Physical Education Teacher

Position Summary

The Physical Education Teacher provides safe, structured, and engaging physical education instruction for students in grades K–12. The teacher adapts activities to meet students' academic, developmental, behavioral, physical, and social-emotional needs while supporting the school's trauma-informed CARE principles.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement standards-aligned physical education lessons for students in grades K–12.
• Teach fitness, movement, team sports, health awareness, cooperation, and lifelong wellness.
• Modify activities and equipment based on students' abilities, IEP goals, sensory needs, and safety considerations.
• Establish clear routines and maintain a safe, respectful, and well-supervised learning environment.
• Use trauma-informed and relationship-based strategies to encourage participation and reduce student frustration.
• Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, self-regulation, perseverance, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Monitor students closely and respond appropriately to unsafe or escalating behavior.
• Conduct fitness and skills assessments and maintain accurate records of student participation and progress.
• Provide progress information for IEP meetings and collaborate with special education teachers, social workers, clinicians, and administrators.
• Follow all school policies related to supervision, student safety, incident reporting, confidentiality, and mandated reporting.
• Inspect equipment and activity areas regularly and promptly report safety concerns.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, crisis-prevention training, school events, and other assigned responsibilities.
• Support schoolwide recreational activities, field days, wellness initiatives, and extracurricular programs when assigned.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position.

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physical education, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Education, or a related field.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an appropriate Physical Education endorsement, or eligibility to obtain one.
• Knowledge of instructional planning, student assessment, classroom management, and physical-activity safety.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position and provide active student supervision.
• Successful completion of required background checks and employment clearances.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching students in a therapeutic day school, special education program, alternative school, or residential setting.
• Experience working with students affected by trauma, emotional disabilities, autism, developmental differences, or behavioral challenges.
• Familiarity with IEP implementation and adapted physical education.
• Training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, CPR, first aid, or related safety practices.
• Experience teaching physical education across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong classroom-management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain calm, consistent, and professional during challenging situations.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and engage students with varying needs and abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Sound judgment regarding student safety and appropriate physical boundaries.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, equitable, and trauma-informed educational practices.

 

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to stand and move for extended periods, demonstrate physical activities, supervise students in indoor and outdoor settings, set up and move equipment, and respond promptly to safety concerns. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law.

 

Work Schedule

Full-time position following the Lawrence Hall Therapeutic Day School calendar and assigned daily schedule. Occasional participation in school events, meetings, or professional development outside regular instructional hours may be required.

 

Classification

• Time Off Schedule: D

• Department: Education

• Reports to: Vice President of Educational Services

• This position meets the FLSA requirements for non-exempt
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Compensation

• Compensation is determined by a base salary for each position, with additional compensation considered based on relevant education and experience