Physical Education Teacher Grades K-4 in Denver, Colorado at Denver Language School

Overview of position:

The Physical Education Teacher Grades K-4 is responsible for creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes students’ physical, social-emotional, and personal growth. The teacher provides engaging physical education instruction that builds coordination, athletic skills, and overall physical abilities while encouraging regular movement and active participation.

The teacher fosters teamwork, collaboration, conflict resolution, and positive sportsmanship through structured activities and cooperative games. Instruction emphasizes perseverance, respect, communication, and healthy peer interactions while helping students build confidence in both individual and group settings. The PE Teacher also promotes the importance of healthy lifestyle habits and physical wellness by encouraging lifelong fitness, movement, and healthy decision-making.

This vacancy will be posted until 06/04/2026 or until filled by a 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 Whiteman Elementary School Principal.

Pay and Benefits:

• Employees at DLS are compensated in accordance with other Denver-area charter schools. The annual salary of $57,120 - 63,036
• 8 days of PTO with an option to roll days to the following school year. PTO will be prorated to reflect a mid-year start.
• 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

Develops and implements a Colorado standards-based PE curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and differentiated for each elementary grade level.

• Plan engaging, age-appropriate games and activities that promote teamwork, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships.
• Teach a variety of sports and movement activities that safely encourage participation, fitness, confidence, and the development of foundational motor skills such as coordination, balance, agility, and strength.
• Designs lessons that are culturally responsive, relevant, and interactive for elementary school learners
• Ability to supplement and differentiate curriculum
• Employs a varied toolkit of research-based engagement strategies to sustain student motivation and participation
• Continuously reflects on and refines instructional practice to maximize student engagement and ownership

Establishes strong classroom management systems, clear routines, and high expectations to promote student safety, respect, and positive behavior.

• Establish clear procedures and supervision practices to ensure a safe physical environment for all students.
• Create an inclusive and welcoming environment where all students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to participate.
• Creates a classroom culture of reciprocal respect using restorative justice practices that prioritize accountability, repair, and community

Supports students’ social-emotional growth by encouraging perseverance, self-confidence, inclusion, and respectful communication through classroom activities.

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

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

• Researches, selects and orders appropriate equipment for program
• Effectively manages program budget
• Organizes large-scale events, such as Field Day

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 social emotional engagement and growth
• Maintains high expectations while demonstrating genuine care — embodying the role of a warm demander

Utilizes Best Practices

• Stays current with professional developments in Physical Education pedagogy and applies new learning meaningfully in the classroom
• Reflects regularly on practice and seeks feedback to continuously improve student outcomes

Skills

Curriculum Development

• Designs rigorous, standards-aligned Physical Education curriculum for grades K-4 that reflects the diverse Denver community
• Thoughtfully builds on and evolves an established, well-regarded program

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

Classroom Management

• Builds a structured, inclusive elementary 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
• 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

Denver Language School is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Denver Language School is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Has passed or can pass the Physical Education Praxis exam (5857) within first year of teaching
• Demonstrates an understanding of elementary students’ developmental stages and individual needs in order to provide age-appropriate support and instruction across grade levels.c

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree preferred but not required