Elementary School Physical Education, Gym & Health Teacher

UCC is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Elementary Physical Education and Health Teacher to join our faculty. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for fostering physical literacy, healthy habits, and movement-based learning for elementary students.

About the role

You will be responsible for creating an inclusive, active gymnasium environment that promotes sportsmanship, motor skill development, and comprehensive health education, preparing students for lifelong wellness. UCC School teachers create a positive, engaging, and inclusive educational atmosphere that fosters student growth and achievement, where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and psychological growth. Teachers organize and implement an instructional curriculum/program that results in students achieving academic success in accordance with United Community Center’s policies, procedures, and curriculum guidelines.

This role includes planning and delivering standards-aligned instruction, assessing student learning, managing classroom behavior, and building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. UCC School Teachers are dedicated, compassionate, highly effective, reflective, collaborative, culturally responsive, and committed to the academic and social-emotional development of all students.

Responsibilities

• Develop standards-based, developmentally appropriate lesson plans in alignment with school curriculum and instructional expectations.
• Maintain, organize, and inspect all athletic and health education equipment to ensure safety, functionality, and accessibility.
• Design coherent instruction that includes differentiated strategies and scaffolds for diverse learners.
• Set clear instructional outcomes aligned to curriculum and grade-level expectations.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of content and pedagogy, and expertise in assigned subject area/grade level.
• Integrate knowledge of students’ backgrounds, interests, and learning styles into planning.
• Administer, select, and prepare formative and summative assessments to monitor student learning.
• Deliver engaging, rigorous, and grade-appropriate instruction.
• Use questioning and discussion techniques that promote critical thinking and student voice.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including English language learners and students with IEPs.
• Check for understanding and adjust instruction in real time based on student needs.
• Implement all school curriculum programs and instructional practices with fidelity, following guidelines of the school, district, and state.
• Plan and deliver effective lessons that facilitate active learning and accommodate different learning styles.
• Integrate technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance classroom learning experiences.
• Implement instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of learners with varied backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
• Assist in discussing and assessing changing curricular needs and offer plans for improvement.
• Ensure that student growth and achievement is continuous and appropriate for the age group and follow the curriculum’s scopes and sequences and guidelines.
• Conduct regular assessments to evaluate students’ progress and understanding of the curriculum.
• Collect and analyze student assessment data on an ongoing basis, and use data to inform planning, groupings, and future instruction.
• Provide timely, specific, and constructive feedback to students and parents on academic performance and areas for improvement to support student growth.
• Promote student ownership of learning through goal-setting, self-assessment, and reflection.
• Identify learning challenges and develop strategies to support students with diverse needs.
• Assume responsibility for meeting student performance goals, IEP goals, etc.
• Demonstrate gains in student performance, achievement, and growth over time as a result of instructional practices.
• Prepare students for local, state, and national assessments as required by the school and grade level.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom climate in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
• Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning with clear expectations, routines, and procedures for student behavior.
• Implement consistent and effective classroom management strategies with classroom rules and behavior expectations, promoting respectful and responsible behavior.
• Use proactive, positive reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate behavior.
• Recognize and celebrate student successes to build confidence and motivation.
• Foster a classroom culture of mutual respect and high expectations, that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of all students.
• Foster a safe and supportive atmosphere where students feel valued and encouraged to participate.
• Effectively monitor and supervise students at all times.
• Maintain order of students and class in classroom, cafeteria, hallways, playground, and across the school environment.
• Manage student behavior proactively and respectfully using positive behavior supports across the school environment.
• Maintain a well-organized, structured, inviting, and culturally responsive physical space.
• Encourage student collaboration and responsibility for classroom norms.
• Model and teach empathy, active listening, respect, conflict resolution, peer mediation, and restorative practices when appropriate.
• Integrate Tier 1 social-emotional learning (SEL) into regular instruction using age-appropriate strategies and curricula aligned with school-wide SEL initiatives.
• Identify early signs of emotional, behavioral, or social challenges and collaborate with the school counselor, school administrator, and support team as needed.
• Model and reinforce emotional regulation, empathy, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis regarding students’ progress, behavior, areas for growth, and upcoming events using school-selected communication platforms.
• Build trust and rapport with students, families, and colleagues to effectively support student achievement and growth.
• Counsel pupils’ academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents throughout the year.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss individual student performance and set goals for improvement.
• Collaborate with parents to support students’ learning at home and encourage parental involvement in school activities.
• Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and community.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, parents, and other professionals.
• Share academic and behavioral updates in a clear, empathetic, and strengths-based manner.
• Collaborate with students, families, counselors, support staff, and school administrators when addressing student needs or concerns.
• Participate in family-teacher conferences and contribute to school events or family engagement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of students' attendance, academic performance, and behavior incidents.
• Prepare progress reports, report cards, and other documentation in a timely manner, following school policies and procedures.
• Arrange classroom events and activities, and collect the appropriate documentation in advance of field trips and other school functions.
• Uphold school, district, and state policies regarding child safety, mandated reporting, and confidentiality.
• Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and support staff to create and enhance a cohesive and supportive educational environment and to promote a positive school culture, cross-grade alignment, and shared best practices.
• Work closely with special education teachers, counselors, and other professionals to provide individualized support for students with special needs.
• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, collaborating with other staff, etc.
• Collaborate with student support teams (e.g., MTSS, 504, IEP) to develop and implement academic or behavioral support plans.
• Participate in data meetings and problem-solving sessions to identify student needs and recommend interventions.
• Partner with the school counselor and other specialists to support students experiencing trauma, transitions, or other significant challenges.
• Support classroom behavior through proactive management strategies and, when appropriate, restorative practices.
• Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest teaching methods, educational trends, and curriculum developments.
• Participate in staff meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and contribute to the school community.
• Reflect on teaching practices and seek opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Engage in professional learning communities and schoolwide initiatives.
• Uphold ethical practices and professional conduct.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor to support students, colleagues, or the school community.

Intended Outcomes and Success Measures

• Student Fitness & Motor Skills Development: Demonstrate measurable growth in students' fundamental motor skills and physical fitness components (e.g., cardiovascular endurance, agility, coordination) through age-appropriate fitness assessments.
• Health Literacy & Wellness: Increase student understanding of nutrition, hygiene, and healthy lifestyle choices as evidenced by successful completion of health curriculum benchmarks and class projects.
• Active Engagement & Participation: Maintain high levels of active, sustained student participation in physical activities throughout the instructional period.
• Sportsmanship & Social Skills: Improve student demonstration of sportsmanship, teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution during competitive and cooperative physical games.
• Safety & Environment: Maintain a 100% adherence to gymnasium safety protocols, resulting in a safe learning environment with a minimized incidence of preventable student injuries.
• Apply and implement professional learning and training practices provided by the school and/or district.
• Be responsive to the data and feedback provided by administrators and coaches, and adjust instructional practices to best meet student needs.
• Effective management and support for student behaviors in gym and/or classroom setting.
• Effective instructional strategies in place to maximize engaged student learning time, and minimize disruptions and lost instructional time.

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrates basic computer knowledge, including email, Excel, Word, Google Forms, and other Google applications.
• Demonstrates leadership in the classroom.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm towards students, parents, and staff from diverse backgrounds.