MS PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Anticipated Start Date: 8/13/2026

Job Description 

Shady Side Academy seeks a dynamic, student-centered Physical Education teacher to join our Middle School faculty. Grounded in our mission to challenge students to think expansively, act ethically, and lead responsibly, the successful candidate will inspire students to discover the connection between movement, wellness, resilience, and lifelong learning.

At Shady Side Academy, movement is an essential part of a student's growth and development. We believe that physical activity builds confidence, strengthens character, supports well-being, and enhances learning. Our Middle School Physical Education program encourages students to take healthy risks, embrace challenges, collaborate with others, and develop habits that support physical and emotional wellness.

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic educator who understands the unique developmental needs of young adolescents and values building meaningful relationships with students. They will contribute to a vibrant school culture where belonging, curiosity, and personal growth are central to the student experience.

Primary Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Teach Middle School Physical Education courses for students in grades 6–8.
• Design engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that promote physical literacy, fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and lifelong wellness.
• Create an inclusive learning environment that encourages participation, confidence, and growth for all students.
• Assess student progress and provide meaningful feedback that supports individual development.
• Emphasize skill-building, proper technique and form, healthy habits, goal setting, and personal responsibility.
• Build rapport with students and use proactive classroom management strategies to support positive student behavior and maximize instructional time. 

Student Relationships and Community

• Foster a positive classroom culture rooted in Shady Side Academy's guiding principles of honesty, kindness, responsibility, respect, and safety.
• Build strong relationships with students and serve as a trusted adult mentor.
• Communicate effectively and proactively with families regarding student progress and well-being.
• Partner with Wellness faculty and colleagues to integrate Physical Education and Wellness programming in ways that promote students’ academic, physical, social, and emotional development. 

School Life

• Coach at least two seasons of competitive athletics, as appropriate.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, fostering meaningful relationships with students and maintaining open, collaborative communication with parents to support each child's growth and well-being. 
• Participate actively in grade-level and departmental collaboration.
• Contribute to school events, experiential learning opportunities, and community-building activities.
• Support the Academy's commitment to belonging, inclusion, and student engagement.

Professional Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing professional learning and reflective practice.
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to create meaningful student experiences.
• Contribute positively to a culture of innovation, collegiality, and continuous improvement.
• Participate fully in faculty meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Education, or a related field is required, and a master’s degree in these fields is strongly preferred.

An Ideal candidate will have

• Strong understanding of adolescent development and best practices in physical education.
• Varsity and/or Middle School Head Coaching experience.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with middle school-aged students.
• Experience integrating character development into physical education programming.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative mindset, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a sense of humor.