Esperanza Academy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Start Date: August 2026

School: Esperanza Academy Charter School

Location: Middle School

ABOUT ESPERANZA ACADEMY

Esperanza means hope. Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), located in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia, is dedicated to serving the students within its community. We believe education can be a vehicle for social and economic advancement, especially in historically underserved communities. This core belief drives our relentless pursuit to become the best educational option for all students in the Philadelphia area.

Our proven track record of academic success with historically underserved students sets us apart. The Academy has 11th-grade test scores above the city of Philadelphia average and value-added math and reading proficiency growth is among the highest in Pennsylvania. Students graduate at a rate exceeding 90% and drop out at only 1%. For 9 out of 11 years, the Academy has been awarded a silver or bronze medal rating in the US News ranking of Best High Schools in the country.

In the fall of 2025, we opened a brand-new elementary school building, marking the completion of our expansion to a full K-12 program serving over 2,200 students. This growth will make Esperanza Academy the second-largest single charter school in Philadelphia, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education to even more students in our city.

THE OPPORTUNITY

At Esperanza Academy Charter School, we aim to empower students through transformative learning experiences that pave the way for both academic success and life beyond the classroom. We believe that our teachers are key players in achieving that goal. For that reason, we seek out mission-minded, student-centered teachers who believe in the limitless potential of students in urban environments to achieve greatness.

Esperanza Academy Charter School is currently seeking a School Counselor for our middle school building for the 2026-2027 school year. This team member is responsible for driving a positive school culture that is student-centered, structured, and celebrates student progress to maximize student outcomes. We seek a strengths-focused, SEL, and trauma-informed, collaborative team member who is motivated by the limitless potential of their students.

The School Counselor will focus on supporting teachers by equipping students with social and emotional skills to eliminate barriers to engagement. This role will support working together with instructional staff to cultivate grit, a growth mindset, and communication and self-advocacy skills in students. The work includes oversight of assigned grade levels, leading small groups, providing referrals for external support, and supporting schoolwide climate and attendance initiatives that support academic outcomes. A relationship-driven individual, the Bilingual Secondary School Counselor will leverage relationships with all stakeholders to support the needs of ALL Esperanza Academy students effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting and modeling the school's mission, values, and best practices to improve student outcomes.
• Developing and delivering a counseling curriculum aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards.
• Conducting needs assessments and program evaluations to drive data-informed decision-making.
• Setting annual goals and creating action plans to enhance program effectiveness.
• Organizing events and initiatives to promote student well-being and a positive school culture.
• Collaborating with school leadership to implement policies and support systems.
• Offering short-term counseling for emotional, behavioral, and social issues.
• Implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) programs.
• Referring students to external counseling for long-term needs.
• Collaborating with school psychologists and social workers on crisis intervention plans.
• Facilitating peer mediation and conflict resolution.
• Designing multi-tiered support systems for diverse student needs.
• Working with teachers, administrators, and staff to create an inclusive environment.
• Consulting with parents and guardians to address concerns and support development.
• Coordinating with external agencies to provide additional resources.
• Serving as a liaison between the school and community stakeholders.
• Participating in committees and school improvement initiatives.
• Advising students on academic, career, and social/emotional matters.
• Monitoring academic performance to identify and support at-risk students.
• Helping students set academic goals and develop study habits.
• Delivering workshops on topics like time management and goal setting.
• Providing individual and group counseling to address academic or social challenges.

What you will bring:

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and commitment to closing the opportunity gap.
• Experience in an urban setting with high percentages of ELD and SPED students.
• A Master’s Degree in School Counseling from an institution with an accredited program in the field of school counseling.
• Certification: Educational Specialist I Elementary & Secondary School Counselor PK-12 (1839)
• Clearances: All applicants must have current FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks. For more information regarding required clearances please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.
• Spanish fluency is prefered but not required.

Why Work With Us:

• Mission-Driven Community: Join a mission-focused team at Esperanza Academy, dedicated to building an "opportunity community" for Hunting Park residents. Make a lasting impact on our students and their families while promoting educational equity.
• Competitive Salary: We recognize your experience and expertise with a competitive salary reflecting your student success contributions.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Full-time employees enjoy health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance, plus retirement benefits—all starting on day one for peace of mind.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy paid time off and all school holidays, supporting a balanced work-life experience so you can return refreshed and ready to inspire.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Further your professional development with up to $8,000 in tuition reimbursement available after six months.
• Career Growth and Advancement: Access ongoing professional development, coaching, and collaborative learning to enhance your skills and advance within our school community.

How To Apply:

To apply for this role, please send your resume to . We look forward to learning more about your passion and qualifications!

Equal Opportunity Statement

Esperanza Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Esperanza Academy are based on doing what is best for kids, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.