Physical Education Teacher Grades 5-8 in Denver, Colorado at Denver Language School

Overview of position:

The Physical Education Teacher Grades 5-8 supports the academic growth of students through the implementation of DLS pedagogy, comprehensive classroom management, implementing effective engagement strategies, and building authentic teacher/student relationships. This role is responsible for effective instruction and management of a classroom of middle-schoolers.

The Physical Education Teacher Grades 5-8 works closely with campus principals, instructional leaders, parents/families, and students to ensure measurable positive student outcomes.

This vacancy will be posted until 06/04/2026 or until filled by a highly qualified candidate. We encourage individuals to apply even if the above date has passed.

The anticipated start date for this position is 08/03/2026.

The selected candidate will report to the Gilpin Middle School Principal.

Pay and Benefits:

• Employees at DLS are compensated in accordance with other Denver-area charter schools. The annual salary of $57,120 to $63,036.
• 8 days of PTO with an option to roll days to the following school year.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance subsidized by the school.
• Employee assistance program and online mental health support paid by the school.
• Early student release each Friday to offer opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
• Discounted rates for after-school Fun Clubs and out-of-state travel of employees’ children.
• Individualized coaching and support, as well as school-funded professional development.
• Employees' children get priority in student enrollment, but there is no guarantee of enrollment due to seat availability.
• Short term disability insurance, term life insurance paid fully by the school.

Essential Functions and Objectives

Creates, implements, and manages clear systems for material and equipment usage

• Researches, selects and orders appropriate equipment for program
• Maintains, organizes, and ensures the safety of gymnasiums, locker rooms, playing fields, and equipment
• Effectively manages program budget
• Organizes large-scale events, such as Field Day and other athletic events

Upholds Safety Standards

• Maintains, organizes, and ensures the safety of gymnasiums, locker rooms, playing fields, and equipment
• Conducts safety checks on equipment, and responding to emergencies according to school procedures
• Ensures the gym and related facilities are clean and properly set up, sometimes involving the movement of equipment for assemblies

Ability to Effectively Instruct Using the Given Curriculum

• Implements the school's adopted health/athletics curriculum with fidelity, consistency, and purpose
• Draws on strong athletic knowledge to bring curriculum materials to life in engaging and meaningful ways
• Partners with colleagues and leadership to ensure aligned, high-quality delivery across grade levels

Ability to Supplement and Differentiate Curriculum

Can Build Authentic Teacher/Student Relationships

• Invests in knowing each student as an individual, fostering a classroom culture grounded in trust and belonging
• Creates space for student voice and agency as a foundation for academic engagement and growth
• Maintains high expectations while demonstrating genuine care — embodying the role of a warm demander

Consistently Implements Effective Engagement Strategies

• Employs a varied toolkit of research-based engagement strategies to sustain student motivation and participation
• Designs lessons that are culturally responsive, relevant, and interactive for middle school learners
• Continuously reflects on and refines instructional practice to maximize student engagement and ownership

Utilizes Best Practices

• Grounds instructional decisions in current, research-based best practices in literacy education and adolescent learning
• Stays current with professional developments in ELA pedagogy and applies new learning meaningfully in the classroom
• Reflects regularly on practice and seeks feedback to continuously improve student outcomes

Uses Restorative Justice and Liberatory Design to Manage Classroom Environment

• Creates a classroom culture of reciprocal respect using restorative justice practices that prioritize accountability, repair, and community
• Applies liberatory design principles to center student identities, experiences, and voices in the learning environment
• Leads with the presence of a warm demander — holding high expectations while building the relational trust that middle schoolers need to thrive

Works with Parents, Colleagues, and Community Members to Deepen Learning

• Builds genuine, collaborative relationships with families — including those who are highly engaged or have historically raised concerns — through consistent, transparent communication
• Partners with colleagues across disciplines to create cohesive, connected learning experiences for students
• Seeks out and leverages community partnerships to bring real-world relevance and enrichment to the Physical Education classroom

Can Communicate with a Wide Range of Students While Providing Scaffolding

• Flexes communication style to meet students where they are, ensuring all learners feel seen, understood, and supported
• Provides intentional scaffolding — including visual, verbal, and written supports — to ensure equitable access to grade-level content
• Builds student independence over time by gradually releasing responsibility as skills and confidence grow

Utilizes Formative and Summative Assessments to Determine Student Pacing and NeedsRegularly administers and analyzes formative assessments to make real-time instructional adjustments

• Uses summative data to evaluate unit and semester-level growth and inform future planning
• Communicates assessment results clearly to students, families, and school leadership in a timely and meaningful way
• Additional Tasks and/or assignments to further the Mission and Vision of the School

Skills

Curriculum Development

• Designs rigorous, standards-aligned Physical Education curriculum for grades 6–7 that reflects the diverse Denver community
• Thoughtfully builds on and evolves an established, well-regarded program
• Collaborates with colleagues to ensure vertical alignment across grade levels

Effective Time Management

• Balances instructional planning, grading, and family communication with consistency
• Responds to competing priorities in a fast-paced charter school environment
• Maintains professionalism and follow-through in a high-expectation community

Instructional Design

• Creates scaffolded, research-based literacy lessons for a range of learners
• Designs engaging reading and writing experiences that challenge all skill levels
• Brings fresh instructional approaches while honoring an established program

Classroom Management

• Builds a structured, inclusive middle school environment rooted in mutual respect
• Sets clear expectations that support student confidence and risk-taking
• Maintains a positive, consistent classroom culture aligned with school values

Analysis of Student Outcomes

• Uses formative and summative data to drive instructional decisions
• Communicates student progress transparently to families and leadership
• Identifies and responds to learning gaps with targeted intervention strategies

Leadership

• Contributes to school-wide initiatives and collaborative curriculum planning
• Models professionalism and earns trust with staff, students, and families
• Approaches a high-visibility role with humility and a growth mindset

Communication

• Communicates proactively and clearly with students, families, and colleagues
• Navigates sensitive parent conversations with empathy and solution-focus
• Builds trust through consistent, transparent, and respectful dialogue

Effective Planning

• Develops cohesive short- and long-term instructional plans with clear pacing
• Balances structure and flexibility to meet evolving student needs
• Ensures continuity and coherence across the 6th and 7th grade ELA experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Has passed or can pass the Physical Education Praxis exam (5857) within first year of teaching
• Understanding or willingness to learn standards required to teach 5-8 health classes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree preferred but not required