ES Physical Education Teacher in Worcester, Massachusetts at Abby Kelley Foster School

Job Title: Elementary School Teacher
Location: Elementary School

Reports To: Building Principal

Subordinates: None
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Academic Calendar Year Schedule

School Year: 2026-2027
Salary: School Year Instructional Salary Scale

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Elementary School Physical Education Teacher will deliver high-quality physical education instruction aligned with SHAPE America Standards, fostering a dynamic, safe, and inclusive learning environment while modeling the mission and character virtues of the school. The teacher will promote lifelong physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy habits among elementary-aged students.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of this position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Model the mission and character virtues of the school in all physical activities.

• Design and implement age-appropriate physical education lesson plans that align with SHAPE standards and elementary learning objectives.

• Teach a variety of foundational physical activities, including team sports, individual sports, fitness exercises, movement concepts, and recreational games tailored for young learners.

• Modify instructional strategies and activities to accommodate students with diverse physical abilities, developmental stages, and learning styles.

• Demonstrate proper techniques and clear safety procedures to ensure student understanding and minimize the risk of injuries.

• Integrate technology and educational tools effectively into physical education instruction.

• Evaluate student performance, motor skill development, and progress through regular assessments, observations, and participation.

• Provide positive, constructive feedback to help elementary students improve their skills, confidence, knowledge, and overall physical fitness.

• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, assessments, and progress reporting.

• Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education staff, and parents to discuss student progress and participate in IEP meetings when required.

• Establish a positive, orderly, and inclusive gym environment that promotes respect, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.

• Enforce clear rules and guidelines for behavior, safety, and fair play during classes, recess, or activities.

• Carry out the school’s disciplinary code and procedures in a fair, encouraging, and just manner.

• Maintain strict, active supervision of students to ensure their safety and well-being at all times.

• Respond appropriately to disciplinary issues, conflicts, and emergencies according to school policies and procedures.

• Teach students about the importance of physical fitness, proper nutrition, and overall wellness through age-appropriate discussions and mini-lessons.

• Foster an early understanding of lifelong healthy habits and encourage participation in extracurricular sports, play, or fitness programs.

• Collaborate with school staff, parents, and community organizations to help organize health-related school events (e.g., Field Day, fitness challenges, or sports tournaments).

• Stay up-to-date with current trends, research, and best practices in elementary physical education and child development.

• Attend staff, team, and department meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and serve on staff committees as necessary.

• Collaborate with colleagues to improve school-wide physical education initiatives, recess structures, and overall instructional effectiveness.

• Commit to ongoing professional growth and adherence to the educator evaluation processes as outlined by DESE.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, or a relevant subject area; Master’s degree preferred.

• Per Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations, all Commonwealth charter school teachers must either hold an appropriate Massachusetts educator license or pass the required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) within their first year of employment.

• Teachers assigned to English Language Learners (ELLs) are required to obtain the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement within one year of assignment. This can be achieved through:

  • Completion of a Department-approved SEI course.

  • Passing the SEI MTEL exam.

  • Holding a valid English as a Second Language (ESL) license.

• Prior physical education teaching experience at the elementary school level is preferred.

• In-depth knowledge of elementary physical education curriculum standards, safety protocols, and instructional methodologies.

• Strong classroom/gym management, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with young students, colleagues, and parents.

• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain certification immediately upon hire).

• Physical fitness and the ability to participate actively in physical activities and demonstrate proper techniques to elementary students.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts state regulations.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Must be able to lift, move, or assist students when necessary.

• Completion of any required professional development or certifications as mandated by the District.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment is typically inside a school or classroom setting.

• Noise levels may vary, but are generally moderate, with occasional higher noise levels due to student activities or group work.

• Some travel between classrooms and school buildings may be required.

• The role may require lifting, carrying, or moving educational materials or students, as well as the ability to monitor and engage in physical activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift (up to 50 lbs.), and perform repetitive motions.

• Frequent bending, crouching, stooping, and stretching.

• Standing or walking for the entirety of an 8-hour shift.

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment requiring multitasking and attention to detail.

Important Note:

Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

Full-Time, Exempt Position with compensation based on the School Year’s Instructional Salary Scale. The schedule for this role is based on the school year academic calendar. This is a 10-month position with compensation paid out over 12-months. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

• Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Eligible

• Medical/Dental/Vision

• Life Insurance

• 403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match

• Dash Pass (DoorDash)

• YMCA Discounts

• Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)

• Sick Time with Sick Bank

• Personal Days

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission

The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.