Elementary PE/APE

Ithaca City School District; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 57,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ithaca City School District is seeking a dynamic Elementary Physical Education teacher to join our team. You will provide high-quality PE instruction and support Adapted Physical Education for diverse learners in Caroline and Cayuga Heights, Ithaca, NY.

Responsibilities include planning instruction, differentiating for varied abilities, collaborating with special education staff, documenting progress, and participating in CSE meetings. This 10-month position starts 9/1/2026.

Qualifications

• Must hold New York State Certification in Physical Education.
• Adapted Physical Education certification or eligibility required.
• Demonstrates strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Commitment to inclusive educational practices and collaboration within a team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver standards-based elementary physical education instruction.
• Support Adapted Physical Education programming for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with special education staff, classroom teachers, therapists, and families.

Skills

Strong classroom management

Team collaboration

Inclusive education

Education

New York State Certification in Physical Education

Adapted Physical Education certification

Job description

400 Lake Street • Ithaca, New York • 14850

NOTICE OF VACANCY

Position Title: Elementary PE/APE Caroline/Cayuga Heights (External)

Brief Description: The Ithaca City School District is seeking a dynamic, student-centered Physical Education teacher to join our elementary team. The successful candidate will provide high-quality physical education instruction while also supporting students with diverse learning and physical needs through Adapted Physical Education services and inclusive practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver standards-based elementary physical education instruction
• Support and implement Adapted Physical Education programming for students with disabilities
• Collaborate with special education staff, classroom teachers, therapists, and families to support student success
• Differentiate instruction to meet a wide range of student abilities and needs
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment
• Assess student progress and maintain appropriate records/documentation
• Participate in CSE meetings and contribute to student goal development as appropriate
• Promote lifelong wellness, teamwork, and physical activity

Location(s): Caroline, Cayuga Heights

Start Date: 9/1/2026

Posting Dates: 6/18/2026- Until Filled

Number of Vacancies: 1

FTE: 1

Application Requirements:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Proof of Certification (or pending certification)
4. Official Copy of transcripts: undergraduate and graduate
5. Three (3) Letters of Reference (highly preferred for external candidates)
6. MANDATORY Writing Sample (see prompt below)

The Ithaca City School District values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, people with disabilities, and those with lived experiences.

MANDATORY Writing Sample

A writing sample is required for the application to be completed. Please upload your writing sample separately or with your cover letter.

1. The ICSD has a diverse student population representing a variety of races, gender identities, learning needs, socio-economic status, sexual orientations, languages, national origins, etc. Describe your teaching strategies and/or experiences for effectively educating students from diverse backgrounds. Please give specific examples of how you respond effectively to students who have a variety of identities, and/or respond effectively to students who are different from your own identity. How do you ensure success for every student?
2. Tell us about any personal and professional experiences you have had that would help you help us to fulfill our district equity goals.
3. The Ithaca City School District is a 1:1 district in grades 3-12. Please provide examples of how you have used or your vision for using digital technology in instruction. Also, please provide evidence of how you stay current with students' digital world.

Required Qualifications:

• New York State Certification in Physical Education required
• Adapted Physical Education certification
• Strong classroom management and communication skills
• Commitment to inclusive educational practices
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment

Desired Characteristics:

• Experience working in elementary physical education settings
• Experience supporting students with varying physical, cognitive, and social-emotional needs
• Knowledge of inclusive and Unified PE practices
• Ability to create engaging and innovative physical education experiences

Salary Range: $56,918-$119,338 (10-month full-time basis) Based on the 26-27 ITA step and lane salary grid

About Us:

We envision 6000+ Thinkers. Thinking is foundational to the development of self and society. It is the cornerstone of all creative ideas and problem-solving, new scientific discoveries, new products and services, individual and organizational learning, education, business success, interpersonal and intrapersonal communications, all social change and even democracy itself. Our vision is what we see. It motivates us. Our vision is audacious.

Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower. We will strive to engage all students in the importance and relevance of thinking; to educate every learner to communicate, comprehend, and collaborate for understanding; and to empower all in the ICSD to achieve academic excellence.

Visit Our Website: ithacacityschools.org

The Ithaca City School District does not unlawfully discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, veteran status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or other federal/state protected status.