The Head of the Physical Education Department is a member of the school’s physical education department and reports to the Head of the Upper Division. This full-time, 10-month position is responsible for working with faculty and staff teaching physical education and inspiring both students and colleagues with a pedagogical approach that fosters a foundational understanding of the principles of wellness that arein support of the school’s mission and curricular goals. The ideal candidate will bring a history of collaborative, self-directed work as well as a good sense of humor. They will also have at least five years of experience teaching in the physical education classroom and draw upon that understanding to inspire members of the Park community.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In Leadership
Articulate the physical education department’s mission and ensure that the physical education program is well suited to the school’s specific needs, challenges, and opportunities.
Collaborate with department to set priorities for curriculum and program.
Lead and support members of the physical education department; delegate responsibilities, and inspire and support teamwork and thoughtful, deliberate collaboration.
Convene and chair weekly department meetings and special meetings as needed.
Participate in the school community, including faculty and committee work, school duties, and extra activities such as clubs and assemblies.
Oversee department communications, including online news, contributions to school publications, annual reports, donor appreciation, families.
Communicate internally with Division Heads, Academic Support, Department Heads, Athletic Department, Nursing staff, Psychologist, and Athletic Trainer.
Ensure that the physical education environment is safe for all students.
Demonstrate a passion for lifelong learning; pursue professional development in wellness education, seeking up-to-date knowledge about standards and practices.
Manage department budget, overseeing purchasing, maintaining records, evaluating and selecting vendors.
Construct and review teaching schedules for equity within the department.
Attend Division Meetings and Department Heads meetings.
In Teaching
Design, plan, implement skills-based lessons for PK - Grade 8 using a variety of instructional strategies.
Create and maintain an atmosphere of sincerity, generosity, honesty, and genuine respect for the thoughts, efforts, and feelings of others.
Encourage teamwork; cultivate collective and personal development goals.
Engage students fully in their growth and learning.
Meet students at their developmental level.
Guide students in maintaining standards of classroom behavior.
Ensure accommodations and modifications are made for the growth and development of all students.
Maintain records of individual student achievement.
Serve as an Advisor in the Upper Division.
Perform other duties as needed or requested by the Division Head.
In Coaching
Coach a minimum of two seasons
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Demonstrate a genuine passion for and command of subject matter.
Excellent working knowledge of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) standards, Massachusetts Comprehensive Health Curriculum Framework, and the Shape America national standards for curriculum.
Knowledge of current trends in Physical Education and professional development.
Excellent communication skills, fairness, and consistency in leadership.
Commitment to leading a strong PE program forward.
Demonstrate the use of proven, research-based strategies for effective classroom management, lesson planning, active student engagement, and instructional delivery.
Support the school’s shared vision and common goals regarding physical education and physical activity.
Fluency with the Google Apps for Education suite.
Respectfully engage with a diverse community and ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion is emphasized as a core value of the School.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in Physical Education or related field is preferred
Minimum of 5 years of elementary and/or middle school classroom teaching
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please visit the Employment Page to complete an application and upload your resume, cover letter, educational philosophy statement, and names of references.
Competitive salary and benefits, including a strong professional development program, will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Park School welcomes candidates who will add to the diversity of our community and who have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their teaching and learning.
The Park School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or family composition or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its employment, education, admission, financial aid, and other policies and programs.
About The Park School
The Park School is a Pre-K to Grade 8 independent school in Brookline, MA dedicated to excellence in education.The cornerstone of Park's program is academic excellence, combining both high standards of scholarship and the encouragement of each child to develop to his or her greatest potential. Our school community fosters a nurturing environment in which children develop curiosity, express creativity, appreciate the value of hard work and discipline, and experience the joy of learning. Park's faculty encourages each student to strive for intellectual, physical and moral growth and to become contributing members of the community.
Park is committed to being a metropolitan, co-educational day school of diverse races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds. Central to its mission is an appreciation of similarities and differences of perspective and the interdependence of all people. As a family school, Park is a community in which the dignity of each child, teacher, and parent is respected.