Careers at Freire Schools - Freire Schools

Join the Freire Schools Network Today

Why Work At Freire?

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. Effective for the 2024-2025 school year, 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 Wright

Director 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 Corbitt

English 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 Pacinelli

Entrepreneurship Teacher, TECH Freire

Ready to take the next step?

Click below to see all current openings and start your career journey with Freire Schools!

Apply Now

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 kind of 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:

Freire Charter High School (Philadelphia, PA)
Freire Charter Middle School (Philadelphia, PA)
TECH Freire (Philadelphia, PA)
Freire Charter School Wilmington (Wilmington, DE)
Freire Schools Network Office (Philadelphia, PA)

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 pays up to 80% of master’s degrees/certification preparation programs, and we have relationships with Relay Graduate School for Education and other alternative certification programs. Please email Gloria Lim (gloria@freireschools.org) 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 (gloria@freireschools.org) 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 $2,000 if your friend is hired! For math, science, and special education roles, this reward is doubled to $4,000.

OUR TEACHERS IN THE NEWS

Philly teacher turns classroom into a theater to help students shine
6abc – June 11, 2024

I became a teacher at 55. It’s been daunting – and thrilling.
Chalkbeat Philadelphia – May 3, 2024
By: John Brown, 12th Grade African American Studies Teacher at Freire High