LOWER SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST
ABOUT KHAN LAB SCHOOL:
Khan Lab School, founded by Sal Khan in 2014, is an innovative TK-12 independent school with 3 campuses, serving over 260 students in Silicon Valley, CA and Wichita, KS. Our Lower School (grades TK-5) is in Palo Alto, CA, our Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are in Mountain View, CA, and the newest KLS campus (grades 4-9) is in Wichita, KS.
We were established to test and refine the educational vision outlined in Sal Khan's 2012 book, "The One World Schoolhouse," which explores the development of modern education, the origins of Khan Academy, and a forward-thinking approach to both in-person and online learning. Building on this foundation, Sal Khan's latest book, "Brave New Words," further expands on his educational philosophy and vision for the future. At Khan Lab School, we're committed to implementing these innovative ideas and preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Lower School Physical Education Specialist at Khan Lab School designs and leads an engaging, student-centered physical education program for all Lower School students from Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 5. This role focuses on developing students’ physical literacy, fitness, and sportsmanship through intentionally sequenced, multi-week units that prioritize skill-building, collaboration, and joy in movement. The Physical Education Specialist cultivates a strong foundation in health and wellness, helping students build awareness, confidence, and lifelong habits around physical activity in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
The Physical Education Specialist is an active member of a collaborative teaching community and contributes meaningfully to the life of the school. This educator uses assessment to inform instruction, differentiates learning to meet a wide range of student needs, and communicates regularly with families and colleagues. The Physical Education Specialist is both a skilled teacher and an engaged learner who is energized by innovation, open to mastery-based approaches, and eager to continuously refine their practice in alignment with the school’s mission.
SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Academic Duties:
- Teach a minimum of 20 hours per week of Physical Education to Lower School students (TK-5), during the standard school day and Extended Day, as determined by the Lower School Director.
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate, multi-week (at least three weeks) physical education units that foster the development of physical fitness and sportsmanship and advance the school’s mission.
- Cultivate each student’s understanding of health and wellness and their commitment to exercise and physical conditioning.
- Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term. Prepare students to participate in Student-Led Conferences.
- Other related duties, as assigned.
Teaching & Vision Alignment:
- Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction. Primarily utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, peer teaching, independent studies, and inquiry-based learning.
- Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by the established deadlines.
- Utilize external instructional resources, including Khan Academy, to accommodate diverse learning needs and backgrounds for in-person courses, which will be identified in collaboration with school leadership.
- Develop curriculum and learning experiences aligned with the KLS teaching vision.
- Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership, and as approved by the Executive Director.
- Actively explore and stay current with emerging technologies, including AI tools, and apply them meaningfully to your role.
- Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and political perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.
- Work collaboratively with the Lower School team to support student learning and contribute to the ongoing development of the school.
Contribution to KLS:
- Fulfill duties, as assigned by the Lower School Director, such as playground and/or lunch supervision.
- Be accessible to students for any questions, interaction, and/or support.
- Write letters of recommendation for summer and other school programs, as requested.
- Attend faculty meetings and participate in professional development, including team meetings, departmental meetings, and any schoolwide professional development programming.
- Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period. This includes pre-admission events and post-application events, which may take place outside of regular school hours.
- Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the KLS school community.
- Participate in activities that contribute to the life and culture of KLS, as determined in collaboration with the Lower School Director, which may include planning and participating in school events or overseeing a student club.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE INCLUDE:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 3-5 years of elementary school teaching work experience.
- Expertise in teaching physical education curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
- Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
- A passion for working with elementary students and a keen understanding of where they are developmentally.
- Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies.
- Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents.
- Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks, as the lab school continues to grow and change.
- Ability to reflect on effectiveness of own practice, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.
PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE:
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, paperwork and other school supplies and equipment, as needed.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
- Capable of occasionally moving around an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
- Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
- Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
- Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for special events, which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.
- Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners who have a deep commitment to their work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment, anything is possible. All our decisions are made through the lens of what is best for our students. We tackle tough questions without ego, are results-oriented, and have high expectations for school and our students.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, please submit the following:
- A cover letter expressing your interest in this position.
- Current resume.
- List of 3 professional references including their names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, job titles, and what your working relationship was with them.
- References will not be contacted without permission.
POSITION DETAILS:
Start Date: August 2026
Location: Mountain View, CA
Number of Positions to Fill: 1
Classification: Exempt; salary
Employment Status: Full-time
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and school events as required
Salary Range: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year, dependent on experience
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; a 401K retirement plan with an employer match; basic life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; and generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and floating holidays.
Khan Lab School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.
