Physical Education/Health Teacher

Job Description

High School Physical Education/ Health Teacher

Full-Time starting in August 2026

City & State: Harrisburg, PA

School: Bishop McDevitt High School

Position Purpose: Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' physical skills and abilities, strength, agility, poise, coordination, and teamwork; to develop students' understanding of the importance of exercise to physical and mental well-being; and to motivate students to work towards physical fitness, hygiene, and good health.

Reports to: Principal

Essential Functions

• Develops and administers Physical Education/Health classes consistent with Diocesan school goals and objectives.
• Teaches knowledge of, and develops skills and abilities in, physical fitness, rhythm and dance, coordination and agility, exercise, and sports.
• Develops students' concepts in leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and social skills; provides a safe and optimal learning environment; and provides appropriate feedback regarding student progress, expectations, and goals.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student growth and progress in physical education activities and modifies instructional methods to fit individual students' needs, including students with special needs.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn about current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Assists in coordinating extra-curricular activities, including student performances, assemblies, and athletic events.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within physical education and grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Inspects equipment and field areas to ensure they are in good and safe working order.
  
  

Responsibilities/Tasks for: Secondary School teacher

• Create an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
• Assign and grade classwork and homework.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
• Communicate with parents and school counselors on student progress.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, diocesan policies, and administrative regulations.
• Guide and counsel students with adjustment and/or academic problems or special academic interests.
• Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of the school, state, and diocese.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Identify student needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve learning and health problems.
• Use technology and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon the request of immediate supervisors.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by the administration.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Maintain professional competence by attending professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence for Act 48.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need.
• Perform administrative duties such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
• Prepare and supervise students for Mass.
  
  

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to perform all the technological requirements of classroom management.
• Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels and in an outdoor environment.
• Must be able to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in both a normal classroom environment and in an outdoor setting.
• Must have the physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.
  
  

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may occasionally be performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, And/or Abilities Required)

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree, preferably in sports, athletics, health, nutrition, physical education, education, or a related field.
• Teaching certification preferred. Otherwise, be willing to pursue certification.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Must comply with PA State clearance requirements.
• Must be willing to respect the Catholic Church and follow our basic morality guidelines.