Visual/Performing Arts Teacher, 2025-26 School Year

Job Description 

Visual/Performing Arts Teacher Eligibility Application 2025-26 - (50023760)

This is a PFT union represented position.  The salary currently ranges from $51,568 to $94,283, depending on level of education and years of experience.  The salary you receive in your offer letter will be a quote.  In order to receive the salary quoted, your educational institution(s) and previous employer(s) must verify your credentials and experience.  This is non-negotiable.  You can start verifying your credentials and/or experience at any step of the hiring process. Click here to review the prior experience policy, and click here to download the prior experience form.

All visual and/or performing arts applicants MUST pass a secondary screen conducted by the District's Office of Arts & Creative Learning in order to be eligible for hire.  Should you meet the minimum qualifications, an Instructional Recruiter will contact you with next steps regarding the secondary screen.  For music teachers, there is a tertiary screen if you are interested in being an itinerant music teacher instead of a classroom music teacher - please complete this GoogleForm if you are interested in being an itinerant music teacher.

Job Summary

A teacher in the School District of Philadelphia plans and teaches their subject area, following the scope and sequence for all courses; provides instruction to students in a variety of planned courses; provides the use of real life applications and simulations to instruct students in the analysis and interpretation of material being presented; instructs the use of tools, materials, processes, and applications of technology, including pertinent software applications, in the development of lessons, and uses formal and informal classroom and district assessments.

Essential Functions

• Assesses the skill level of students and aligns classroom goals and activities to established state and local standards;
• Provides instruction in respective subject area(s);
  Provides students with instruction emphasizing real life applications and simulations;
• Teaches inquiry techniques that encourage experimentation and alternative approaches to problem solving; 
• Provides technical expertise in the use of tools, materials, processes and applications of technology, including pertinent software applications; 
• Provides students with learning experiences requiring them to demonstrate comprehension of concepts and the ability to use technological resources in developing solutions to problems; 
• Provides instruction that encourages students to use learned skills as tools for inquiry-based learning; 
• Creates a classroom environment in which students have access to subject-related materials that address their needs and interests; 
• Collaborates with staff members within and across disciplines to integrate subject-specific skills across the curriculum; 
• Keeps abreast of the latest developments and improvements in education as it affects the instructional program; 
• Attends faculty meetings to discuss school problems and teaching methods; 
• Maintains classroom discipline; 
• Maintains attendance, grade(s), and other required records.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• For visual art applicants:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Arts, Arts Education, or a related field
• For performing art applicants:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Music, Music Education, Dance, or a related field

Certificates/Licenses

• Valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Instructional Certificate in respective grade level, and endorsements in respective subject area,  OR
• Meet requirements to obtain an emergency permit and ability to consistently meet emergency permit requirements until instructional certification can be issued.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• the principles, practices, and methods of grade level education;
• subject specific expertise; 
• the contents, materials, methodologies, and practices utilized within education at the respective grade level; 
• critical thinking methodologies and problem-solving techniques; 
• the theories and principles of child growth and development; 
• state standards and performance levels; 
• the use and application of technological innovations, including pertinent software, in the development of solutions to learning problems; 
• authentic performance assessment principles.

Demonstrated ability to:

• assess students' needs and learning styles and to design appropriate differentiated instruction to meet their needs;
• use and apply simulations and technological innovations in the classroom in pursuit of instructional strategies; 
• facilitate inquiry-based learning as well as whole class, small group, and individual instruction driven by student needs; 
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; 
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, administrators, supportive staff, parents, and students.