Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425?acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

The Chester Children’s Chorus seeks a Lower School Teacher for its 2025 Summer Learning Program. Founded in 1994 by Dr. John Alston, the Chester Children's Chorus (CCC) provides rigorous music education to Chester, Pennsylvania students (grades 3-12). All CCC students are invited to attend the five-week CCC Summer Learning Program on the Swarthmore College campus. Students participate in daily choral music instruction, dance, art, academic and physical education classes.

The Lower School Teacher works with the Lower School Coordinator to lead, teach and support chorus members, grades 3-5, throughout the Summer Learning Program. The Lower School Teacher will also assist with camp preparations and follow-up activities as needed. The Lower School Teacher reports to the Managing and Education Director with added support from program staff.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist with summer program preparations including planning, scheduling, set-up, etc.
• Collaborate with CCC program staff to plan, design and implement lessons and/or activities
• Supervise, manage and assist with chorus members’ (grades 3-5) daily activities including rehearsals, classes, field trips, and meals
• Oversee Program Assistants and Junior Counselors who work with and support Training Chorus and Junior Choir
• Support daily program operations as needed
• Participate in summer program debrief meetings, evaluation and break-down/clean-up

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
Minimum 3 years formal or informal teaching experience

Act 153 Required by Position 

This position may regularly interact with minors. Under Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, (23 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§6301, et seq.) employees who have direct contact with minors are required to obtain the following background clearances prior to the start of employment:

• Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint).

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. 

About Swarthmore College

Since its founding in 1864, Swarthmore College has given students the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience to become leaders for the common good. Offering a liberal arts and engineering curriculum, the College is private, yet open to all regardless of financial need. It is also decidedly global in outlook, drawing students from around the world and all 50 states. The diversity of perspectives represented by Swarthmore students, faculty, and staff - including different viewpoints, identities, and histories - contributes to the community's strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.

Connections working at Swarthmore College