Position Summary
Westmark School is currently seeking an energetic, patient, and experienced candidate for the position of Lower School Physical Education (PE) Teacher. This role is dedicated exclusively to developing and implementing a developmentally appropriate physical education curriculum for Lower School students (Grades 2–5) with language-based learning differences (LD) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. The position reports to the Assistant Athletic Director.
Our PE program provides an all-inclusive curriculum based on the latest research in neuroplasticity and sensory-motor development, building an early appreciation for lifelong physical activity. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of early childhood academic, social, and emotional development, as well as the unique sensory and processing needs of LD learners. This teacher will focus on building foundational gross motor skills, self-awareness, confidence, and sportsmanship in a highly supportive, low-stress environment.
Position Start Date: August 2026
Essential Duties ResponsibilitiesCurriculum and Instruction
- Tailor Instruction for Learning Differences (LD): Develop and deliver curriculum (scope and sequence), yearly plans, unit plans, daily plans, assessments that are age-appropriate and standards-based, including plans for Wellness. Ensure PE and Wellness lessons account for language-processing delays, working memory challenges, and executive functioning needs using multisensory instruction and clear, visual cues.
- Focus on Foundational Movement: Implement a curriculum centered on gross motor skills, spatial awareness, locomotor movements, balance, and cooperative games rather than strict, high-pressure sports competition.
- Leverage Neuroplasticity: Utilize research-based physical activities that support brain development, cross-body coordination, and cognitive-motor integration.
- Differentiate Activities: Successfully individualize lessons so every student, regardless of athletic or processing ability, experiences success and builds self-confidence.
Classroom Management and Student Support
- Positive Behavior Management: Implement structured, predictable, and positive behavior management systems tailored to students with learning differences and attention vulnerabilities.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Actively teach and model foundational SEL skills like sportsmanship, teamwork, taking turns, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution.
- Safety and Hyper-Vigilance: Provide exceptional supervision to ensure physical and emotional safety during high-energy games, outdoor activities, and recess/transition periods.
Communication and Administration
- Progress Tracking: Maintain accurate documentation to track student motor development and social growth. Write narratives detailing student progress four times per year.
- Collaborative: Partner closely with Lower School classroom teachers and families to provide cohesive support for student needs and behavior plans.
- Communication: Thoughtfully and effectively communicates with colleagues, administrators, students, and parents regarding health, accidents, progress, materials, celebrations, and discipline.
- School Life and Community: Participate fully in the Lower School community, including faculty meetings, duties (e.g., lunch, recess), and annual grade-level field trips.
- Professional Learning: Stays current on best practices and pedagogical approaches to teaching physical education to LD students, as well as SEL.
Athletics and Equipment Care
- Equipment Management: Organize, maintain, and inventory all Lower School PE and recess equipment, ensuring shared spaces remain clean and safe.
- Support Youth Sports: Assist the Athletics department with Lower School sports clinics or events (e.g., Lower School Field Day) as scheduled.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Child Development, or a related field.
- Experience: 3–5 years of teaching PE to elementary school-aged children, preferably in an independent or special education school setting.
- Specialized Knowledge: Credential, certificate, or extensive coursework/experience in Special Education or Learning Disabilities is highly preferred.
- Skills: Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and multisensory communication skills. Ability to break down complex physical movements into simple, actionable steps.
- Attributes: High energy, immense patience, flexibility, and a team-player mindset.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to demonstrate physical movements, stand/walk for extended periods, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, and project their voice clearly in an open gym or field setting. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move athletic equipment up to 25 pounds. Specific vision and hearing abilities are required to maintain a safe environment.
Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.
Pay: $72,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a credential, certificate, or extensive coursework/experience in Special Education or Learning Disabilities?
Experience:
- teaching PE to elementary school-aged children,: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
