26-27 Physical Education Teacher

Position: Physical Education Teacher 

Role Description: 

The Physical Education Teacher at Élan Academy is responsible for designing and delivering a standards-aligned P.E. program that serves scholars in PreK through 8th grade. The ideal candidate is an energetic, organized educator who understands child and adolescent physical development, can differentiate instruction across a wide age range, and creates a classroom culture where every scholar feels safe, challenged, and celebrated. This teacher will foster a lifelong love of movement, healthy living, and sportsmanship.

About Èlan Academy: 

Founded in 2017, Élan Academy Charter School is an academically challenging, disciplined, and joyful elementary school located in New Orleans, LA. Through a classical curriculum, high-quality instruction, and leadership development, Élan Academy Charter School ensures that all scholars have the foundation necessary to thrive in secondary school, succeed in college, and access lives of opportunity.

An Élan Academy Teammate…

• Does whatever it takes. We are Élan Academy teachers, not just individual classroom teachers. We recognize that we are all responsible for building, preserving, and maintaining our school culture. 

• Embodies our core values. We want to build a culture of open, honest, and productive dialogue with one another. We are expected to share our ideas, thoughts, and concerns. We value the power of shared leadership.   

• Believes results come from hard work. Our preparation creates the opportunity for success. We understand that Élan Academy’s success is the result of persistent effort, resilience, and a shared dedication to continuous improvement.

• Sweats the small stuff.  Every detail matters and helps us build strong daily habits that contribute to success.

• Embodies no-nonsense nurturing. We build meaningful relationships with our scholars and hold them accountable to meet high expectations.

• Teaches ALL scholars until they learn. We are committed to providing an equitable learning environment. We ensure that all scholars have access to high-quality instructional resources and support in order to meet their most rigorous learning outcomes.

• Understands that we are members of one school with one mission, working together at all times. We share our passion for teaching and learning with our colleagues, our scholars, and our families to achieve the mission.  

Responsibilities: 

• Embody & Élan Academy’s mission, vision, and values;

• Participate in an annual summer staff orientation and training;

• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate P.E. lessons for scholars in PreK through 8th grade, aligned to Louisiana Physical Education Content Standards and SHAPE America National Standards.

• Differentiate instruction across grade bands so early learners build foundational motor skills while middle school scholars develop strategy, fitness, and sport-specific skills.

• Integrate units that include team sports, individual fitness, rhythm and movement, cooperative games, and health education.

• Assess scholar progress using both formative and summative measures, including fitness benchmarks, skill rubrics, and participation metrics.

• Maintain accurate grade book records and communicate scholar progress to families and the instructional team.

• Build a joyful, safe, and inclusive environment where every scholar participates, takes risks, and feels seen.

• Model and teach sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience, and self-discipline.

• Implement Élan’s schoolwide culture systems consistently and reinforce scholar expectations in P.E. and in shared spaces such as arrival, dismissal, hallways, and the cafeteria.

• Support scholars’ social and emotional development, particularly around handling competition, loss, and working with peers.

• Maintain the safety of all scholars during physical activity, including proper warm-ups, spacing, equipment checks, and supervision ratios.

• Manage P.E. equipment inventory, submit timely requests for replenishment, and keep equipment organized and in good working order.

• Adapt activities for scholars with IEPs, 504 plans, medical restrictions, or other individual needs in partnership with the SPED team and school nurse.

• Respond to injuries and health concerns according to school protocols and document incidents as required.

Qualifications: 

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university 

• 2 years of experience preferred 

• Experience with SHAPE America standards or a nationally recognized P.E. curriculum.

Mindset Requirements: 

• Believe that there is not a more urgent task than providing an outstanding academic and character education to ALL scholars regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, 

• Believe that the children of New Orleans have been historically underserved, and they deserve an excellent education.  

• Believe the opportunity gap can be eliminated and that this can be accomplished not through heroics but through focused instruction. 

• Believe children can thrive academically, creatively, and emotionally in a highly organized learning environment.

• Believe fostering great relationships with families and stakeholders can lead to transformational learning opportunities. 

• Believe high-quality schools focus on scholar learning and intentionally use data to influence outcomes. 

• Believe that all members of the Élan Academy Community are capable of growth. We invest in consistent, measurable, and meaningful learning opportunities that promote academic and personal advancement for all scholars and adults. 

• Believe that the standardized exams our scholars take (NWEA, iLEAP, STEP, and our Interim   Assessments)  provide valuable data that must inform our instruction.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods.

• Ability to assist scholars with physical tasks as needed.

Compensation: 

Élan Academy offers a generous compensation package, including a 401 (K) contribution match, health, dental, and vision insurance, and more! Élan Academy also ensures that ALL staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.