Professional Educator - PE (Anticipated)

Professional Educator / Teacher – Physical Education (PE)
Reports To: School Principal and/or Assistant Principal (Grades 9–12: Department Chair and School Principal)
FLSA Status: Exempt

To learn more about the Harwood Unified Union School District and our schools, visit https://huusd.org/our-schools

Provide high-quality instruction in Physical Education to help all students develop the knowledge, skills, fitness, and character necessary to become healthy, capable, and responsible individuals. Promote lifelong physical wellness while supporting students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

• Integrate strong content knowledge in physical education, including movement skills, fitness principles, teamwork, and health-related concepts.
• Apply current best practices, research, and educational law to instructional planning and delivery.
• Demonstrate knowledge of students’ developmental levels, learning styles, interests, cultural backgrounds, and individual needs.
• Establish clear, measurable instructional goals aligned with Vermont standards and district curriculum.
• Design coherent lesson and unit plans that incorporate skill progression, varied instructional groupings, appropriate materials, and effective pacing.
• Utilize school and district resources to enhance instruction and promote student achievement.
• Assess student learning accurately and consistently; clearly communicate performance expectations and criteria.
• Use assessment data to inform instruction and collaborate with special educators in developing and supporting IEP goals as appropriate.

• Create and maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment that promotes physical, emotional, and social well-being.
• Establish a culture of high expectations, teamwork, sportsmanship, and pride in personal effort and achievement.
• Manage equipment, facilities, transitions, and instructional groups efficiently and safely.
• Supervise and effectively utilize paraeducators and volunteers when assigned.
• Implement clear behavioral expectations and respond consistently and respectfully to student behavior.
• Develop and implement behavior support plans when needed.
• Ensure all safety protocols are followed and take reasonable precautions to protect students and equipment.

• Communicate directions, demonstrations, and safety procedures clearly and effectively.
• Use questioning, discussion, modeling, and guided practice to actively engage students.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate varied abilities, skill levels, and learning needs.
• Provide timely, constructive, and specific feedback to students and families regarding progress.
• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to student interests, needs, and teachable moments to enhance learning.

• Reflect on instructional effectiveness and revise lessons to improve student outcomes.
• Collaborate with school leadership in evaluating curriculum and identifying program needs.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential student records.
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Communicate effectively with families through conferences, newsletters, meetings, and other outreach methods.
• Participate in EST/MTSS processes, including meetings, referrals, and supplemental support planning.
• Engage actively in school events, professional development, in-service training, and district initiatives.
• Remain current with best practices and research in physical education and child development.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and a consistent focus on what is best for students.
• Uphold and enforce school and district policies and procedures.

Reports to and is evaluated by the School Principal and/or Assistant Principal. Grades 9–12 teachers may receive additional administrative direction from the Department Chair and technical guidance from the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.

Assists in training, planning, and directing assigned paraeducators. May provide input regarding evaluation, hiring, and continued employment decisions.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Working knowledge of Vermont’s Framework of Standards required.
• Experience teaching in a Vermont school district preferred.

• Holds or is eligible to hold a Vermont Teaching License.
• Holds appropriate endorsement(s) in Physical Education and meets all licensing competencies required by Vermont regulations.

• Strong understanding of physical education curriculum, assessment, and student development.
• Ability to interpret assessment data, including standard scores and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications; experience with Microsoft Office preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage stress effectively and maintain professionalism in dynamic school settings.

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking, hearing, and use of hands.
• Occasional reaching, climbing steps, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, carrying, moving, or restraining students as necessary.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Regular engagement in active physical demonstration and supervision of student activities.
• Regular handling of stressful situations and conflict resolution.

• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Noise level typically quiet to moderate, with higher levels during active physical activities.

The Professional Educator / Teacher – Physical Education plays a vital role in fostering lifelong health, physical literacy, teamwork, and personal responsibility while contributing to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-achieving school environment.