Lower School Physical Education Teacher - 2026-27

Porter-Gaud School is an Episcopal, independent, coeducational day school serving students in preschool through grade 12. The School is seeking a full-time Lower School Physical Education Teacher to begin with the 2026-2027 school year.

This teacher will work with students in grades 1 through 4 and will join one other Lower School Physical Education teacher in leading and strengthening the Lower School P.E. program. The ideal candidate will be energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate about health, wellness, and physical fitness, while creating a positive and engaging learning environment for students.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and will demonstrate strong classroom management and relationship-building skills. This teacher will work closely with the other Lower School Physical Education teacher to plan, implement, and review curriculum for the Lower School Physical Education program.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach Physical Education to students in grades 1 through 4
• Create a positive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Foster healthy habits, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love of physical activity in students
• Collaborate closely with the other Lower School Physical Education teacher to plan, implement, and review curriculum
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Support the broader life of the school through active participation in school events and responsibilities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lower School administration

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate a passion for exercise, health, and physical fitness
• Find joy in working with children ages 6 through 10
• Exhibit a punctual, organized, and flexible approach to teaching
• Maintain a motivated, compassionate, and encouraging attitude
• Thrive on helping students improve their individual fitness abilities, attitudes, and habits
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive faculty culture

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Degree in elementary health and fitness education or a related field preferred
• Prior teaching experience, preferably in an independent school setting
• Strong classroom management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Ability to coach a sport at the Middle School or Upper School level preferred

Reporting

The Lower School Physical Education Teacher will report directly to the Head of Lower School and will take direction from the PE Department Chair.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Porter-Gaud is a Christian community that seeks to love and serve faculty, staff, students, and families of all faith backgrounds. Therefore, all Porter-Gaud employees will honor the God-given dignity of each member of our community. They will display a continuous commitment to developing the attitudes, knowledge, and skills to engage in appropriate and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We desire candidates who will contribute to the School's efforts to continue creating a more inclusive and equitable community where all individuals can develop a sense of belonging.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to welcoming and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. The School welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, as the School believes that best serves our students. In accordance with law, Porter-Gaud School is an equal opportunity employer and hires without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We hold our employees to the highest possible standards. All employees are subject to extensive background check screenings and must sign our code of conduct. We strive to monitor employees while interacting with students. We take any inappropriate interactions between students and employees seriously and are committed to mandatory reporting standards as required by law. We will fully cooperate with authorities in any allegation or case of abuse.

About Porter-Gaud School

Porter-Gaud School is a 1-12 co-ed independent school in Charleston, SC. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable community in which all individuals can contribute to school life and develop a sense of belonging.

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