Love your today.
Shape their tomorrow.

Join us in shaping the future of education and making a meaningful impact in the lives of students across our vibrant city. Explore career opportunities below.

Have Questions or Need Help Applying?

Join Us for Zoom Virtual Office Hours. Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 1PM-2PM EST.

Teachers & Specialty Teachers

Join our team of dedicated educators.

Counselors

Join our team of dedicated counselors.

School Leadership

See opportunities to lead a school as a Principal, Assistant Principal, or Climate Manage.

Transportation

Play an integral role as a bus driver, driver trainee or bus attendant.

School Support Roles

Explore roles including nurses, special education assistants, climate staff, food service workers, bilingual counseling assistants, general cleaners & more.

Central Office

Find careers in academic support, family engagement, accounting, IT, engineering, and more.

Current Employees

Current employees looking for a new role within SDP.

Part-Time & Internship Opportunities

Explore openings that offer valuable real-world experience and the chance to develop practical skills.

Hiring Events

Have Questions or Need Help Applying?

Join Us for Zoom Virtual Office Hours. Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 1PM-2PM EST.

In-person Information & Testing Sessions

Explore immediate job opportunities in Transportation, Facilities, Food Service, and Special Education.

Teachers & Specialty Teaching Roles

Join our team of dedicated educators and make a lasting impact on students’ growth and success.

Teaching Roles, Application Process, FAQs, & Resources

Teaching Roles and Definitions

Teachers
Our teachers plan and teach their subject area, following the scope and sequence for all courses.


Special Education Teachers
Develop, implement, and evaluate instructional programs for exceptional students with varying needs. As part of a multidisciplinary team, plan a comprehensive educational program for students, including remedial and affective education, and related instructional strategies.


Reading Specialists
Experts in reading and literacy instruction who support teachers and students in meeting the individual student needs.


Speech Language Pathologist
Provide comprehensive educational, diagnostic and therapeutic services to students with speech and language defects across one or multiple schools.

Applications are reviewed as received through the end of April, and qualified candidates are invited to interview with the Office of Specialized Services in May before being hired.

Teachers, Speech Pathologists and Reading Specialists are paid on the Teacher Salary Scale.


Career & Technical Teaching Positions
Experienced industry professionals trained to teach students in the classroom. SDP offers CTE programs in over 40 occupational areas, allowing students to acquire both technical (hands-on) and academic skills.

  • Candidates must apply for the position officially online HERE
  • AND register to take the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) through Temple University. (Info on Temple’s Vocational Program HERE)
  • For certification information, contact Mary M. Miller-Ettwein (mme@temple.edu)
  • Questions? Email jobs@philasd.org or attend office hours to speak to a member of our Recruitment team.

What are the qualifications to teach CTE?

  • 4 years minimum industry-related work experience OR
  • A bachelor’s degree, plus a minimum of 2 years of related industry work experience.

I’ve never taught a classroom before. Is that ok? Yes, that’s ok! We provide professional development and coaching for all new teachers who are hired. During the 2nd year of teaching, a CTE Teacher will begin taking teacher certification courses at Temple University.

Do I need a college degree to teach CTE? It depends! Qualifications vary depending on the CTE program; not all require a college degree.

What is being a CTE teacher like? Busy, exciting, and full of opportunities. No day is the same as the day before. You’ll spend extended amounts of time with your students, enabling them to pursue their own interests through projects and live-work, and resulting in you having an outsized impact on a their growth, path, and outlook.


Demonstration Teacher
Demonstration Teachers utilize the most current educational techniques and instructional media, which contribute to effective teaching practices in their specific teaching areas.

Demonstration Schools

  • The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School/Middle School – General J. Harry LaBrum Campus
  • Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School

There is a three (3) step process to become a Demonstration Teacher: Application, Assessment, School-Based Selection Interview.

  • The Demonstration Teacher application will remain open until all roles are filled
  • Apply Now

Teachers of the Vision and/or Hearing Impaired
Provide comprehensive educational, diagnostic, and therapeutic services to students with speech, language, vision, or hearing defects.

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates are invited to interview with the Office of Specialized Services before being hired.

Itinerant Life Skills Support Teacher
Develop and implement school-based job training programs for exceptional students enrolled in Life Skills Support and Autistic Support programs. Work with multiple school sites to support the development of job-related skills and assist the student in making a successful transition from school to work.

  • The Itinerant Life Skills application is currently closed.
  • When open, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates are invited to interview with the Office of Specialized Services before being hired.

Teacher Salary Scale

How to Apply

External candidates, and current SDP employees who are not teachers: 

    1. Submit an application for teacher/counselor eligibility. Click here to Submit
    2. If you are eligible, you will be notified via email by an Instructional Recruiter.
    3. Once you are made eligible, you will be able to apply to schools directly in your respective subject area via Taleo.

Need Help? View our Application Guide.


Current District Employees

Current SDP employees looking to transition to a teacher or counselor role can access the Teacher and/or Counselor application for eligibility via Taleo, which is accessible through the Employee Portal.

Need Help? View our Application Guide for Internal Employees.

School Site Selection

Individuals seeking to become a teacher/counselor in our District will participate in Site Selection to secure their school placement.

  • In order to participate in Site Selection, you must be designated “eligible” by our Instructional Recruitment team.
  • If you are eligible, you will be notified via email by an Instructional Recruiter.
  • Once eligible, you will be able to apply to schools directly in your respective subject area via Taleo.

How to Participate

  • Current teachers/counselors participate in Site Selection based on the guidelines outlined in the PFT contract.
  • Teachers/Counselors who have two or more years of location seniority can voluntarily participate in Site Selection.
  • Teachers/Counselors on “special assignment” – Request for Retention
    • Teachers/counselors on “special assignment” who wish to remain at their school in their role for the upcoming academic year may request to be retained. In order for a retention request to be considered valid, it must be signed by both the employee and principal, and the principal must submit the retention request to their Talent Partner the day before Site Selection opens for their school. Request for Retention form linked here!
    • Teachers/counselors on “special assignment” who are not retained will participate in Site Selection as a forced transfer.
  • Teacher Residents may also request to be retained at their school to become a teacher of record for the upcoming academic year.

Site Selection Resources & Forms

Compensation and Salary Upgrades

Teachers and Counselors are compensated with a 10-month salary, paid over 12 months. The salary for teachers is competitive and ranges from a minimum starting salary of $51,568.

  • Salary credit is provided to teachers with two years or more of verified teaching experience.
  • Salary increase for Education and/or Prior Experience.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for Teachers and School Counselors that includes medical, dental and vision coverage along with wage continuation and life insurance. Benefits are administered through the School District and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT).

Certifications

If you have questions about the certification you need for a position, or if you are enrolled in a certification program and would need an emergency permit for a position, click here.

Retention Bonuses

The School District of Philadelphia is offering retention bonuses to teachers and counselors working in 32 schools.

  • Individuals appointed at the following schools on September 1, 2022 and remain appointed through the last day of the 2022-2023 academic year will receive $2500 stipends.
  • Those teachers and counselors will receive an additional $2500 if they are appointed September 1, 2022 and remain appointed through August 30, 2024.

Teachers working at the following schools are eligible for these bonuses:

  • Clemente, Roberto Middle Schl
  • McDaniel, Delaplaine School
  • Cassidy, Lewis C Academics Plus
  • Sullivan, James J. School
  • Blankenburg, Rudolph School
  • Anderson, Add B. School
  • Welsh, John School
  • Spring Garden School
  • Tilden Middle School
  • Mastbaum, Jules E. High School
  • Longstreth, William C. School
  • The LINC
  • Sheridan, Philip H. School
  • Comegys, Benjamin B. School
  • Marshall, John School
  • Kenderton Elementary
  • Gideon, Edward School
  • Roosevelt Elementary School
  • Stearne, Allen M. School
  • Cooke, Jay Elementary School
  • Blaine, James G. School
  • Strawberry Mansion High School
  • Bryant, William C. School
  • Kelley, William D. School
  • Morris, Robert School
  • Pennell, Joseph Elementary
  • Kensington Health Sciences
  • MYA-Middle Years Alternative
  • Philadelphia Military Academy
  • Hamilton, Andrew School
  • Edison, Thomas A. High School
  • Hartranft, John F. School

Resources

Counselors

Counselors provide counseling services that foster the academic, personal, social, and career development of all students.

Counseling Roles, Application Process, FAQs, & Resources

Counselor Roles & Definitions

School Counselors

  • Provide general school counseling and guidance programs/services including individual and group counseling and guidance
  • Provide individual/group counseling and guidance for students
    Implement broad-based programs that deal with decision-making, conflict resolution, self-esteem, coping strategies, and other issues
  • Serve as both the primary agent for addressing issues that impact students at risk of failing to attain their full academic potential and the school-based resource for dealing with child abuse/neglect and crisis prevention/intervention
  • Liaison between the school and various community/governmental agencies that may provide services to students and their families

Behavioral Health Counselors
In addition to other school counselor duties, provide behavioral health supports.

How to Apply

To be hired into a School Counselor or Behavioral Health Counselor role. you must meet minimum requirements, and pass a screening by The Office of Prevention & Intervention to determine eligibility for either role.

External candidates, and current SDP employees who are not counselors: 

    1. Submit an application for teacher/counselor eligibility. Click here to Submit
    2. If you are eligible, you will be notified via email by an Instructional Recruiter.
    3. Once you are made eligible, you will be able to apply to schools directly in your respective subject area via Taleo.

Need Help? View our Application Guide.


Compensation and Salary Upgrades

Teachers and Counselors are compensated with a 10-month salary, paid over 12 months. The salary for teachers is competitive and ranges from a minimum starting salary of $51,568.

  • Salary credit is provided to teachers with two years or more of verified teaching experience.
  • Salary increase for Education and/or Prior Experience.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for Teachers and School Counselors that includes medical, dental and vision coverage along with wage continuation and life insurance. Benefits are administered through the School District and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT).

Certifications

If you have questions about the certification you need for a position, or if you are enrolled in a certification program and would need an emergency permit for a position, click here.

School-Based Administrator Leadership

Leadership Hiring Documents and Certifications

If you have questions about the certification you need for a position, or if you are enrolled in a certification program and would need an emergency permit for a position, click here.

Principals

We seek Principals who have a passion for working with children and leading innovation to ensure all students receive an excellent public school education, graduate from high school and be prepared to fully engage as citizens of our world.

How to Apply

Phase 1: Meeting the eligibility standards on the SDP Principal Eligibility List.

Phase 2: Eligible candidates may then apply to schools as they are posted via SDP career page.

PHASE #1 – Principal Eligibility List Process

  • Step #1 Candidates submit an eligibility application once the Principal Eligibility List application period opens (date varies each year).
  • Step #2 Candidates’ applications and credentials are reviewed to determine whether they are able to move on to step 3.
  • Step #3 Selected Candidates participate in a round of interviews
  • Step #4 Candidates are selected to be placed on the Principal Eligibility list based on interview outcomes.

PHASE #2 – Principal School Base Hiring Process

  • Step #1 Candidates interview with the Principal Hire School Advisory Committee
  • Step #2 Principal Hire School Advisory Committee provides their selected finalists to the Deputy Superintendents
  • Step #3 Notes are reviewed by Deputy Superintendents for context and equity.
  • Step #4 Deputy Superintendents make recommendations to the Superintendent.
  • Step #5 Superintendent makes the final decision.
  • Step #6 Offer is made to the Finalist! 

Compensation and Salary Upgrades

Principal salaries start at $145,913 and effective 9/1/2024 the starting salary will be $148,831.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for Principals that includes medical, dental and vision coverage along with wage continuation and life insurance. Benefits are administered through the School District and the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (CASA).

Certifications

If you have questions about the certification you need for a position, or if you are enrolled in a certification program and would need an emergency permit for a position, click here.

Assistant Principal

As an Assistant Principal, you play a very important role in the leadership of the school. You are a part of the leadership team and support all aspects of the school, including culture, climate, student achievement, teacher development and operations.

How to Apply

PHASE #1  – Assistant Principal Eligibility List Process

  • Step #1 Candidates submit an application once the Assistant Principal Eligibility List Application opens. The opening of the list varies year over year.
  • Step #2 Candidates’ applications and credentials are reviewed to determine whether they are able to move on to step 3
  • Step #3 Selected Candidates participate in a round of interviews
  • Step #4 Candidates are selected to be placed on the Assistant Principal Eligibility list based on interview outcomes

PHASE #2 – Assistant Principal School Base Hiring Process

  • Step #1  Candidates interview with the Hiring School Advisory Committee
  • Step #2 Assistant Principal Hire School Advisory Committee provide their selected finalists to the Assistant Superintendent
  • Step #3 Notes are reviewed by Associate Superintendents for context and equity.
  • Step #4 Deputy Superintendents make recommendations to the Superintendent

Compensation and Salary Upgrades

Assistant Principal salaries start at $98,719 and effective 9/1/2024 $100,693.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for Assistant Principals that includes medical, dental and vision coverage along with wage continuation and life insurance. Benefits are administered through the School District and the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (CASA).

Climate Manager

Climate Managers play a very important role in the leadership of the school. School culture and climate includes ensuring all members of the school community feel safe and welcome and as a Climate Manager you will oftentimes be the lead in developing the systems and protocols to ensure that happens.

How to Apply

PHASE #1  -Climate Managers  Eligibility List Process

  • Step #1 Candidates submit an application once the Climate Manager Eligibility List Application opens (the opening of the application varies year over year).
  • Step #2 Candidates’ applications and credentials are reviewed to determine whether they are able to move on to step 3.
  • Step #3 Selected Candidates participate in a performance task.
  • Step #4 Candidates are selected to be placed on the Assistant Principal Eligibility list based on interview outcomes.

PHASE #2 – Climate Managers School Base Hiring Process

  • Step #1  Candidates interview with the Hiring School Advisory Committee
  • Step #2 Assistant Principal Hire School Advisory Committee provide their selected finalists to the Assistant Superintendent
  • Step #3 Notes are reviewed by Associate Superintendents for context and equity.
  • Step #4 Deputy Superintendents make recommendations to the Superintendent

Compensation and Salary Upgrades

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for Climate Managers that includes medical, dental and vision coverage along with wage continuation and life insurance. Benefits are administered through the School District and the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (CASA).

Transportation

Join our fleet, if you have a passion for working with children, enjoy a flexible work environment, and want to receive full benefits for part-time work.

Transportation Roles, Application Process, FAQs, & Resources

Transportation Roles & Definitions

Bus Driver Trainees

Bus Driver Trainees learn to operate a school bus and receive a Commercial Driver’s License and related endorsements under the direction of Garage Operations’ Training Department. Trainees observe and learn how to provide transportation to students on a regularly scheduled route, to and from school sites during the school day and after school hours, and on school-sponsored field trips.

Completion of all classes, written exams and in-bus training must be successfully completed within 45 days of acceptance of the position.

Bus Drivers

Our bus drivers provide transportation to students on regularly scheduled routes to and from school, to alternate sites during the school day and after school hours, and on school-sponsored field trips. They also provide transportation to School District employees from and to selected work sites and perform minor daily preventative maintenance to the vehicle as needed.

Bus drivers are required to have proper credentials (school bus endorsement or an S endorsement). All candidates will be hired in the trainee status until credentials/endorsements are verified and the road test is completed.

Bus Attendants

Bus attendants monitor the activities of special education students while on buses en route to and from school, to ensure the safe and secure transportation of students, and ensure students board and leave buses in a safe and orderly fashion. They render necessary basic first aid or other assistance to ensure the student’s well-being and safety and provide routine assistance with receiving, logging, storing and issuing supplies and materials.

How to Apply

Come join our transportation team!  Click here to apply

Connect directly with a recruiter at our frequent office hours (every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1-2 PM on Zoom).
Click here to join a zoom session.

Compensation and Salary Upgrades

Hourly rates for bus drivers and bus driver trainees start at $22.11 per hour, and bus attendant roles start at $16.31 per hour. Part-time and full-time roles are available.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy benefits are provided through the union.

License/Certifications

Bus drivers must have their CDL license with an “S” school bus endorsement.

Individuals who do not have that license or endorsement should apply for the Bus Trainee position.

School Support

Make a difference in one of many roles directly supporting students and schools. Love your today. Shape their tomorrow!

School Support Roles, Application Process, FAQs, & Resources

School Support Roles & Definitions

Special Education Assistants
Special Education Assistants assist special education classroom teachers in implementing instructional activities in school and community settings and individual, small and large group instruction. They provide one-to-one academic and physical support for students with disabilities.

Teacher Assistant
Provides supportive services to classroom teachers in the Prekindergarten Head Start Program. Assists teachers in the preparation of and during the conduct of instructional activities, provides supplemental instruction to students individually or in groups, to advocate the social and academic readiness of pre-school students for subsequent entrance into the kindergarten program.

Bilingual Counseling
Facilitates communication between school staff, students, and parents/guardians by providing accurate, impartial and complete interpretation of the Spoken Language message conveyed to the Target Language. Collaborates with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and other teacher(s) by providing interpretation of rubrics and instructions for classroom activities, assignments and projects; and assist in the assessments of students’ educational strengths and challenges.

Secretaries
Provides clerical support in an assigned office or school. Performs varied clerical tasks which include typing, filing, scheduling and answering telephones.

Support Service
Assists teaching and non-teaching staff in schools within the Title I program. Participates in a cooperative effort to support basic skills achievement of students who are economically or educationally disadvantage, including instructional assistance in the classrooms in major subject areas which include reading and mathematics and/or facilitative services to non-instructional staff in support of the program’s overall objectives.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A PART-TIME POSITION

How to Apply

Compensation and Salary Upgrades

*This information is updated annually each summer. Current info is for 2023-2024.

Hourly rates for Special Education Assistants start at $15.95 per hour.

Professional & Clinical

The School District seeks skilled professionals to support the welfare and health of the students through professional Nursing, School Psychology, Physical and Occupational therapy, etc. We seek qualified experts to provide a healthy and educational environment for our students.

Professional & Clinical Roles, Application Process, FAQs, & Resources

Professional & Clinical Roles and Definitions

Sign Language Interpreter for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Minimum EIPA 3.5 or RID Certified
Provides sign language interpretation for signing Deaf or Hard of Hearing students mainstreamed into regular education classes. Facilitates communication between Hard of Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and their teachers, their hearing peers and other personnel within the School District.

School Nurse
Provides comprehensive health assessments and problem management services to students. Manages the school health program and maintains comprehensive health records for each student. Provides health counseling to students, parents and school personnel on issues designed to promote good health habits in students.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires School Nurses and School Psychologists to obtain a certificate. Learn More

School Psychologist
Provides psychological services to students thought to be eligible for special education services or for gifted services. Performs evaluations of the cognitive, academic and social-emotional development of students through the use of techniques such as non-biased testing, observation and clinical evaluation.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires School Nurses and School Psychologists to obtain a certificate. Learn More

Occupational Therapist
Provides occupational therapy services to students in an effort to enhance the student’s ability to participate in their educational program, in a variety of settings including schools for the orthopedically impaired, schools with special classes for the physically challenged, licensed private facilities, and the residences of homebound students. Frequently provides services in an itinerant fashion. Services are provided using a multidisciplinary model in consultation with parents, staff, personal care providers, community and medical agencies as appropriate to affect a comprehensive treatment program. Applicants must have possession of a valid license to practice as an Occupational Therapist as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Physical Therapist
Provides physical therapy to children and young adults disabled through disease or injury, in accordance with prescriptions issued by a physician. Provides therapy either within the school for the orthopedically impaired, as an itinerant therapist, in schools with special classes for the multiple handicapped, licensed private facilities, or the residences of homebound students. Confers with parents, staff, and community and medical agencies to affect a comprehensive treatment program. Applicants must have possession of a valid license to practice as a Physical Therapist as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Provides itinerant orientation and mobility services to visually impaired students in order to improve mobility and independent functioning. Assesses visually impaired students to determine eligibility for service. Participates in the multi-disciplinary team process and individual educational programming activities for students where relevant. Applicants must be in possession of a valid Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), OR possession of a valid National Orientation Mobility certificate (NOMC) issued by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board.

How to Apply

External candidates, and current SDP employees who are not teachers/counselors: 

    1. Submit an application for eligibility. Click here to Submit
    2. If you are eligible, you will be notified via email by an Instructional Recruiter.
    3. Once you are made eligible, you will be able to apply to schools directly in your respective subject area via Taleo.

Need Help? View our Application Guide.


Need support with school-based clinical queries? email jobs@philasd.org

Compensation and Salary Upgrades

School nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, physical therapists, and orientation and mobility specialists are compensated with a 10-month salary, paid over 12 months. The salary is competitive. Please find more information HERE.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage along with wage continuation and life insurance. Benefits are administered through the School District and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT).

Urgent Need for School Nurses!

Urgent Job Openings for School Psychologists!

Orientation and Mobility Specialist Needed

Operations & Maintenance

The School District of Philadelphia seeks skilled professionals to support the welfare of our buildings, offices, and classrooms. The Operations team is actively hiring for a number of key roles, from Building Engineers, Custodial Assistants, and, Skilled Trades workers in Asbestos Abatement, Painting, Plumbing, General Construction, Bricklayer, and other qualified experts to provide a safe environment for our students.

Operations & Maintenance Roles and Definitions

Building Engineer
Starting salary of $47,272.
Building Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance and security of the school plant assigned, both buildings and grounds.

Custodial Assistants
Starting salary of $41,379/yr.
Custodial Assistants perform general housekeeping tasks in the cleaning and maintenance of offices, classrooms, cafeterias and laboratories, as well as the schoolyard and walkways. Performs minor repairs on furniture and equipment, as well as uses power equipment to care for the grounds.

Skilled Trades Job Board

Click on the Title below to Apply!

Job Title
(Click the title below to complete an application!)
Accepting Applications?Starting Pay 
Asbestos WorkerYes$60,458
Automatic Plant Mechanic 'B'Yes$48,490
Bricklayer/Cement Finisher 'B'Yes$48,490
Electrical Mechanic ‘B’Yes$48,490
Field & Grounds Mechanic 'B'Yes$46,163
Fire Alarm Maintenance TechnicianYes$75,156
General Construction Mechanic ‘B’Yes$52,095
H.V.A.C. Mechanic ‘B’Yes$52,095
Ironworker 'B'Yes$48,490
Machinist 'B'Yes$48,490
Steamfitter 'B'Yes$48,490
Painter/Glazier/Plasterer ‘B’Yes$48,490
Pest Control Technician ‘B’Yes$43,437
Plumber ‘B’Yes$48,490
Roofer ‘B’Yes$48,490
Electronic Technician "A’Yes$50,111
HVAC Mechanic "A"Yes$51,217

Central Office

Roles in academic support, student services, human resources, information technology, finance, facilities, and operations.

Salary

  • Jobs are classified into salary grades. The grade assigned to a job is determined by its level of complexity and scope of responsibility relative to other jobs at the District.
  • The job description includes the salary grade – you can use that code to find your salary range in THIS DOCUMENT
  • Salary ranges define how employees are paid throughout their careers.

Benefits

  • The District offers a highly competitive health benefits package to our non-represented employees Find more information at the Benefits center HERE
  • Paid time off – including vacation, sick days and more is based on information HERE

Part-Time & Internship Opportunities

Select a position to learn more and apply.

Current Employee Opportunities

Current employees interested in changing careers within the District can view and apply to all available roles in our applicant tracking system, Taleo. Taleo is accessed through your employee portal.

How to Apply to Jobs as an Internal Employee

Current employees interested in changing careers within the District can view and apply to all available roles in our applicant tracking system, Taleo. Taleo is accessed through your employee portal.

Please view the Application Guide as it will provide step-by-step instructions for applying to a role in Taleo.

  • If you need to update your personal information (Name, Address, Phone Number), please complete the Change of Address form on our website.
  • If you have instructional certifications on file, they will show up in your application under “Verified Certifications”. If you need to update your certification information in our HR system, please email the Certification team at compliance@philasd.org with your name, employee ID, your PPID, and a copy of your additional certification(s).
  • If you have any questions about the information showing in your application, please contact staffing@philasd.org
  • Please contact jobs@philasd.org for any questions regarding your application.

Act 153: Amended Background Check Requirements

The Pennsylvania General Assembly has made significant amendments to the Child Protective Services Law. Under the new Act 15 (formerly Act 153) of Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law, all current school district employees, volunteers and contractors must obtain the following clearance and background checks every 60 months (five years):

Timeline for Background Check Renewal

On July 1, 2015, the Pennsylvania legislature passed Act 15, which amends the Child Protective Services Law and clarifies some changes made through Act 153. The most significant change to the Child Protective Services Law is that employees of school districts must renew their clearances every 60 months (five years), not every 36 months (three years).

The school district has updated the renewal process to comply with the change in law by placing employees into annual renewal cycles based on hire year. For each upcoming cycle, employees will be required to renew by December 31 of the year prior to clearance expiration to ensure compliance for the full 60-month period. A notice will be sent via email to employees with specific information on their upcoming renewal period.

Please click here to view a table that will assist in determining when your clearances are due.

Failure to comply with this State of Pennsylvania mandated requirement could result in disciplinary action or your inability to remain in an active employee status.

Act 15: New Background Check Requirements

Includes child abuse clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal History and FBI Fingerprinting

How do I get my background checks?

The required three clearances include child abuse clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal History and FBI Fingerprinting. Please refer to table below for information on how to apply for clearances.

How to Access Summary For Assistance
https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
  • Creating an account and submitting your clearance application online will give you immediate access to your results or the status of your results if your results cannot be processed immediately.
  • Results will be posted to your account and will be available to view and save as a PDF document.
  • Be sure to download and save your clearance results.
1-877-343-0494
https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp
  • Results of the PA Criminal History are generally instantaneous. Results will be provided as a PDF document.
  • Remember to save your criminal results.
1-888-783-7972
www.pa.cogentid.com Applying for FBI fingerprinting clearance is a multi-step process:

  • Register with Cogent systems online www.pa.cogentid.com or by phone at 1-888-439-2486. When registering, select the Department of Education option—PDE option. Be sure to grant your permission for the school district to obtain your results.
    • You must registerprior to going to the fingerprint site.
  • Record your Registration Identification Number or “PAE” Number:
    • Cogent will provide this number to you upon registration. Your identification number will begin with the letters “PAE.” Please keep track of PAE number as you will need to provide this number when you go to the fingerprinting site and to the school district.
  • Find a convenient fingerprinting site on www.pa.cogentid.com:
    • Please note that you will be required to have a valid ID present at the fingerprinting site.
    • At this time, The School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Talent is unable to provide fingerprinting services to our employees. We strongly encourage you to find the site that is convenient to your school location and/or home. If and when the office is able to accommodate staff, this page will be updated with hours.
717-783-3750

Resources

Payroll & Understanding your paycheck

Hiring Documentation & New Hire Information

Benefits, Health Services, and Retirement

Absence and Leave Forms

Restoration to Service

  • If you separated from service before April 15, 2015, your request to restore must be made within four years of your date of separation
  • If you separated from service on or after April 15, 2015, your request to restore must be made within two years of your date of separation.
  • The Office of Talent must approve your request to restore before you are eligible to enter our selection process.
  • Restoration to Service Form

Certification and Salary Upgrades

Employee Transfer Requests

Work From Home

Additional Resources

Required Documents

Steps to complete after you've accepted an offer

To be eligible to work for The School District of Philadelphia, you must complete the below clearances and paperwork prior to your start date. We are able to accept clearances if they are less than one year old from the date a new employee presents them to the Employee Onboarding team.

Step 1: Complete Background Clearances Required for Hire
Estimated time to complete: 2 weeks

  • Submit Fingerprinting
  • Submit Child Abuse Clearance
  • Submit Criminal Record Clearance
  • Schedule Physical/TB Appointments
  • Apply for Transcripts (if required for your role)

Step 2: Upload Paperwork Required for Hire
Complete this step after you receive your clearances and medical paperwork. Upload ALL required hiring documents in Taleo.

Note: Estimated review time is 1 week. We are unable to review documents until all documents are submitted.

Step 3: 1-9 VERIFICATION AND ID BADGE
Once your paperwork is reviewed and approved, you will be asked to come into 440 North Broad Street to complete your:

  • 1-9 Verification
  • Take and receive your official photo ID badge

When you have received your ID badge, you are considered fully complete and are approved to start work.

Background Clearances Required for Hire

All incoming SDP Employees are responsible for completing the following prior to employment. We are able to accept any clearance or health physical if they are less than one year old from the date a new employee uploads them into their virtual onboarding process.

  • Pennsylvania Criminal History Check (cost: $22)
    • Apply for your Criminal Record Check online at PATCH, using a credit or debit card for payment.
    • Your results are emailed to you; submit those results via your online Taleo onboarding.
  • Child Abuse Clearance (cost: $13):
    • Apply online for your Child Abuse Clearance through the Child Welfare Portal. Results can take up to 21 days to receive.
    • Your results are emailed to you; submit those results via your online Taleo onboarding.
  • FBI Fingerprint Clearance (cost: $25.25):
    • Pre-Enroll for your FBI Fingerprint Clearance on the IdentoGO website
    • Please select Department of Education as the agency.
    • Click on “Schedule or Manage an Appointment” and enter code 1KG6XN.
    • After pre-enrolling, schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted at an IdentoGO site. The School District is a fingerprint site and is available by appointment only on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please contact your Recruiter to schedule an appointment.
    • Bring necessary identification and a form of payment to your fingerprint appointment. IdentoGO locations accept credit/debit cards or money orders made out to MorphTrust for $23.85. Please review this FAQ document for more information regarding fingerprinting.
    • The School District can view your results 48 hours after you are fingerprinted; submit your results via your online Taleo onboarding.
  • Medical Form & TB Test (cost varies)
    • Download the health form here and take to your doctor or a health clinic to get your physical and TB test completed by a physician. The School District only accepts this form, and it must be completed by a physician.
    • Your physical and TB test must be less than one year old, and your TB test can be no more than three months older than your physical.
    • Submit your results via your online Taleo onboarding.

Act 168 Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release

  • Act 168 of 2014 requires all pre-hire candidates to complete the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release form for any employer(s) that meet specific criteria.
  • Once you return a signed offer letter, you will receive an email with the subject “Pre-Hire Act 168 Submission” from philasd@act168.net. You must complete employer information for Act 168 within 7 days of receiving this email in our online system using the link provided. You will need to provide the name, address, and email of your current employer and ALL former employer(s) that were school entities and/or where you had direct contact with children.

Paperwork Required for Hire

All incoming new hires are responsible for uploading documentation in their online Taleo onboarding or completing in person:

  1. Proof of High School Diploma or GED
    • Most non-professional level roles require a high school diploma, GED, or proof of completion of education through the 12th grade. You would need to bring a copy of your high school diploma, transcript, GED transcript, or other higher education diploma to verify this proof.
    • If you graduated from a School District of Philadelphia school, you can request a high school transcript here.
  2. Employment Eligibility Verification I-9
    • You must submit correct identification verification documents from page 3 of the document; most people bring their passport OR state-issued photo ID AND Social Security Card OR Birth Certificate to their in-person I-9 review.
  3. Application General Information Form
  4. Employee Information Sheet (if you are being hired as a contractor, you would complete the Contractor Information Sheet)
  5. Direct Deposit Form
    • Complete the attached form and submit along with a voided check or direct deposit form from your bank in your online Taleo onboarding.
  6. W-4
  7. Workers Compensation Notification
  8. School District of Philadelphia Code of Ethics
  9. Emergency Contact Form
  10. Employee Acknowledgement Form

Optional documents:

  1. Dependent Eligibility Documents (for benefits): Please review our benefits site for further information about documents you need to present for dependents you seek to have covered by the District health care plan (marriage certificate, birth certificate, Social Security Card, transcripts if dependents are in college)
  2. If you have military service experience, please bring your DD-214 form to your meeting.

Required New Hire Paperwork for Instructional Staff Only

Instructional and professional staff members also need to produce the following:

  1. Transcripts: If applicable for salary purposes, you must submit official sealed or official electronic transcripts documenting your Masters degree(s) for salary verification purposes, if applicable. If applicable for certification purposes, you may also need official sealed or official electronic transcripts documenting your Bachelor’s degree for emergency permits.
  2. Professional Certificate: Instructional staff must have their original professional certificate.
  3. Contract: You will complete either the Temporary Teacher Contract (if you are not tenured in the state of PA) or the Professional Teacher Contract (if you are tenured in the state of PA already) during your in-person I-9 verification/badge appointment
  4. Prior Experience Verification: If you have two or more years of experience in the instructional or professional position for which you are being hired, you may need to verify your prior experience for salary credit. Please review and take action on the items on our Salary Scale page outside of your online Taleo onboarding.

All extra-curricular Coaches must acquire the following and upload to your online Taleo onboarding (please speak to your Athletic Director for additional information):

  1. Proof of Sports Safety Certification
  2. Proof of CPR and First Aid Certification

Certifications

The Pennsylvania Department of Education issues all certificates to teach in Pennsylvania. All information provided on these pages is subject to change, and all users should consult the Pennsylvania Department of Education regularly for updates.

Who Needs to be Certified?

Classroom teachers, administrative and supervisory personnel, school librarians, and other school professionals (including guidance counselors, school nurses, school psychologists, and school social workers) are required to hold a Pennsylvania certificate.

Applying for Certification and Creating a New Credential

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires all applications for credentials be completed and submitted through the new Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).

TIMS Instructions for Creating a New Credential

Note: You will need to submit the transcripts and any other requested documentation to the Pennsylvania Department of Education with a coversheet that you can print out after you have submitted and paid for your application. The system will prompt you to pay by credit card or money order.

Certified in Another State?

Out-of-state certified applicants must obtain Pennsylvania certification to qualify for employment. If you have an out-of-state certification/license, please apply for a PA Certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You may contact them at (717) 787-3356 to speak with an evaluator. It may take up to two months to receive a formal reply.

Not Certified? Requesting an Emergency Permit?

If you have spoken with a recruiter about the district requesting an emergency permit to begin teaching, counseling, nursing, or otherwise, you should review the Emergency Certification for Teachers Overview or Emergency Certification for School Nurses Overview for specific instructions regarding what you must do to enroll in a certification program.

Please then follow these Instructions for Emergency Permit Application to apply for your emergency permit. During your onboarding, you will work with our Certification Team to complete the remainder of the emergency permit application process. You will need to obtain a $100 money order made out to the Commonwealth of PA and an official, sealed copy of your conferred bachelor’s degree transcripts.

Please note that you will not be eligible to teach with an emergency permit in the same position for more than one year without pursuing appropriate education and/or testing. If you are not currently otherwise certified in a teaching content area, the district strongly encourages you to pursue appropriate certification to remain a District employee in the years ahead.

If you are a newly hired teacher, school counselor, or nurse and are being hired under an emergency permit, you can be reimbursed for the cost of your emergency permit for your first school year only. Please follow the Emergency Permit Reimbursement Process

For Vocational Teachers

Vocational teachers must also register to take the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) through Temple University.

For information regarding the Vocational Program at Temple University, prospective CTE teachers can visit the Temple University Center for Professional Development in Career and Technical Education website: www.temple.edu/cte. For certification information, contact Nancy Johnston at nancy.johnston@temple.edu.

Level 2 Certification

The Level II booklet is for applicants converting Level I to Level II.

Note: Forms may be used for reference purposes only. All applications for certification must be submitted online through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).

The fee for Level II applications is $200.

TIMS Electronic Application Instructions

For Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, School Nurses and School Psychologists

Teachers, counselors, librarians, school nurses and school psychologists who have worked after the issuance of a Level I certificate for a minimum of three (3) to a maximum of six (6) years in a public school, have completed 24 post-baccalaureate credits, and New Teacher Induction, must convert their certificate to Level II status.

*Important Instructions:

Upon receipt, you must submit a copy of your new certificate either in person, by mail or fax so that we can update your personnel file.

Time served on an emergency permit leading towards certification does not count towards Level II.
This procedure cannot be used for applying for Act 48 credits.
YOU MUST OBTAIN A SEPARATE TRANSCRIPT AND COMPLETE THE REQUIRED PDE FORM.

For Assistant Principals, Principals and Supervisors

Assistant principals, principals and supervisors who have worked for five (5) years in a public school, including acting time, after the issuance of an Administrative I certificate must convert their certificate to Level II status.

*Important instructions:

  • Upon receipt, you must submit a copy of your new certificate either in person, by mail, or fax so that we can update your personnel file.
  • Time served on an emergency permit leading towards certification does not count towards Level II.

ACT 48

  • How can I request the District to submit Act 48 hours for external professional development activities when the external organization is not able to submit?  Please complete the Act 48 Google Form to request that Act 48 hours are submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for external professional development activities. Please note you must use your School District of Philadelphia email to log onto the Google Form.
  • I have questions about my Act 48 credits, who can I contact within the School District of Philadelphia and/or PA Department of Education about them? First, please review our Act 48 Frequently Asked Questions page. If your question is not answered in the FAQ, please contact the Office of Compliance at (215) 400-4670 or the PA Department of Education at (717) 783-6646, or email Act48@philasd.org.
  • How can I receive a copy of my Teacher Induction? Please email Act48@philasd.org to request a copy.
  • How can I check my Act 48 credits online? You can view your credits through the online Act 48 Professional Education Management System on The Pennsylvania Department of Education website. Additionally, for more information regarding Act 48 and the steps for online registration, you may refer to our Teaching & Learning page.

Certification FAQs

  • What is Certification? Certification is a process to verify the qualifications and proper training of each professional educator to execute his/her professional responsibilities. The requirements for certification are: completion of an approved education preparation program at the bachelor’s or graduate level and meet all testing (Praxis exam) requirements established by the PA Department of Education. Learn more about Education Programs available with the PA Teacher Intern Certification.
  • What are the certification application processing fees? View our certification application fees.
  • What are the testing requirements? What are the Praxis exams? Individuals applying for an initial certificate (Instructional I or Education Specialist I) are required to take the Praxis I Pre-Professional skills tests in reading, writing and mathematics. Candidates for all instructional areas must take the Praxis II in addition to the designated subject test(s). All individuals seeking dual certification will be required to be examined in both areas of specialization. In Pennsylvania, Praxis test scores are valid for 5 calendar years from the original test date. For more information regarding test dates, locations and registration procedures, please contact Education Testing Services (ETS) at (800) 772-9476. View this link for Pennsylvania testing requirements.
  • Am I required to complete an Induction Program? Yes, if your initial Instructional I certificate was issued on or after June 1, 1987; you must present evidence of having successfully completed a Pennsylvania Department Education approved induction program in order to qualify for an Instructional II or Vocational Instructional II certificate. The School District of Philadelphia offers a flexible and comprehensive Induction Program. For more information please contact the Office of Teaching and Learning at teacherinduction@philasd.org or 215.400.4280
  • How can I check an institution’s accreditation? You can click the link to view the Postsecondary Education Institutions and Programs accredited by Accrediting Agencies and State Approval Agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
  • How do I keep my certification active? Beginning July 1, 2000, Act 48 of 1999 requires educators holding a PA professional certification to complete continuing education requirements every five years in order to maintain their certifications as active. For more information please visit the Act 48 faqs from the PDE website.
  • Who do I contact regarding my Level II application verification? Verification of Employment and Years of Service: Please call Personnel Records at (215) 400-4780 Verification of Time Taught on Level I: Verification is done electronically via the TIMS system. Once you submit and pay for your application, it will come to us for verification. Please be sure to affiliate with “Philadelphia City SD” on your application.

Salary Upgrades for Education

Current School District of Philadelphia Employees

The Office of Certification accepts official, sealed transcripts showing conferred or awarded degrees, along with the documentation requested below for salary upgrades, in the following ways:

  1. Mailed to The School District of Philadelphia
    Educational Center
    Certification Office
    440 North Broad Street, Suite 222
    Philadelphia, PA 19130
  2. Hand delivered to the Certification Office, Suite 222 (2nd floor, Portal D, HR Service Window) between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
  3. Official sealed E-transcripts should be sent from University to salaryupgrades@philasd.org.

E-Transcripts New Hire: Candidates and/or New Hires sending electronic transcripts should have the University send E-transcripts directly to Melissa Alexander for review at Salary@philasd.org.

The following notes pertain to all salary upgrades:

  • All salary Upgrade applications must include a Salary Upgrade Form. Please gather all transcripts and salary upgrade form for complete submission. If you have submitted Documentation within One Calendar year please be sure to select the “Open File” section of the Salary Upgrade form
  • Credits must be from a 4-year accredited college or university; credits from junior college and/or community college are not accepted at this time.
  • College/University credits with a grade of “C” or better
    • Vocational: The only exception to this is for vocational teachers, where credits from community colleges are acceptable.
  • Some colleges/universities use quarter hours. The School District of Philadelphia considers quarter hour credits to be 2/3 of a semester hour and will use the following calculation to convert those credits to semester hours: total number of quarter hours multiplied by 2 and divided by 3 = number of semester hours.
    • A few of the universities that use a quarter hour system are Antioch, California State – East Bay, and Drexel.
  • Degrees from other countries must be evaluated by a National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services member; WES is one that is frequently used but any member can be used by the applicant. A list of members can be found at http://www.naces.org/.
  • We do not accept courses in real estate, law, medicine or religion because they cannot be used in the classroom. We will, however, accept medical courses for nurses and “school” law courses.
  • School Nurses, Occupational/Physical Therapist and Psychologist cannot attain Senior Career Teacher salary status

Master’s Equivalency Salary Upgrade

  • Master’s Equivalency requires 36 graduate credits from an accredited college/university with a grade of “C” or better. A minimum of 18 credits in any certified content area and a maximum of 18 PA approved in-service credits. In-service is considered “professional development” before year 2000.
  • Applicants should obtain a Letter of Equivalency from the state, Applicant must complete a Salary Upgrade Request Form and attach a copy of the Letter of Equivalency.
  • NOTE: Masters Equivalency is approved by the PA Department of Education. The requirements and process can be found at The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website- CLICK HERE

Master’s Degree Salary Upgrade

  • Applicant must complete a Salary Upgrade Request Form and submit official Master’s transcript, sealed in official college envelope, which shows conferred Master’s Degree with date awarded.

Master’s Plus 30 Salary Upgrade

  • Applicant must submit a Salary Upgrade Request Form
  • Submit Master’s transcript, sealed in official college and/or University envelope, which shows conferred Master’s Degree with date awarded, along with the other official, sealed transcripts which make up the additional credits.
  • Master’s Plus 30 requires 60 credits beyond the Bachelor’s Degree. Post baccalaureate credits may be included with Master’s+30 application.
  • Some colleges/universities use quarter hours. The School District of Philadelphia considers quarter hour credits to be 2/3 of a semester hour and will use the following calculation to convert those credits to semester hours: total number of quarter hours multiplied by 2 and divided by 3 = number of semester hours. A few of the universities that use a quarter hour system are Antioch, California State – East Bay, and Drexel.

Doctorate’s Salary Upgrade 

  • Applicant must complete a Salary Upgrade Request Form and submit official sealed conferred Doctorate’s degree transcript. Please Note: Must reflect any degree from a graduate degree granting institution, awarded or conferred on or after January 1, 2012 will be accepted for salary upgrade.

Senior Career Teacher (SCT) Salary Upgrade 

  • Applicant must complete an SCT Salary Upgrade Form and submit official sealed conferred and/or awarded Master’s transcript, sealed in official college envelope, along with the other official, sealed transcripts which make up the additional credits.
  • SCT requires 90 credits beyond Conferred Bachelor’s degree and a Conferred Master’s Degree OR a conferred Doctorate’s Degree.
  • SCT requires 2 professional certifications or 1 K-12 certification area; applicants are required to submit a copy of professional certifications.
  • SCT requires that applicants complete 10 years of teaching experience as a teacher in The School District of Philadelphia. We do not count long-term sub work, Per-Diem, or interrupted Worktime (such as lay-offs or leaves)
  • School Nurses, Occupational/Physical Therapist and Psychologist cannot attain Senior Career Teacher salary status.

Vocational Education Teacher Salary Upgrade- Additional Information

Master’s Degree Level:

  • Six (6) years of trade experience and possession of a Bachelor’s Degree, OR achievement of a Vocational I certificate issued by PDE.

Master’s Plus 30:

  •  Possession of a Vocational II certificate issued by PDE.

Senior Career Teacher:

  • Possession of a Vocational II certificate issued by PDE
  • Ten (10) years of satisfactory teaching in the School District of Philadelphia
  • Forty-five (45) approved college credits.

Salary adjustments for all of the above will be effective on the first day of the pay period in which the last credential is received by the Certification Office. Educators are encouraged to retain a personal complete set of official transcripts on hand. The compliance department does not maintain an ongoing file of coursework for each employee.

New Hire Salary Adjustment for Prior Experience: Teacher/Counselor/Clinical Staff

Welcome, new hires and candidates. As part of the hiring process at the School District, you may have already received an initial offer of employment that includes a quoted salary, based on the information you provided on your resume.

There are additional steps you can take to further adjust your salary, based on your education and prior experience. Once you submit the required information and we have verified it, a revised salary may be presented. Please read the steps below and complete them all, as soon as possible, so we can finalize your offer.

NOTE: This opportunity for adjustment/salary increase is only applicable to candidates with TWO OR MORE years’ past experience of satisfactory full-time work as a teacher or a counselor, OR an advanced degree (see Advanced Degrees below).

Salary Adjustments/Increases for New Hires

  • Your initial offer is a quote based on your resume and will continue to be refined, as you continue through the hiring process and provide proof of your education and experience
  • Your official (final) starting salary will be based on your VERIFIED experience and education
    • Experience is verified via the Prior Experience form (see the appropriate job category below and expand, to find your form),
      • which you’ll send to past employers’ Human Resources Office (see directions below), to be completed by your former employer(s) authorized Human Resources Representative, and sent back to salary@philasd.org
    • Education is verified through an official, sealed paper transcript or an official e-transcript sent directly to us at salary@philasd.org
  • It is your responsibility to reach out to your past employers and educational institutions to ensure your education and prior experience are verified in order to receive the correct salary.
  • Forms cannot be accepted or received by a candidate/new hire; form must be sent directly to the District.
  • Once your past employers and educational institutions have returned the forms to the School District of Philadelphia you will receive a final salary letter via email. Please allow up to two weeks for processing your salary adjustment.
  • As long as we continue to receive verifications, we will continue to review and adjust your salary
  • The final salary offered will be based on your experience and education and is non-negotiable.
  • Salary adjustments received after your start date:
    • are eligible for retroactive payment if they are received within 60 days of your start date
    • Any adjustments received after the 60 days are effective at the beginning of the pay period in which they are received.

You may begin this process at any step of your hiring process.

  1. Review the Prior Experience Policy for the rules the district will use to calculate your salary offer for the above positions.
  2. Sign and submit the policy to salary@philasd.org
  3. Download the Prior Experience Verification form
  4. Complete section one (I) only.
  5. Send the Prior Experience Verification form to each of your current and/or former employers Human Resources Office where you held a role for which you would receive salary credit for based on the above policy.
  6. Your former Employer(s) Authorized Human Resources Representative will complete Section two (II) and return it directly to salary@philasd.org. They should copy you on the email so that you know it was sent.
  7. If your former employer(s) uses a third party verifications (ex the work number, E-Verify, InVerify, etc) Candidate/new hire will need to obtain the verification and submit the official unaltered verification to salary@philasd.org the School District of Philadelphia does not participate or pay for third party verifications

New Hire Salary Adjustment for Prior Experience: Nurses & Vocational/CTE Teacher

You may begin this process at any step of your hiring process.

  1. Review the Prior Experience Policy for the rules the district will use to calculate your salary offer for the above positions.
  2. Sign and submit the policy to salary@philasd.org
  3. Download the Prior Experience Verification form
  4. Complete section one (I) only.
  5. Send the Prior Experience Verification form to each of your current and/or former employers Human Resources Office where you held a role for which you would receive salary credit for based on the above policy.
  6. Your former Employer(s) Authorized Human Resources Representative will complete Section two (II) and return it directly to salary@philasd.org. They should copy you on the email so that you know it was sent.
  7. If your former employer(s) uses a third party verifications (ex the work number, E-Verify, InVerify, etc) Candidate/new hire will need to obtain the verification and submit the official unaltered verification to salary@philasd.org the School District of Philadelphia does not participate or pay for third party verifications
  8. If you were the owner of a business with qualify experience you will need to submit tax returns for each year you owned the business.

Advanced Degrees

The following notes pertain to all salary upgrades:

  • Credits must be from a 4-year accredited college or university; credits from junior college and/or community college are not accepted. The only exception to this is for vocational teachers, where credits from community colleges are acceptable.
  • Degrees from other countries must be evaluated by a National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services member; WES is one that is frequently used but any member can be used by the applicant. A list of members can be found at http://www.naces.org/
  • We do not accept courses in real estate, law, medicine or religion because they cannot be used in the classroom.  We will, however, accept medical courses for nurses or CTE Medical Teacher and “school” law courses.
  • Some colleges/universities use quarter hours.  The School District of Philadelphia considers quarter hour credits to be 2/3 of a semester hour and will use the following calculation to convert those credits to semester hours:  total number of quarter hours multiplied by 2 and divided by 3 = number of semester hours.  A few of the universities that use a quarter hour system are Antioch, California State – East Bay, and Drexel.

Master’s Equivalency:

  • A Master’s Equivalency is evaluated and approved by the PA Department of Education and requires 36 graduate credits from an accredited college/university with a grade of “C” or better.  A minimum of 18 credits in any certified content area and a maximum of 18 PA approved in-service credits.  In-service is considered “professional development” before year 2000.

Master’s Degree Salary Upgrade

  • Awarded and/or conferred Masters degree.
  • Vocational Education Teachers with a Vocational I certificate or a Bachelor’s degree with 6 years of trade experience or a Master’s Degree should be paid at a Masters Level.

Master’s Plus 30 Salary Upgrade

  • Master’s Plus 30 requires an awarded and/or conferred Masters Degree, a total 60 semester credits beyond the conferred Bachelor’s Degree.

Doctorate’s Salary Upgrade 

  • Awarded and/or conferred Doctorate’s Degree

The Certification office accepts official transcripts showing conferred or awarded degrees.

Official Transcripts can sent accepted in one of three ways:

  1. Official Electronic transcripts sent directly to salary@philasd.org directly from your College/University’s third party company
  2. Official Sealed transcripts can be sent via U.S. Mail to:

The School District of Philadelphia

Suite 222, Attention Salary

440 North Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19130

3. Official Sealed transcripts can be hand delivered to the Certification office at:

The School District of Philadelphia

440 North Broad Street

2nd floor, Portal D, Suite 222

Philadelphia, PA 19130

Please indicate that you are a New Hire.

We do not accept degrees or courses in the fields of Law, Religion, Real Estate, or Medicine (Medicine is only accepted if you are taking a Nurse or CTE Medical Teacher Position) 

Transcript received within thirty (30) days of hire is eligible for retro active payment. Transcripts received after 30 days will need to apply for salary upgrade and will be effective the beginning of the pay period in which your official transcripts were received.

Salary Scales

Regular Education Teachers

Current Salary Scale for Teachers, School Counselors, Occupational and Physical Therapists, School Nurse, and School Nurse Practitioner. Effective 09/01/23.

Step Bachelor's or Equivalent Master's or Equivalent Master's + 30 Doctorate Senior Career Teacher
1 $51,568 $53,085 $56,405 $58,965 $102,376
2 $53,749 $55,644 $59,340 $62,661
3 $58,109 $60,573 $64,839 $68,535
4 $61,806 $64,268 $68,727 $72,520
5 $65,313 $67,680 $72,233 $76,025
6 $68,442 $70,904 $75,453 $79,249
7 $71,473 $74,034 $78,679 $82,469
8 $72,811 $77,066 $82,429 $86,232
9 $74,171 $80,223 $86,361 $90,168
10 $75,558 $83,507 $90,478 $94,283

Special Education Teachers

Current Teacher Salary Scale for Special Education Teachers. Effective 09/01/23.

Step Bachelor's or Equivalent Master's or Equivalent Master's + 30 Doctorate Senior Career Teacher
1 $52,516 $54,032 $57,351 $59,909 $102,376
2 $55,170 $57,065 $60,762 $64,081
3 $59,529 $61,998 $66,262 $69,957
4 $63,227 $65,694 $70,147 $73,938
5 $66,734 $69,107 $73,652 $77,448
6 $69,862 $72,330 $76,876 $80,672
7 $72,897 $75,453 $80,101 $83,896
8 $73,895 $78,171 $83,546 $87,349
9 $74,907 $80,988 $87,137 $90,945
10 $75,932 $83,903 $90,885 $94,688

Demonstration Teachers

Current Salary Scale for 10-month Demonstration Teachers. Effective 09/01/23.

STEP Bachelor's or Equivalent Master's or Equivalent Master's + 30 Doctorate
1 $52,516 $54,506 $57,825 $60,384
2 $55,359 $57,253 $60,951 $64,177
3 $59,721 $62,185 $66,542 $70,147
4 $63,513 $65,977 $70,432 $74,226
5 $67,020 $69,483 $74,034 $77,827
6 $70,147 $72,612 $77,164 $80,955
7 $73,275 $75,836 $80,383 $84,175
8 $74,614 $78,851 $84,142 $87,943
9 $75,976 $81,984 $88,074 $91,878
10 $77,362 $85,243 $92,189 $95,993

Special Education Demonstration Teachers

Current Salary Scale for 10-month Demonstration Teachers. Effective 09/01/23.

STEP Bachelor's or Equivalent Master's or Equivalent Master's + 30 Doctorate
1 $53,463 $55,456 $58,771 $61,331
2 $56,780 $58,681 $62,372 $65,599
3 $61,142 $63,607 $67,968 $71,569
4 $64,936 $67,395 $71,854 $75,647
5 $68,442 $70,903 $75,453 $79,248
6 $71,569 $74,034 $78,585 $82,378
7 $74,699 $77,256 $81,810 $85,600
8 $75,699 $79,955 $85,258 $89,057
9 $76,710 $82,747 $88,852 $92,654
10 $77,734 $85,639 $92,596 $96,395

School Psychologists

Salary Scale for 10-and 12-month School Psychologists. Effective 09/01/23.

Step 10 month 12 month
1 $63,038 $75,171
2 $66,640 $79,623
3 $83,512 $99,817
4 $89,012 $106,455
5 $107,495 $128,638

Salary Policies

Teacher/Counselor/ Clinical Staff (Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Psychologists) Policy

Download Teacher Policy Here

  • New Hires may receive approved prior experience credit for all years minus one (1) with a maximum placement of step ten (10) on the salary scale.
  • Full-time teaching experience as a lead teacher, school counselor, Principal, Assistant Principal, Literacy Coach and Academic Coach positions will be accepted for teachers.
  • Full-time teaching experience as a lead teacher will be accepted for counselors.
  • Full-time psychology experience will be accepted for school psychologists.
  • Full-time occupational therapy experience will be accepted for occupational therapists.
  • Full-time speech language pathology experience will be accepted for speech language pathologists.
  • Experience as a full-time counselor in a school or as a counselor in a public or private youth agency is acceptable for prior experience credit.
  • Experience will only be counted if it is after the awarding of a bachelor’s degree.  Experience prior to a bachelor’s degree will not be credited.
  • Satisfactory Work Experience will be counted.
  • Experience will be accepted at any education level including pre-school, elementary, secondary, community college, or college/university level; and through any accredited or licensed educational entity, including public school, private school, parochial school, day care center or program, charter school, or college/university.
  • Adjunct Professors will receive half credit.
  • Positions out of the country are accepted in alignment with the prior experience policy.
  • Part-time and shared time teaching, student teaching, Resident, Internships, fellowships, or serving as a teacher’s assistant, teacher’s aide, co-teacher, per diem substitute, or other similar positions will not be accepted for prior experience credit.
  • A full-year of prior experience credit will be given if an individual worked for 75% of the school year in the same school district. The year can either be a 10-month or 12-month position. 75% of a 10-month position is equivalent to at least 135 days or 7.5 months. For example, if a school year is from September 1 to June 15 and an individual held a position from October 15 until the end of the school year, the individual would receive prior experience credit for a full-year because she/he worked for more than 75% of the work year.
  • Long-term substitute positions that were held and worked for seventy (70) days or more in a semester will be given a half-year of prior experience credit. Semesters counted are September 1st through January 31st and February 1st through June 30th. Half-years of long-term substitute teaching credit will be counted as full years of prior experience credit if there are an even number of half-years. If there is an odd number of half-years, credit will be rounded down to the closest half-year. For example, two half-years of long-term substitute teaching credit will be counted as a full year. Three half-years of long-term substitute teaching credit will be rounded down to the closest half-year and counted as a full year.
  • Verification received within 60 days of appointment will be retroactive to the date of appointment. Experience received after 60 days will not be retroactive.

Nurses & Vocational/CTE Teacher Policy

Download Nurse/CTE Policy Here

Nurses

  • New Hires may receive approved prior experience credit for all years minus one (1) with a maximum placement of step ten (10) on the salary scale.
  • Credit will be given for those who have satisfactory experience as a registered nurse.
  • Nurses will receive prior experience credit based on the hours they worked weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or yearly:
    • A full year of prior experience credit will be given for 30 hours per week or more, 60 hours biweekly or more, 120 hours monthly or more, or 1,440 hours annually or more.
    • A half-year of prior experience credit will be given for 20-29 hours per week, 40-59 hours bi-weekly, 80-119 hours monthly or 960-1,439 hours annually.
  • Half-years of prior experience credit will be combined to give credit as full years of prior experience credit if there are an even number of half-years. If there are an odd number of half-years, credit will be rounded down to the closest half-year. For example, two half-years of prior experience credit will be combined to make a full year. Five half-years of long-term prior experience credit will be rounded down to the closest full year and counted as two full years.
  • Months of part-time and full-time work will be added together. Any remaining partial years that cannot be added together to equate one year of credit will not be counted.
  • SDP does not participate in third party verifications (ex the work number, E-Verify, InVerify, etc) Candidate will need to obtain the verification and submit the official unaltered verification to salary@philasd.org
  • Verification received within 60 days of appointment will be retroactive to the date of appointment. Experience received after 60 days will not be retroactive.

Vocational/CTE Teachers

  • New Hires may receive approved prior experience credit for all years minus one (1) with a maximum placement of step ten (10) on the salary scale.
  • Vocational teachers will receive prior experience credit for satisfactory industry experience in the subject area they are teaching based on the hours they worked per week.
  • Full-time prior experience credit will be given if the individual worked a minimum of 30 hours per week or more.
  • Part-time prior experience credit will be given if the individual worked 20-29 hours per week. Part-time prior experience credit will be counted as half-years. For example, 5 years of part-time experience will be counted as 2.5 years of full-time experience.
  • Months of part-time and full-time work will be added together. Any remaining partial years that cannot be added together to equate one year of credit will not be counted.
  • Vocational teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree must submit an official sealed transcript to effect your salary.
  • Verification received within 60 days of appointment will be retroactive to the date of appointment. Experience received after 60 days will not be retroactive.

Tuition & Fee Reimbursement

Current Tuition Reimbursements

If you are interested in applying for one of the below reimbursements please download the application to process your request.
Questions can be directed to reimbursements@philasd.org.

APPLICATION FOR TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

Career Development Fund: We will provide tuition assistance for the cost of college credits up to $600.00.

  • Who is eligible? Appointed Secretaries, School Operations Officers, Paraprofessionals, Non-Teaching Assistants, Teachers who need to be re-certified (only for teachers who do not hold a Level 2 certification), and the Para-Technical Unit Members
  • Tuition reimbursement will be granted for up to $600 per school year
  • Courses taken in the current school year but after the date of employment
  • Applications can be submitted once the course is completed and a grade of “C” or better is received on an official sealed transcript.

National Board Certification Application Expenses: We will reimburse classroom teachers up to $2500.00 for application fees and expenses incurred in applying for Nation Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification.

  • Who is eligible? Classroom Teachers
  • Application fees and expenses incurred in applying for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification
  • Reimbursement will be granted for up to $2500 per school year
  • Must be an employee at the time of application for the NBCT certification
  • Eligible for reimbursement only for fees and expenses involved in applying for NBCT after receiving
  • the certification
  • Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, applications will be accepted year-round. Applications can be submitted once the course is completed and a grade of “C” or better is received on an official sealed transcript

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