400 Lake Street • Ithaca, New York • 14850
Health and Physical Education
NOTICE OF ANTICIPATED VACANCY
Position Title: Health and Physical Education
Brief Description: The Ithaca City School District is seeking a dynamic, student-centered educator for an anticipated full-time position split between Health Education and Physical Education at Ithaca High School. This unique opportunity is ideal for an educator who is passionate about promoting lifelong wellness, mental health awareness, fitness, and mindfulness through innovative instruction and relationship-centered teaching practices.
Responsibilities:
Health Education 0.5:
- Teach high school health curriculum aligned with New York State Learning Standards.
- Deliver instruction in areas such as:
- Mental and emotional health
- Nutrition and wellness
- Substance abuse prevention
- Healthy relationships
- Personal safety and decision-making
- Utilize engaging, student-centered instructional strategies
- Collaborate with colleagues to support student wellness initiatives
Physical Education — Yoga Concentration 0.5:
- Teach yoga-based physical education classes focused on:
- Flexibility
- Strength and balance
- Mindfulness and stress management
- Breathing techniques and relaxation
- Functional fitness and lifelong wellness
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Promote a positive and inclusive classroom environment
- Encourage lifelong participation in physical activity and wellness practices
Location(s): IHS
Anticipated Start Date: 11/24/2025
Posting Dates: 10/29/2025 - Until Filled
Number of Vacancies: 1
FTE: 1
Application Requirements:
- Proof of Certification (or pending certification)
- Official Copy of transcripts: undergraduate and graduate
- Three (3) Letters of Reference (highly preferred for external candidates)
- MANDATORY Writing Sample (see prompt below)
The Ithaca City School District values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, people with disabilities, and those with lived experiences.
MANDATORY Writing Sample
A writing sample is required for the application to be completed.
Please upload your writing sample separately or with your cover letter.
- The ICSD has a diverse student population representing a variety of races, gender identities, learning needs, socio-economic status, sexual orientations, languages, national origins, etc. Describe your teaching strategies and/or experiences for effectively educating students from diverse backgrounds. Please give specific examples of how you respond effectively to students who have a variety of identities, and/or respond effectively to students who are different from your own identity. How do you ensure success for every student?
Required Qualifications:
The Ithaca City School District is committed to eliminating race, class, and disability as predictors of academic performance, co-curricular participation, and discipline. Qualified candidates will demonstrate a basic awareness of these commitments and a strong willingness to support these efforts.
All candidates must possess New York State Teacher Certification in Health Education and Physical Education. This requires at least a Bachelor's degree. Additional certification is encouraged. Licensed teachers from other states may qualify for reciprocity.
Strong classroom management and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience teaching yoga, mindfulness, or wellness-based fitness programs
Yoga instructor certification (200-hour or equivalent) preferred but not required
Experience working with high school students
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a department team
Desired Characteristics:
An educational leader whose competency, energy, and commitment will help ensure that students thrive;
Proven ability to interact effectively with students and their families who represent cultures that are diverse in terms of race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics in order to build an effective and collaborative school community;
Ability to implement culturally responsive curriculum; create an inclusive classroom; and differentiate instruction in order to engage the learning styles and needs of each student as an individual.
Build positive relationships with students and staff
Create engaging and supportive classroom experiences
Promote physical, emotional, and social wellness
Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and professionalism
- Support the district's mission of inclusive and equitable education
Internal Applicants: Apply online at ithacacityschools.schoolfront.com | Guide on how to apply
When applying through SchoolFront you can log in with your ICSD email credentials using the following single-sign on link here. Once logged in please go to recruiting > Available Internal Postings. Type Health or Physical
If you are a substitute, a coach or in the process of onboarding and haven't officially started, you will be considered an external applicant. Guide on how to apply
External Applicants: Apply online at ithacacityschools.recruitfront.com
In order for us to receive your application, you must complete the following three steps on RecruitFront:
Salary Range: $56,918-$119,338 (10-month full-time basis) Based on the 26-27 ITA step and lane salary grid
If you need assistance applying, you can make an appointment here. This link is only for help with the application process. If you have a question about your status, please email [email protected]
About Us:
We envision 6000+ Thinkers. Thinking is foundational to the development of self and society. It is the cornerstone of all creative ideas and problem-solving, new scientific discoveries, new products and services, individual and organizational learning, education, business success, interpersonal and intrapersonal communications, all social change and even democracy itself. Our vision is what we see. It motivates us. Our vision is audacious.
Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower. We will strive to engage all students in the importance and relevance of thinking; to educate every learner to communicate, comprehend, and collaborate for understanding; and to empower all in the ICSD to achieve academic excellence.
Visit Our Website: ithacacityschools.org
The Ithaca City School District does not unlawfully discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, veteran status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or other federal/state protected status.
