Lower School PE Teacher

Location: Encino, California • Type: Full Time • Salary: $72,000-$85,000

About the role

Westmark School is seeking an energetic, patient, and experienced Lower School Physical Education (PE) Teacher to develop and implement a developmentally appropriate PE curriculum for students in Grades 2–5 with language-based learning differences (LD) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. This role reports to the Assistant Athletic Director and focuses on building foundational gross motor skills, self-awareness, confidence, and sportsmanship in a supportive, low-stress environment.

The PE program is all-inclusive, based on the latest research in neuroplasticity and sensory-motor development, fostering an early appreciation for lifelong physical activity. The ideal candidate will understand early childhood academic, social, and emotional development, as well as the unique sensory and processing needs of LD learners.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum and Instruction:
  • Tailor instruction for learning differences (LD) by developing age-appropriate, standards-based curriculum, yearly/unit/daily plans, and assessments, including Wellness.
  • Account for language-processing delays, working memory challenges, and executive functioning needs using multisensory instruction and clear, visual cues.
  • Focus on foundational movement: gross motor skills, spatial awareness, locomotor movements, balance, and cooperative games rather than high-pressure sports competition.
  • Leverage neuroplasticity through research-based physical activities supporting brain development, cross-body coordination, and cognitive-motor integration.
  • Differentiate activities to ensure every student, regardless of athletic or processing ability, experiences success and builds self-confidence.
• Classroom Management and Student Support:
  • Implement structured, predictable, and positive behavior management systems tailored to students with learning differences and attention vulnerabilities.
  • Teach and model social-emotional learning (SEL) skills: sportsmanship, teamwork, cooperation, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution.
  • Provide exceptional supervision to ensure physical and emotional safety during high-energy games, outdoor activities, and transitions.
• Communication and Administration:
  • Maintain accurate documentation to track student motor development and social growth; write progress narratives four times per year.
  • Partner closely with Lower School classroom teachers and families to support student needs and behavior plans.
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, administrators, students, and parents regarding health, progress, materials, celebrations, and discipline.
• School Life and Community:
  • Participate fully in the Lower School community, including faculty meetings, duties (e.g., lunch, recess), and annual grade-level field trips.
  • Stay current on best practices for teaching PE to LD students and SEL approaches.
• Athletics and Equipment Care:
  • Organize, maintain, and inventory all Lower School PE and recess equipment; ensure shared spaces remain clean and safe.
  • Assist the Athletics department with Lower School sports clinics or events (e.g., Field Day) as scheduled.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Child Development, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of teaching PE to elementary school-aged children, preferably in an independent or special education school setting.
• Credential, certificate, or extensive coursework/experience in Special Education or Learning Disabilities is highly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and multisensory communication skills.
• Ability to break down complex physical movements into simple, actionable steps.
• High energy, patience, flexibility, and a team-player mindset.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to demonstrate physical movements, stand/walk for extended periods, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, and project their voice clearly in an open gym or field setting. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move athletic equipment up to 25 pounds. Specific vision and hearing abilities are required to maintain a safe environment.

About Westmark School

Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering, and celebrating students with distinct learning styles. Located in Encino, CA, Westmark offers competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.