilience and self-development). Collaborate with the specialized services team to ensure student success, by providing teacher input, attending IEP meetings and ensuring all students receive accommodations and modifications per their students’ IEPs and/or English language needs. Track student progress, give frequent actionable feedback to students and communicate student progress to the greater community through PowerSchool. Facilitate one section of independent study hall per day, providing a structured, supportive environment where students can focus on academic tasks, access guidance as needed, and develop effective study habits while ensuring a quiet and productive atmosphere. Work in inter-departmental teams to support the success of a group of students as they move through our rigorous program. Participate in a highly collaborative, fluid school culture that requires strong interpersonal skills and flexibility. Provide mentorship to a cohort of 4–5 students, offering consistent academic and personal support to help them stay on track toward meeting graduation requirements. Perform other duties, as assigned by the Director of Academics.
You: Generous time off Medical, dental, and vision insurance Flexible spending accounts 401(k) savings plan with an employer match Employer paid parental leave, life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability Educational assistance and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and career growth Supportive and collaborative work environment Strong community support and involvement
New YouthBuild teachers can expect a starting salary of between $60,000-$68,000 based on years of experience, education, and certifications, if applicable.
During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to discuss our employee total rewards package and additional benefits. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, classroom teacher openings often draw candidates with early-childhood or childcare experience, especially when child development knowledge and classroom routines are part of the role. These positions can be competitive because employers look for strong organization, communication, time management, and current First Aid/CPR certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm the original posting for any credential or schedule details before applying.