Teaching Fellow 2026-2027

Job Description

Teaching Fellow 2026-2027

The Germantown Friends School Teaching Fellowship program aims to prepare aspiring educators to lead their own classrooms. Through hands-on classroom experiences, mentoring, feedback, and targeted professional development, we strive to develop exceptional teachers and launch them on their educational paths. This one-year program is designed to complement graduate studies in education and bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge. It is ideal for recent college graduates or career changers who want to teach and are seeking the training, support, and classroom experience necessary to become successful educators. Working collaboratively in a classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher and engaging in weekly professional development seminars as a cohort, Teaching Fellows learn pedagogy, curriculum, classroom management, child development, and reflective practices that will equip them to become outstanding lead teachers.

How It Works
The Teaching Fellowship is a one-year, part-time position. Fellows are placed in an elementary classroom (K-5) and work each day from 7:45 am to 12:30 pm under the guidance of a mentor teacher.

Responsibilities

• Shadow and support a lead teacher
• Participate in whole-class lessons and activities
• Provide small group and individual instruction
• Plan and teach lessons
• Help supervise lunch, recess, and transitions

One afternoon a week, Fellows meet in a seminar to explore aspects of teaching and learning. This cohort model is intentionally designed to encourage Fellows to learn from one another and support each other in their education. Seminars often include classroom observations and presentations by faculty members from the GFS. Recent seminar topics have included lesson planning, understanding student behavior, partnering with parents, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

In addition to their part-time salary, Fellows receive a stipend for participating in the program and partial tuition support for their graduate studies. The position begins in late August 2026 and runs through mid-June 2027.

Who Should Apply?
Candidates must be college graduates who are committed to working with children. Enrollment in a graduate program in education is expected. Although our program is not directly affiliated with a university, we can typically arrange for Fellows to fulfill their student teaching requirements during their placement. Novice teachers and career-changers are encouraged to apply, particularly those who may be unfamiliar with an independent school environment. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds.

To apply, please submit an application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled, with priority given to those received by March 1st.

For more information, please contact Dr. Zarah Adams and Jenny Stetzer Goldberg at [email protected].

Germantown Friends School is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in its student body, faculty, and staff. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status. People demonstrating a commitment to diversity and multiculturalism in education are encouraged to apply. For more information about the school, please visit our website atwww.germantownfriends.org.

Germantown Friends School is a Quaker, independent, co-educational day school, serving early childhood‐12th grade. Located in northwest Philadelphia, the school is home to a vibrant intellectual community, located in a historic neighborhood, serving a diverse school community, with a robust educational program that is grounded in Quaker principles. For more information about the school, visitwww.germantownfriends.org.