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Chair of the Performing Arts Department & Music Teacher

Merion Mercy Academy (MMA), founded in 1884, is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls grades 9-12. It is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and is a member of Mercy Education. Our foundress, Catherine McAuley, was a visionary who empowered those around her to do their part in making the world a better place. For 140 years, we’ve honored Catherine’s legacy through a faith-focused curriculum that stresses Mercy spirituality, global awareness, and social responsibility. We are a dedicated community of educators, administrators and staff who are committed to our school’s mission.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for the artistic, academic, and spiritual vitality of the school’s music and performing arts program. The ideal candidate is an organized, compassionate, and principled educator who embodies Catholic values, leads collaboratively, and inspires young women through musical excellence and service. The individual in this role will also teach music classes. Learn more.

Why Merion Mercy Academy

The school reserves the right to change or eliminate benefits and/or contribution amounts at any time.

Why Merion Mercy Academy

140 Year History

Merion Mercy Academy has grown from its beginnings in 1884 as a small village school rooted in Catholic values to a transformative, independent Catholic educational institution for girls in grades 9-12. We offer a personalized, holistic education tailored to each student’s learning while furthering her emotional, creative and physical growth. We pride ourselves on our nurturing environment—our Merion Mercy sisterhood sits in high renown—and place our focus on educating the leaders of tomorrow.

Amazing Colleagues

Merion Mercy Academy’s 86 faculty and staff members personify the school’s commitment to academic excellence and personalized learning within a community of faith. The faculty—80 percent of whom hold an advanced degree—teach students critical thinking, collaboration, a global vision and sense of responsibility. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, which allows teachers to go above and beyond the classroom to build transformative relationships with students. Our average tenure of more than 7.5 years demonstrates how faculty members embrace the school’s mission and appreciate Merion Mercy’s welcoming and collegial atmosphere.

Mentorship and Professional Development

New faculty at Merion Mercy Academy are guided, supported, and encouraged by mentors while new teacher meetings provide a space for learning.

In the dynamic world of education, our teachers and school administrators are always seeking opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. Professional Learning Communities are just one example of how Merion Mercy accomplishes this goal. Led by our Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, timely conversations on topics like generative artificial intelligence are another important aspect of ensuring MMA remains on the cutting edge of education.

Mission and Values

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic, college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, empowers young women to lead, learn, and serve through an education grounded in spiritual development and academic and personal excellence.

Our graduates are living examples of our Mercy core values:

Compelled by Mercy
Educational Courage
Inspired by Faith
Principled Leadership
A Voice for Dignity and Respect

Dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Merion Mercy Academy has one of the most geographically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse student bodies among independent schools in the Philadelphia region. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is rooted in the Gospel, Catholic Social Teaching, and Mercy tradition. Our central value to live mercy and seek justice begins by building an authentic and inclusive community with our students, staff, parents, alumnae and larger Merion community.

Led by Taylor Stokes, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Coordinator, our DEIB Student Leadership Team is dedicated to fostering a culture where every student feels valued and supported. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to empower individuals, celebrate differences and create an environment that promotes equality and belonging for all members of our school community.

BENEFITS

Merion Mercy offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package. Eligible faculty and staff may choose from two medical plans and two dental plans. Eligible employees may participate in a 403 (b) retirement plan and the school will match a percentage of the employee’s contribution. Other benefits include: parental leave, flexible spending accounts, vision, prescription drug plan, life insurance, long term disability, and a daily lunch voucher. Paid time off is detetmined by employment status and length of service. Employees receive a Macbook computer for school use.

Location

Situated just 1.5 miles from Philadelphia in Merion Station, PA, Merion Mercy Academy sits on a beautiful 12-acre campus equipped with extensive classroom facilities as well as spaces dedicated to the arts, sciences, technology, and athletics. The area is home to many excellent colleges and universities and Merion Mercy has formed relationships with several of them, including Villanova University, St. Joseph’s University, West Chester University, Chestnut Hill College, and the University of Delaware.

Philadelphia—the nation’s sixth-largest city and hub of the northeast corridor—offers a diverse population, vibrant cultural life, top-notch entertainment, major league sports, rich history, and abundant opportunities for MMA students and employees.

Amazing Students

Merion girls are curious, confident, competent and compassionate. Through a curriculum that is at once challenging, stimulating, and personalized, our students learn who they are and how to be “shining lamps,” giving light to all around them. Every day, Merion girls lean in to becoming the best version of themselves.

Our Community

Warm, welcoming, supportive, and vibrant are just a few words that describe the Merion Mercy community. Here, educators and staff thrive in an environment that values diversity, fosters collaboration, and celebrates individuality. We take pride in cultivating a culture of support, where everyone's unique talents and perspectives are embraced and respected. Join our team and discover the joy of working in a place where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every member is appreciated. Together, we create an environment where both students and staff flourish.

Benefits

Overview
Health Insurance
Life Insurance and and Disability Insurance
Retirement
Unemployment Compensation
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Professional Development
Paid Time Off
Other Benefits

Overview

Merion Mercy offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package. Eligible faculty and staff may choose from two medical plans and two dental plans. Eligible employees may participate in a 403 (b) retirement plan and the school will match a percentage of the employee’s contribution. Other benefits include: parental leave, flexible spending accounts, vision, prescription drug plan, life insurance, long term disbility, and free lunch each day in the Servery. Paid time off is detetmined by employment status and length of service. Employees receive a Macbook computer for school use.

The School reserves the right to change or eliminate benefits and/or contribution amounts at any time.

Health Insurance

Medical/Dental Insurance: Employees who regularly work a minimum of 30 hours or more per week are eligible to participate in MMA sponsored health/dental insurance benefits the first day of the month following the date of hire. Vision and prescription drug benefits are also included. MMA will contribute a predefined monthly amount each benefit year for employee coverage. If the employee elects a coverage that is more than the monthly contribution the employee will pay the difference through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Flex Spending Accounts: Employees may elect to contribute pre-tax dollars to either a Medical Reimbursement Account FSA and/or a Dependent Care Reimbursement Account FSA spending account to cover unreimbursed health care expenses or dependent care expenses subject to IRS maximums.

Life Insurance and and Disability Insurance

Term Life Insurance: Employees who work a minimum of 30 hours or more per week are eligible for group life insurance on the first day of the month following the date of hire. No medical examination is necessary. The amount of the benefit is equal to two times annual salary up to a maximum of $50,000. The premium is paid by the School.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D): This coverage can pay a benefit if you survive an accident but have certain serious injuries. It can pay an additional amount if you die from a covered accident.The premium is paid by the School.
Long Term Disability Insurance: Employees who work a minimum of 30 hours or more per week are eligible for group long-term disability insurance on the first day of the month following the date of hire. The premium is paid by the School.
Short Term Disability Insurance: In addition to employer paid life and long-term disability insurance, MMA sponsors voluntary supplemental coverage for short-term disability. Employees can elect to purchase short-term disability insurance which begins 15 calendar days after sickness, an accident or the birth of a child, and which can last for up to 13 weeks based on physician recommendation or policy guidelines.

Retirement

403(b) Retirement Plan – MMA provides a comprehensive retirement benefit. The 403(b) Retirement Plan was adopted in accordance with all IRS and ERISA requirements.

Eligibility: In order to be eligible to participate in the plan an employee must be 21 years of age and work at least 30 hours per week. Eligible employees may contribute to the plan beginning on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. After completion of one (1) year of service during which an employee has worked 1,000 hours or more, the employee becomes eligible for employer matching contributions immediately. Employees must work 1,000 hours in subsequent years in order to continue participation.
Contributions: Contributions to the plan may be made through a payroll deduction that allows you to defer Federal Income taxes on the amount of the contribution. MMA will contribute 50 percent of the employee’s contribution up to a maximum of 6 percent of employee’s annual salary (up to 3% match).
Vesting: The amount that both you and MMA contribute to the plan is 100% vested (belongs to you upon your entry into the plan).
Loans: You may borrow up to 50 percent of the total value of your retirement account. The minimum loan request allowable is $1,000 and the maximum $50,000.

Unemployment Compensation

As a religious institution, MMA is exempt from participation in the unemployment compensation program. Accordingly, an employee will not be eligible to receive unemployment compensation after the end of his or her employment with School.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The School carries Workers’ Compensation insurance for the protection of employees who are injured while at work. This coverage provides for medical expenses and lost income from these injuries.

Professional Development

Full time faculty members who have completed two years of teaching at Merion Mercy Academy may apply for tuition reimbursement for graduate level courses, not to exceed an annual amount of $2,500, upon meeting these requirements:

Teacher must have received approval from the Assistant Head of School for Academics before enrolling in the course.
Proof of completion of the course with a grade of B or above and the receipt for payment must be submitted to the Assistant Head of School for Academics.
Teacher must agree to serve on the faculty at MMA for at least 2 academic years after receiving the reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement money would be returned to the school should the teacher leave MMA within two years of completing the coursework.
A certain amount of money is budgeted for each academic year. The appropriateness of the field of study, the number of years of service, the number of previous courses funded, and the needs of MMA are factors which will be considered for approval.
Payment and/or reimbursement toward the cost of other professional development or educational enrichment programs (not related to a degree or certification program) may be granted at the discretion of the Head of School or her designee.

Paid Time Off

VACATION DAYS: Full-time 52-week per year exempt employees are eligible for up to 20 paid vacation days per fiscal year depending upon years of service with the School. Part-time 52-week per year exempt employees accrue vacation on a pro-rated basis.
Full-time and part-time employees who work the School’s academic calendar year do not receive paid vacation
SICK/PERSONAL DAYS: Full time exempt (salaried) employees are entitled to ten (10) sick days, and two (2) personal days each school year. These days are prorated for part time exempt (salaried) employees. Unused personal days may not be carried over from year to year. Unused sick time may be carried over from year to year up to a maximum accumulation of 30 days.
PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees who have successfully completed one year of full-time service are eligible for up to four weeks of parental leave at their full salary upon the birth of the employee's child, or the adoption of a child by the employee other than the child of a spouse.
HOLIDAYS: Exempt employees will receive paid time off for many major holidays. Employees should refer to the School calendar to determine which holidays are observed each year. There may be professional development attendance requirements on some school holidays.
BEREAVEMENT: Exempt employees are eligible to receive up to three (3) days paid bereavement leave in the event they miss regularly scheduled work days due to the death or funeral of a member of the Employee's immediate family. These employees will also be entitled to a one-day absence with pay if they must miss regularly scheduled school for the death of other family members. The Head of School may also approve bereavement leave in the event of a death of other persons with whom you have close relations.
SUMMER HOURS: At the discretion of the Head of School, normal business hours may be abbreviated from July through mid-August.

Other Benefits

The School will provide you with a MacBook computer for School use.
Faculty and staff receive a daily subsidy for lunch in the school cafeteria.
There is an MMA tuition discount for students whose parents are employed full time at MMA.

Hiring Requirements

If you are offered a position as a Merion Mercy Academy employee, please be advised the following paperwork will be required before you are able to begin working.

Act 34: PA State Police Clearance (to be updated every 5 years)
- You can apply online and you will receive results immediately.
- Print and retain the receipt containing the control number.
- Print certificate.
- This clearance needs to be dated within one year of the start date.

Act 151: Child Abuse Clearance (to be updated every 5 years)
- Create an account on the Child Welfare Portal or login if you have already done so.
- Read all information, create a Keystone ID (unless you already have one assigned) and complete all requested information.
- You will receive an email confirmation and you are able to view the status at any time by logging in.
- Print the certificate.
- This clearance needs to be dated within one year of the proposed start date.

Act 114: FBI Fingerprint (to be updated every 5 years)
- Enter your service code (1KG6TR)
- Complete registration process
- Select a location and appointment time
- Print the pre-enrollment form to take to your appointment with a check, money order or credit card
- Once fingerprinting has been done, please forward to the Business Office the full number that starts with UZSV

School Health Form (includes physical and TB test)
- Physical must be dated within one year of start date and be completed on the School Personnel Health Record Form.
- TB test results must be a maximum of three months prior to employment.

ACT 24: Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification
- This form needs to be filled out and signed (the employer retains the original of this form).
- By signing, you are stating that the information provided on this form is correct and complete.

Act 168 Form: Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form
- Complete 3 individual forms with names of 3 former school employers (If you have not worked 3 previous jobs at a school, please let us know.)
  - Your current employer
  - Each past employer in which you had direct contact with children
- Complete top portion, page 1
- Complete Section 1 with your information
- Sign and date

Act 126: Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act

Support Line: 1-877-973-3727

Register by creating a username (email address) and password
Once logged in, search for Act 126.
Select Staff Track and best describes your position
Choose Act 126/Act 48 Staff Track-Educator Discipline Act 126 (non-facilitated)
There are (3) modules. Takes approximately 3 hours.
Make sure that you save each module which will allow you to complete all modules at a later time.
For help call support line or go to bottom of page and click on “Help”
- Select PD Center Support - open up to see all 13 articles
- Select Act 126

Safe Environment Training Required by Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- Protecting God's Children (Safe Environment Part I) - Protecting God's Children provides basic facts about child sexual abuse and adults’ roles in prevention. Attendance is required within 90 days of hire or before beginning service.
  - In-person session or via zoom. Must schedule day/time.
  - Select Protecting God’s Children for Adults (right-hand side)
  - First-time registrant
  - Select Organization: Philadelphia, PA Archdiocese. Merion Mercy Academy will not be listed as a school.
  - Once you attend, you will receive a “receipt.”
  - Support Line: 1-888-847-8870
- Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse (Safe Environment Part II) - Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse provides an overview of Archdiocesan reporting procedures for suspected child abuse and Pennsylvania Child Welfare Laws. Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse, is available in English and Spanish.
  - Online course – about an hour and half
  - Once completed, print certificate
  - Support Line: 1-267-642-8269

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