Movement Instructor

Meristem; California; On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

HRA $3k

Dental

Vision

401K

DailyLunch and snacks

Job summary

Meristem is a California-based program dedicated to empowering autistic young adults to gain independence through movement-based learning on a small campus in Fair Oaks. The Movement Instructor role is student-facing, hands-on, and supports movement curricula with collaboration across theater/expressive movement programs.

The ideal candidate brings strong movement expertise, comfort with neurodiverse learners, and the ability to foster engaging learning environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent movement education experience.
• 2+ years teaching movement, physical education, fitness, recreation, or wellness.
• Experience supporting autistic individuals or people with developmental disabilities (preferred).
• Knowledge of movement education, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, sensory integration, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
• Training or experience in movement disciplines (sports, dance, yoga, mindfulness, somatic practices, outdoor recreation, theater/expressive movement).
• Familiarity with Waldorf Education, Ruskin Mill Trust, Transformative Movement Education, or similar models (preferred).
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional maturity, and ability to de-escalate challenging situations.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and electronic documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver movement-based lessons promoting balance, coordination, strength, body awareness, and self-regulation.
• Support curriculum across movement and expressive/theater-based activities.
• Lead engaging experiences including sports, fitness, dance, mindfulness, outdoor recreation, and therapeutic movement practices.
• Assess student abilities and adapt instruction to sensory needs, physical abilities, and diverse learning styles.
• Use movement to strengthen executive functioning, emotional regulation, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Maintain safe, organized indoor and outdoor learning environments and equipment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized movement goals and support strategies.
• Record daily documentation related to student progress and instructional strategies.
• Participate in onboarding, team meetings, staff training, and implementation of the Meristem Method.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students and families.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Emotional maturity

De-escalation

G Suite / Google Workspace

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or movement education experience

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

This isn't just a job, it's a calling!

Our mission at Meristem is to prepare young adults on the autism spectrum to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. We strive to create a world where the unique capabilities of adults on the spectrum are respected and appreciated. We facilitate the ability of adults with autism to have full and meaningful lives, with ample opportunities for mainstream employment and independent living.

We operate a small college-like campus in Fair Oaks that houses many of our students full-time. We are passionate and dependable individuals who excel in a client-facing role and are motivated to help the client succeed.

Meristem is a great place to work and grow. We all work together, motivating those around us with our commitment to high standards. At Meristem, we have a terrific work culture and provide the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting with an amazing purpose.

About the Role

Meristem is seeking a Movement Instructor who is passionate about using movement as an educational tool to support physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and functional development. This is a student-facing, hands-on role that supports all aspects of the movement curriculum and includes some collaboration with our theater and expressive movement programming.

Ideal candidates bring strong movement expertise, comfort working with neurodiverse young adults, and the ability to create supportive, engaging learning environments.

Location:

9200 Fair Oaks Blvd. Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Schedule:

Monday- Friday 8:15am - 4:45pm, Flexible some weekends for campus activity

Our compensation shows how much we value our team!

Compensation and Benefits:

• $25.00 - $35.00 per hour, depending on experience, education and qualifications
• Medical plus $3k HRA to help offset medical costs
• Dental, Vision, and 401K
• Daily Lunch and Snacks provided

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver movement-based lessons that promote balance, coordination, strength, body awareness, and self-regulation.
• Support curriculum across movement and expressive/theater-based activities.
• Lead engaging experiences including sports, fitness, dance, mindfulness, outdoor recreation, and therapeutic movement practices.
• Assess student abilities and adapt instruction to sensory needs, physical abilities, and diverse learning styles.
• Use movement to strengthen executive functioning, emotional regulation, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Maintain safe, organized indoor and outdoor learning environments and equipment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized movement goals and support strategies.
• Record daily documentation related to student progress and instructional strategies.
• Participate in onboarding, team meetings, staff training, and implementation of the Meristem Method.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree OR high-level professional experience in movement education (required).
• 2+ years teaching movement, physical education, fitness, recreation, or wellness programs.
• Experience supporting autistic individuals or people with developmental disabilities (preferred).
• Knowledge of movement education, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, sensory integration, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
• Training or experience in one or more movement disciplines (sports, dance, yoga, mindfulness, somatic practices, outdoor recreation, theater/expressive movement).
• Familiarity with Waldorf Education, Ruskin Mill Trust, Transformative Movement Education, or similar developmental models (preferred).
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional maturity, and ability to de-escalate challenging situations.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and electronic documentation systems.

Work Environment

This role is active and hands‑on, involving indoor and outdoor movement instruction, navigating uneven terrain, and lifting up to 50 lbs. You'll work directly with neurodiverse young adults in dynamic, experiential learning environments.