Why Philly
The city of brotherly love has more to offer than you could ever imagine. As the first capital of the U.S., our city is steeped in a rich and colorful American history with many exciting places to visit and learn like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, and Independence Hall
Don’t even get us started on the food! There are thousands of restaurants and food trucks – including from James Beard winning chefs like Marc Vetri, Michael Solomonov, and Stephen Starr – and foodie paradises like Reading Terminal and the Italian Market that will provide you with a memorable culinary experience, all at a relatively affordable price. And of course, the cheesesteaks.
South Philly’s Sports Complex houses all of the city’s professional sports teams in one place and is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. You’ll find that going to any sports game in Philly is a one of a kind experience
With over ten thousand acres of park land in the city area, you will never lack a new place to relax or explore. You can have a picnic in Rittenhouse Square, walk the dog in Love Park, or hike in the largest city park within America – Fairmount Park.
Getting around the city is a breeze. Philly has an expansive network of public transportation and pedestrian-friendly streets, allowing for travel to almost any place in the city without the use of a car.
With a median cost per square foot of $161, Philadelphia also boasts one of the cheapest real estate of any major city on the east coast.
Why I #TeachPHL
Ms. Gries is the technology teacher at Mastery Charter School-Pickett Campus. She graduated from Temple University where she attained a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education and English. Reflecting on her first year she says, “My first year was rocky, but… Once I got my footing, I knew Philadelphia and being at the Pickett campus was where I wanted to stay.” In elaborating on what keeps her at Mastery, Gries said it’s seeing the kids grow and seeing herself improve as a person. “My very first students are now in the eleventh grade and I’ve seen them grow and advance as human beings… That’s why I love teaching. In my class I know I’m making a difference. I know I’m doing the most amount of good.”
Mr. Easley teaches 9th and 10th grade World History at Belmont Charter High School. On how he knew education was the right field for him he explained, “education and equity have always been a passion of mine, and after seeing the growth of my students that came from similar backgrounds as me, it felt like I was called for this work.” He is passionate about using Social-Emotional Learning as [a tool to address social justice and equity. He was drawn to Belmont because they are “serious about the social-emotional well-being of each student. Belmont provides a unique model with the necessary resources to support student needs.”
Carl Jackson teaches third grade at School District of Philadelphia Charles W. Henry School. He has been teaching in Philly since 1995 and shares his experience with students in Philly. “Our students are amazing. Our students will definitely give you their best—they will definitely try their best. They believe that, as long as you believe in them, they can do it. And I feel as though as a teacher, that’s what I need to do so my students will succeed. So, I feel as though everyone should realize that Philly students need to be given a chance because they’re definitely worth it.”
Why Philly needs you
Educators in Philadelphia can have an enormous impact on the city’s educational system. Over the past ten years, Philadelphia has had the highest poverty rate of the country’s ten biggest cities. Many students are not receiving the level of education that they deserve. A career working in Philadelphia schools will allow you to create real change for Philadelphia’s children, regardless of their race or economic status, for years to come.
Why Philly will help your career grow
Philadelphia is also the perfect place to develop your career. With hundreds of K-12 schools of all types, there are numerous possibilities to craft the career experience of your dreams The city is also home to 80 colleges, trade schools, and universities including the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and Temple University, which can provide you with career development resources and opportunities. Further, there are many corporations within the Philadelphia area, like Comcast, that are committed to partnering with Philadelphia schools to ensure the success of educators.