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.
Principals & Assistant Principals
Lead a school as a Principal, Assistant Principal, or Climate Manage.
School Support Roles
Secretaries, teaching & special education assistants, bilingual counseling and support staff
Central Office
Find careers in academic support, family engagement, accounting, IT, engineering, and more.
Part-Time & Internship Opportunities
Explore openings that offer valuable real-world experience and the chance to develop practical skills.
Hiring Events
Teachers & Specialty Teaching Roles
Join our team of dedicated educators and make a lasting impact on students’ growth and success.
The Teacher Eligibility Applications are now open. You must be in the eligibility pool in order to apply for vacant positions at schools.
How to Apply
Application Process
- Step #1: Submit an eligibility application during the eligibility application window
- Step #2: Eligibility applications are reviewed for advancement
- Step #3: Approved applicants advance to the interview round
- Step #4: Final candidates placed in eligibility pool
- Step #5: Eligible candidates can apply directly to schools in their respective subject areas via Taleo.
Need Help? View our Application Guide.
Application Process - 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.
FAQs
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, resulting in you having an outsized impact on their growth, path, and outlook.
Application Process - Demonstration Teachers
Demonstration Teachers utilize the most current educational techniques and instructional media, which contribute to effective teaching practices in their specific teaching areas.
All Roles are currently filled.
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.
Site Selection/School Placement
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. 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.
- 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.
Information
Teaching Roles
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.
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.
Demonstration Teacher
Demonstration Teachers utilize the most current educational techniques and instructional media, which contribute to effective teaching practices in their specific teaching areas.
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.
Compensation & Benefits
- View Salary Scales
- New Hire Salary Adjustment – If you are a newly hired you are eligible to have your initial salary offer adjustment to recognize your prior experience.
- Benefits – Healthcare, life insurance, retirement & more, all designed to support your well-being and future.
Required Documents & Certifications
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.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education issues all certificates to teach in Pennsylvania.
Click here for more information.
Principals & Assistant Principals
The School District of Philadelphia seeks dynamic leaders committed to ensuring that all students receive an excellent education, and are prepared to imagine and realize any future they desire.
The Principal & Assistant Principal Eligibility Application is now open. You must be in the eligibility pool in order to apply for vacant positions at schools. If the eligibility application is closed, and you are not in the pool, you will need to wait for the next eligibility application window to be considered.
Timeline
- Eligibility Application Deadline: March 21, 2025
- Notifications for Interviews: March 24, 2025
- Pool Interviews: April 2-8, 2025
- Notification of Pool Acceptance Deadline: April 11, 2025
How to Apply
Application Process
Phase One: Get into the Hiring Pool
- Step #1: Submit an eligibility application during the eligibility application window
- Step #2: Eligibility applications reviewed for advancement
- Step #3: Approved applicants advance to the interview round
- Step #4: Final candidates placed in eligibility pool
Phase Two: Get Hired at a School When Vacancies Open
- Step #1: Eligible Candidates apply to the schools with vacancies. View current vacancies
- Step #2: Selected candidates Interview with School Advisory Committee
- Step #3: (Principals Only) School Advisory Committee presents recommendations to Deputy Superintendent
- Step #4: (Principals Only) Deputy Superintendent presents recommendations to Superintendent
- Step #5: Superintendent makes final decision
- Step #6: Final candidate receives offer
Compensation & Benefits
Principal (12-month position): Salaries start at $148,831, with a maximum of $167,608.
Assistant Principal (10-month position): Salaries start at $100,693, with a maximum of $126,184.
*salaries in alignment with CASA collective bargaining
Benefits – Healthcare, life insurance, retirement & more, all designed to support your well-being and future.
Required Documents & Certifications
- Must possess a Pennsylvania Department of Education Principal certification. Out-of-state certifications must be eligible for reciprocity. Learn more about the out-of-state certification process here.
- Emergency certifications will not be accepted.
Information Sessions
Principal Eligibility Pool Interest
Monday, March 10 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual via Zoom
RSVP at bit.ly/prinsession
Assistant Principal Eligibility Interest
Tuesday, March 11 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual via Zoom
RSVP at bit.ly/aprinsession
Zoom link will be shared with attendees by March 7
School Support Roles
Make a difference in one of many roles directly supporting students and schools.
Information
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
School & Behavioral Health Counselors
School & Behavioral Health Counselors provide counseling services that foster the academic, personal, social, and career development of all students.
How to Apply
Application Process
- Step #1: Submit an eligibility application during the eligibility application window
- Step #2: Eligibility applications reviewed for advancement
- Step #3: Approved applicants advance to the interview round
- Step #4: Final candidates placed in eligibility pool
- Step #5: Eligible Candidates apply to the schools with vacancies.
Need Help? View our Application Guide.
Site Selection/School Placement
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. 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.
- 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.
Information
Compensation & Benefits
- View Salary Scales
- New Hire Salary Adjustment – If you are a newly hired you are eligible to have your initial salary offer adjustment to recognize your prior experience.
- Benefits – Healthcare, life insurance, retirement & more, all designed to support your well-being and future.
Required Documents & Certifications
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.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education issues all certificates to teach in Pennsylvania.
Click here for more information.
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.
Information
Roles
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.
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation – School nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, physical therapists, and orientation and mobility specialists are compensated with a 10-month salary paid over 12 months.
- New Hire Salary Adjustment – If you are a newly hired you are eligible to have your initial salary offer adjustment to recognize your prior experience.
- Benefits – Healthcare, life insurance, retirement & more, all designed to support your well-being and future.
Required Documents & Certifications
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.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education issues all certificates to teach in Pennsylvania.
Click here for more information.
Central Office
Roles in academic support, student services, human resources, information technology, finance, facilities, and operations.
Compensation & Benefits
- Jobs are classified into salary grades. The job description includes the salary grade – you can use that code to find your salary range in THIS DOCUMENT
- Benefits – Healthcare, life insurance, retirement & more, all designed to support your well-being and future.
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.
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.
Information
Roles
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.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
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.
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.
Food Services
Our programs and services prepare students for a quality education by providing the fuel necessary for learning. Assemble and prepare meals, clean service areas, and do occasional cashiering.
Pay ranges from $16.68 to $20.72.
School Safety Officers (SSO)
School Safety Officers (SSO) lead the School District’s work in fostering safe, secure, and supportive learning environments. In addition to being guardians for our schools, Officers are also mentors and champions of our students.
Information
Job Roles & Qualifications
Qualifications
- Candidates must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Successful completion of a training program provided by the School District of Philadelphia is a requirement for continued employment.
Job Role
- 10-Month Schedule: 8-hour shifts, with schedules of 6:30 or 7 AM – 3 or 3:30 PM. This includes a 30-minute lunch break.
- Provides security for all School District facilities, including extracurricular activities and some Saturday activities; patrols school grounds and perimeters on foot or in a vehicle; reports unsafe conditions.
- Oversees building access by monitoring all entrances and visitors.
- Builds positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and the surrounding community to establish a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Exhibits ethical and professional behavior; ensures that students are always treated with dignity and respect.
- Responds and investigates incidents and disturbances with efficiency; defuses and de-escalates misconduct or inappropriate student behavior.
- Completes, organizes and submits incident reports in accordance with departmental procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Compensation & Benefits
Starting salary $33,849 for a 10-month role.
Benefits – Learn More
- Training and Certification Provided
- Health Insurance
- Step Pay Increases
- Paid Holidays and Weekends Off
- Summers off, with opportunity for additional paid summer work
- Overtime Eligible
- Pension
- Union Represented
- Advancement Opportunities
Growth & Development Opportunities
- Promotion Path: After two years, Officers can seek promotion to Supervisor, with further advancement to Area Manager and other senior leadership roles.
- Other Department Roles: Officers may apply for openings like Emergency Dispatcher as they arise.
- Special Opportunities: Officers can serve as mentors in the School Safety Mentoring Program or join the Mediation Response Team.
- Community Leadership: Qualified Officers may be considered to direct a Police Athletic League Center.
- Growth & Development: School Safety actively trains, supports, and promotes outstanding staff from within.
Training & Support
- Commitment to Training & Support: The Office of School Safety prioritizes continuous staff development with comprehensive training and coaching.
- Pre-Service Training: Includes the state-mandated Act 67 course, school safety foundations, QBS Safety-Care certification, and American Red Cross CPR/AED certification.
- Specialized Training: Officers receive instruction in trauma-informed care, adolescent development, relationship-building, and mentoring. All training is paid.
- Ongoing Development: Early-career Officers receive coaching through the Positive School Safety Program (PSSP), a national model that equips staff with skills for positive student interactions and school climate enhancement.
- Peer Coaching & Best Practices: The PSSP trains Officers as peer coaches and emphasizes evidence-based approaches in behavior management, trauma-informed practices, and community-oriented safety strategies.
Part-Time & Internship Opportunities
Select a position to learn more and apply.
Current Employee Opportunities
Current employees interested in transitioning to a new career within the District can view and apply for opportunities through Taleo, accessible via the employee portal.
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: $26.20):
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Application General Information Form
- Employee Information Sheet (if you are being hired as a contractor, you would complete the Contractor Information Sheet)
- 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.
- W-4
- Workers Compensation Notification
- School District of Philadelphia Code of Ethics
- Emergency Contact Form
- Employee Acknowledgement Form
Optional documents:
- 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)
- 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:
- 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.
- Professional Certificate: Instructional staff must have their original professional certificate.
- 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
- 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):
- Proof of Sports Safety Certification
- Proof of CPR and First Aid Certification
Certifications
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.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issues all certificates to teach in Pennsylvania.
- Out-of-state certified applicants must obtain Pennsylvania certification to qualify for employment.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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