Join the Freire Schools Network Today
Join a mission-driven team committed to transforming lives through exceptional education.
Why Work at Freire Schools
Treated Like Family, Paid Like Professionals
Our teachers are the best in the biz, and Freire Schools is excited to be leading the way in compensating teachers for the tremendous impact they make on our kids. Salaries for certified teachers entering their first year of teaching start at $60,000 in our Philadelphia campuses, and $55,000 at Freire Wilmington. In addition to some of the highest starting salaries in the Philadelphia region, Freire Schools offers a top-tier benefits package, a strong commitment to developing all staff as professionals, and the opportunity to work with the best students in the region.
Not Too Big, Not Too Small
With around 500 students per campus, our school size is just right for fostering a tightly-knit community while still being able to offer lots of activities and opportunities for students and staff. And, with four schools in our network, Freire staff benefit from the resources of a larger district (e.g. specialized coaching and support, cross-collaboration, specialized staff at the Network Office) while never feeling too big.
“I love how small our school is, so we’re able to really build relationships with our students and families. Freire gives me a family feel, so I say it is my home away from home.” Demetria WrightDirector of College Counseling, Freire High
Firmly Rooted, Always Advancing
Established in 1999, Freire Schools has a long history of accolades and success, including our schools being recognized by The Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University as “gap-busting” for our ability to close the achievement gap. At the same time, we aren’t wedded to what we have always done. If something isn’t working, we are permissionless in fixing it.
“This is a place where you can be creative and innovative. You can create a role for yourself here.” Chad CorbittEnglish Teacher, Freire High
A Commitment to Peace
Our highest priority is making sure that students feel safe and engaged in our classrooms and throughout our schools, and that each of us has the tools and skills we need to resolve conflict peacefully. We cultivate peaceful learning spaces where students are free to take the risks necessary for learning, by holding high expectations for behavior, providing mental health supports, and adopting a culture of caring throughout our schools.
“There’s this culture of concern for students’ mental health and daily attitudes that sets a positive tone throughout the school.” Mike PacinelliEntrepreneurship Teacher, TECH Freire
FAQs
How do I apply to work at Freire Schools?
You can view our current openings and apply online here. Please have your resume/CV ready in a pdf, doc, docx, txt, or rtf format.
What benefits does Freire Schools offer?
Freire Schools offers exceptional benefits – including health insurance and retirement plans – aimed at helping our employees and their families stay well and prepared for the future. Learn more about the benefits offered at each of our campuses and in our Network Office:
I’m not certified. Can I still apply?
Yes, but if you are applying for a certified position, you must be committed to earning your certification. Upon joining our team, we will develop a certification plan with you so you can earn your certification in a timely manner. Freire Schools has relationships with Relay Graduate School for Education and other alternative certification programs. Please email Gloria Lim with any questions about certification.
I’m a Freire alum. How do I join the team?
Once a Dragon, always a Dragon! It is one of our greatest points of pride when our alumni return to Freire campuses to empower the next generation of Dragons. If you are new to education, we can discuss a teacher residency or setting you up with a certification plan. Click here to view our current openings and join the growing family of Freire alumni returning to Freire Schools as teachers, deans, and support staff. Please email Gloria Lim with any questions.
I know a great teacher. Can I refer them to Freire Schools?
Absolutely! If you see an opening at Freire Schools that would be a perfect fit for someone you know, refer them here. You’ll earn $1,500 if your friend is hired for a full-time role! For math, science, and special education roles, this reward is increased to $2,500.
Does Freire offer tuition assistance?
Absolutely! Please take a look at our full policy here regarding certification and tuition assistance.
Refer a Friend
See an opening at Freire Schools that would be a perfect fit for someone you know? Refer them using the form below and earn $1,500 if your friend is hired! For math, science, Spanish, and special education roles this reward is increased to $2,500.
Referral Guidelines
The Referral Reward program offers the opportunity to employees of the Freire Schools network to receive a one-time payment of $1,500 for the referral of a candidate who is successfully hired by Freire Schools. For math, science, Spanish, and special education positions, the referral payment is $2,500.
What makes a quality teacher referral? Freire Schools staff members are forward-thinking team players passionate about working with and unleashing the potential of students across Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE. We seek candidates who value all students, are highly motivated, and who will demand excellence from themselves and their students.
All candidates for teaching positions must have:
- A completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Previous successful experience working with urban youth.
Eligibility Information
In order to be eligible for a referral bonus:
- You must be an active employee at the time the bonus would be paid (after the referred candidate is employed for six school calendar months).
- You must be an individual person (not a business entity) and a legal resident of the United States who is at least 18 years of age.
- You cannot be associated with or a consultant of a staffing/recruiting agency.
All current employees within the Freire Schools network are eligible to participate in the referral reward program except for the following:
- CEO / Heads and Assistant Heads of School / Network Leadership.
- Staff members who are the hiring manager for the position they are referring for.
Your referral candidate:
- Cannot be a current or former Freire Schools employee.
- Cannot be a current Freire student.
- Cannot be yourself.
- Must be hired for a full time position.
If our Talent team established contact with your referral through another source prior to your form submission, you will not be eligible for a bonus. Further, your referral must name you as the referrer at the time of initial application within their application, otherwise you will not be eligible.
You must notify your referral candidate that Freire Schools may be in contact with them. The referral must be submitted before the candidate has been offered a position within the Freire Schools Network.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and qualify for a referral reward, Freire Schools will pay you the referral bonus in the paycheck that occurs six school calendar months (excluding summer break) after the candidate’s start date, provided that this hired candidate:
- Acknowledges in their job application that they were referred by you.
- Completes six school calendar months (excluding summer break) of continuous active employment at Freire.
Full-Time Employee Benefits Include
Full-time employees of Freire Schools Philadelphia campuses and the Network Office are eligible to receive:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for themselves and their dependents.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), which helps minimize out-of-pocket costs incurred by them or their dependents, including deductible costs up to a certain threshold.
- 403B Retirement Plan with a 5% gross employer monthly contribution.
- Flex Spending Account (FSA), an elective account where employees can arrange to pay for allowable out-of-pocket medical expenses, childcare, or elder care with tax free dollars.
- Plus Disability Insurance, Life Insurance (including $15K in employer-provided), pre-tax Commuter Benefits, and more!
Equal Opportunity Statement
Freire Schools is committed to maintaining a workplace environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, in service of the policy goal to provide all persons equal access to all categories of employment regardless of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic background, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, veteran/military status, or any other category protected by state or federal law.
