Elementary PE Teacher

Position Title: Elementary Physical Education Teacher (Young 5s – 5th Grade)

School Type: Public Charter School

School Specialty/Theme: FARE Focus (Food, Agriculture, Renewable Resources, Environment)

Reports To: Elementary Principal

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Benton Harbor, Michigan

Position Overview

We are seeking an energetic, dedicated, and innovative Elementary Physical Education Teacher to join our team. This position is responsible for delivering high-quality, age-appropriate physical education instruction to students from Young 5s through 5th Grade.

As a public charter school rooted in a unique FARE (Food, Agriculture, Renewable Resources, Environment) thematic model, we strive to make learning hands-on and connected to nature. The ideal candidate will foster physical literacy, gross motor development, sportsmanship, and lifelong wellness habits while creatively weaving FARE concepts into PE activities, outdoor movement, and active lifestyle lessons.

Key Responsibilities

1. Instruction & Curriculum Development

• Design and deliver developmentally appropriate physical education lessons for Young 5s through 5th grade, aligned with Michigan Academic Standards for Physical Education (MAS-PE) and SHAPE America guidelines.
• Adapt movement concepts, spatial awareness, and motor skill development to meet the unique needs of early childhood (Young 5s–K) through upper elementary (4th–5th) learners.
• Establish clear learning objectives, rules, and expectations that promote physical activity, teamwork, fair play, and personal responsibility.
• Provide inclusive instruction and accommodations to ensure equitable access and active participation for students with diverse physical capabilities and learning needs.

2. FARE Thematic Integration (Preferred Specialty)

• Food & Nutrition: Incorporate active lessons highlighting energy intake, hydration, heart health, and how food fuel powers human movement.
• Agriculture & Outdoor Movement: Utilize outdoor campus features (e.g., school gardens, farm trails, outdoor green spaces) for movement-based activities, obstacle courses, or fitness stations.
• Renewable Resources & Environment: Teach environmental stewardship through active outdoor learning, leave-no-trace outdoor games, and eco-friendly physical health practices.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and specialists to create cross-curricular connections between physical education and the FARE themes.

3. Assessment & Classroom Management

• Maintain an organized, high-energy, safe, and positive environment in the gymnasium, outdoor athletic fields, and play areas.
• Implement proactive behavior management strategies that support character development, social-emotional learning (SEL), and conflict resolution.
• Routinely assess student progress in motor skill competency, fitness awareness, and cooperative play using formal and informal methods.

4. School Culture & Community Engagement

• Organize and lead school-wide active events such as Field Day, active harvest/mileage clubs, or seasonal outdoor fitness challenges.
• Ensure all PE equipment, storage areas, and activity spaces are clean, safe, and regularly inspected.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, professional development, and school community events.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Education & State Certification

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Elementary Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Michigan Certification: Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a Physical Education (MB or MC) endorsement for Elementary or K–12 grades or willingness to obtain certification.
• Testing: Passing score on the applicable Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in Physical Education or willingness to enroll in alt. cert. program and pass MTTC.
• Safety: Valid First Aid and CPR/AED Certification (or willingness to obtain prior to employment start date).
• Background Check: Ability to pass a state-mandated criminal background check and LiveScan fingerprinting.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience working with early childhood (Young 5s/Kindergarten) through elementary-aged students in a school or instructional setting.
• Interest, background, or enthusiasm for incorporating agriculture, nutrition, outdoor education, or environmental science into movement-based learning.
• Ability to utilize outdoor environments effectively in varying Michigan weather conditions.
• Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff, parents, and community partners.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Ability to demonstrate physical movements, exercises, and sport skills across multiple classes daily.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, run, lift up to 40 pounds (equipment management), and spend significant periods outdoors in diverse weather conditions.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter (highlighting experience with elementary students and ideas for incorporating FARE themes into PE)
• Current Resume
• Copy of Michigan Teaching Certificate / Endorsements
• List of three professional references

Our school is an Equal Opportunity Employer.