Movement Instructor

About The Role

Meristem is seeking a Movement Instructor who is passionate about using movement as an educational tool to support physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and functional development. This is a student-facing, hands-on role that supports all aspects of the movement curriculum and includes some collaboration with our theater and expressive movement programming.

Responsibilities

• Deliver movement-based lessons that promote balance, coordination, strength, body awareness, and self-regulation.
• Support curriculum across movement and expressive/theater-based activities.
• Lead engaging experiences including sports, fitness, dance, mindfulness, outdoor recreation, and therapeutic movement practices.
• Assess student abilities and adapt instruction to sensory needs, physical abilities, and diverse learning styles.
• Create supportive, engaging learning environments using movement to strengthen executive functioning, emotional regulation, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Maintain safe, organized indoor and outdoor learning environments and equipment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized movement goals and support strategies.
• Record daily documentation related to student progress and instructional strategies.
• Participate in onboarding, team meetings, staff training, and implementation of the Meristem Method.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree OR high-level professional experience in movement education (required).
• 2+ years teaching movement, physical education, fitness, recreation, or wellness programs.
• Experience supporting autistic individuals or people with developmental disabilities (preferred).
• Knowledge of movement education, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, sensory integration, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
• Training or experience in one or more movement disciplines (sports, dance, yoga, mindfulness, somatic practices, outdoor recreation, theater/expressive movement).
• Familiarity with Waldorf Education, Ruskin Mill Trust, Transformative Movement Education, or similar developmental models (preferred).
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional maturity, and ability to de-escalate challenging situations.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and electronic documentation systems.

Compensation And Benefits

$25.00 - $35.00 per hour, depending on experience, education and qualifications.
Medical plus $3k HRA to help offset medical costs
Dental, Vision, and 401K
Daily Lunch and Snacks provided

Work Environment

This role is active and hands-on, involving indoor and outdoor movement instruction, navigating uneven terrain, and lifting up to 50 lbs. You'll work directly with neurodiverse young adults in dynamic, experiential learning environments.