What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Teacher (Grades 7/8) position at Reach Academy?
7th/8th Grade Health Teacher
Salary: $45,000 - $65,830 annually (based on experience)
Why Join REACH Academy Charter School?
At REACH Academy Charter School, we believe that our staff are our greatest asset. We are committed to providing a supportive, collaborative, and rewarding work environment where educators can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on students' lives.
Benefits & Perks
- School day schedule of 6:50 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., with one day per week extended until 4:00 p.m. for planning and professional collaboration
- A welcoming, family-oriented culture that values teamwork, staff recognition, and community
- Frequent staff appreciation events, lunches, and celebrations
- Competitive salary schedule that exceeds many local district salary scales
- REACH pays 80% of health, dental, and vision insurance premiums; employees contribute only 20%
- REACH pays 100% of Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance premiums
- Participation in the New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS)
- Child-rearing benefits
- All classroom and student instructional supplies provided by the school
- Access to voluntary 403(b) retirement savings plans
- Employee access to a 10% discount on Fetch Pet Insurance
Position Summary
REACH Academy Charter School is seeking a passionate and dedicated 7th/8th Grade Health Teacher to provide engaging, standards-based health education that empowers students to make informed decisions and develop lifelong healthy habits. The successful candidate will foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment while helping students build knowledge and skills related to physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Commitment to being an active and enthusiastic member of the REACH community
- Flexibility and willingness to implement innovative instructional practices
- Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
- Ability to identify solutions and effectively resolve challenges
- Excellent attendance, punctuality, and reliability
- Deep understanding of adolescent development
- Commitment to the mission, vision, and educational philosophy of REACH Academy Charter School
- Passion for urban education and student achievement
- Strong classroom management and student engagement skills
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching practices
- Ability to collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
- High standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
- Knowledge of New York State Health Education Standards
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned health education lessons for middle school students
- Teach health topics including mental, emotional, and social wellness, nutrition, personal hygiene, substance abuse prevention, healthy relationships, and age-appropriate sexual health education in accordance with New York State requirements
- Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and culturally inclusive learning environment where all students feel respected and valued
- Promote healthy lifestyle choices, health literacy, and informed decision-making
- Develop students' knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for lifelong wellness
- Collaborate with families, staff, and community organizations to support student health and wellness initiatives
- Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners
- Implement effective classroom management practices that promote respect, responsibility, and student success
- Integrate culturally responsive and trauma-informed instructional practices
- Assess student learning through a variety of formative and summative measures
- Collaborate with school counselors, physical education teachers, administrators, and support staff to support whole-child development
- Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and guardians regarding student progress
- Maintain accurate student records and documentation in compliance with school, state, and federal requirements
- Participate in professional development opportunities and school-wide initiatives as assigned
- Other duties assigned by the Head of Schools
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Health Education, Physical Education, or a related field required
- Master's Degree preferred
- Valid New York State Health Education or Physical Education Certification required
- Candidates who are not yet certified but are actively pursuing New York State certification are encouraged to apply
- Experience working with middle school students preferred
- Experience working in an urban educational setting preferred
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated belief that all students can achieve at high levels
- Alignment with the mission, values, and educational philosophy of REACH Academy Charter School
- Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture
Salary : $45,000 - $65,830