Job Description

American Paradigm Schools

8101 Castor Avenue | Philadelphia, PA 19152

Discovering Excellence Through Cultivating Differences

American Paradigm Schools is dedicated to equity and excellence for all learners while celebrating the uniqueness of our communities. Our values drive our commitment to providing a world-class education that prepares students for success in college, career, and beyond.

Position Information

Position: U.S. History Teacher
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Location (School): Tacony Academy Charter School
Department: Instructional - Teacher
Reports To: Principal
Employment Status: Exempt
Employment Duration: 10 Months

The U.S. History Teacher is responsible for providing engaging, standards-aligned instruction that develops students' understanding of United States history, government, culture, and civic responsibility. The teacher will create meaningful learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, historical analysis, research, discussion, and an understanding of diverse perspectives.

The U.S. History Teacher will work collaboratively with the instructional team to align curriculum and instruction with Pennsylvania Academic Standards and school-wide academic goals while supporting the individual learning needs of all students.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive scope and sequence aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Standards for History and Social Studies.
• Create and deliver engaging weekly lesson plans aligned with state standards, curriculum expectations, and APS instructional goals.
• Provide instruction in U.S. History using a variety of instructional strategies, primary and secondary sources, historical documents, and educational technology.
• Encourage students to analyze historical events, evaluate multiple perspectives, develop evidence-based arguments, and make connections between historical events and contemporary issues.
• Assess student learning through assignments, projects, discussions, quizzes, examinations, and other appropriate assessment methods.
• Grade assignments and provide students with meaningful and timely feedback.
• Monitor student academic progress and use assessment data to adjust instruction and provide additional support when needed.
• Establish and maintain a positive, respectful, inclusive, and academically focused classroom environment.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, academic performance, and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with grade-level and/or department teams regarding curriculum, instruction, student achievement, and school-wide expectations.
• Coordinate with English Language Development/ESL teachers to support multilingual learners.
• Coordinate with Special Education teachers to provide appropriate accommodations, modifications, and instructional support.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, collaborative planning, and school-wide initiatives.
• Attend after-school events, parent conferences, and other school activities as needed.
• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of students at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the school's mission and goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of U.S. History, including major historical periods, events, movements, and individuals.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania Academic Standards for History and Social Studies.
• Ability to teach historical thinking skills, including source analysis, contextualization, comparison, cause and effect, and evidence-based reasoning.
• Ability to incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into U.S. History instruction.
• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse student learning needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, administrators, students, and families.
• Knowledge of instructional strategies, assessment practices, and curriculum development.
• Social perceptiveness and the ability to build positive relationships with students.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and sound decision-making skills.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Technology Skills

• Google Workspace for Education
• Student Information Systems
• Student intervention and assessment programs
• Learning management and educational technology platforms
• Document camera
• Projector
• Laptop/computer
• Copier and other standard classroom technology

Education and Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Valid Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in the appropriate Social Studies/History certification area, or eligibility to obtain appropriate Pennsylvania certification
• Previous teaching experience in U.S. History or Social Studies preferred

Physical Requirements

The employee may be required to perform the following physical activities as part of the essential functions of the position:

• Sitting
• Walking
• Standing for extended periods
• Talking and communicating with students and staff
• Pushing and pulling
• Driving, when required
• Lifting approximately 20-25 lbs.
• Moving up and down from a seated position
• Walking up and down stairs
• Performing student safety interventions or restraints when appropriately trained and required