Health and Physical Education Teacher, Gr 6-8, Vassal Lane Upper School (SY 25-26)

Cambridge Public Schools; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution seeks a passionate Health and Physical Education Teacher for Grades 6-8. This role involves creating supportive learning environments that empower students to thrive physically and emotionally. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in physical education, coupled with a commitment to social justice and equity in education. By fostering inclusivity and promoting lifelong wellness, you will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of engaged and healthy citizens. Join a collaborative team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of diverse learners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Massachusetts Certification in PreK-8 Physical Education required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement Health and Physical Education instruction.
• Lead elective courses and teach the curriculum weekly.

Skills

Classroom Management

Communication Skills

Culturally Responsive Practices

Physical Education Instruction

First Aid/CPR/WSI Certification

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Position :

Health & Physical Education Teacher, Grades 6-8

Health & Physical Education Department/Vassal Lane Upper School

The Vassal Lane Upper School Community:

The Vassal Lane Upper School is a place where everyone belongs. We envision our students as scholars and believe in the power of perseverance. We become better together. We are committed to collaboration and creating environments in which all students learn at high levels. We are mindful of societal inequities and work to challenge injustice. We strive to promote inquiry, reflection, critical thinking, creative expression, resilience, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.

Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Department Overview:

Cambridge Public School's Health, Physical Education and Wellness Department is dedicated to creating supportive learning spaces where all students are known, celebrated, empowered, and thrive. Students will receive relevant learning opportunities that develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to be healthy and physically active. These experiences will support students to be engaged in exploring, creating, and advocating for meaningful changes at the individual and societal level. We also recognize that certain groups have been historically marginalized, resulting in significant health and educational disparities. In working to uphold the district's overarching mission, we are committed to:

• Anti-racism, social justice, and racial equity by working with community partners to address the needs of youth, families, and educators of color
• Promoting inclusiveness, valuing diversity, and creating a culturally responsive curriculum within our department

Upon completion of our program, students will develop competence in a variety of skills, which include motor skill development, self-efficacy, advocacy, and empowerment to take control of their health and engage in lifelong efforts to maintain and enhance their individual and community health and wellness.

The Role :

The Vassal Lane Upper School in conjunction with the Health and Physical Education Department seeks a Health and Physical Education Teacher, to join our caring and innovative community. The successful candidate will have experience planning and implementing Health and Physical Education instruction according to the Massachusetts Health Curriculum Framework and the National Physical Education Standards. The candidate will teach the Health and Physical Education curriculum weekly and lead electives courses. As a professional, the teacher will display a collegial spirit that supports and enhances continual professional growth consistent with the educational goals and philosophies of our school community. Moreover, they will be fully committed to continuously learning, improving, reflecting and working together to ensure that all students achieve at high levels.

Your Skill Set :

As the incoming Health & Physical Education Teacher,you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience and/or education in: physical education, leading adventure activities and adaptive physical education.
• First Aid/CPR/WSI certification.
• Massachusetts Certification in PreK-8 Physical Education required.
• Massachusetts Certification in K-12 Family and Consumer Science is required.
• Awareness of the developmental needs of middle school and adolescent learners and the strategies to meet those needs through the curriculum.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Previous and successful experience working in a multicultural environment and demonstrated implementation of culturally responsive practices that includes students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, alongside the ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with a diverse staff and student body.
• A strong work ethic, alongside a commitment to doing whatever it takes for students to excel.

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.