Health and Physical Education Teacher

Title:

Teacher-Physical Education

DBM Classification:

C43/Grade14

Department:

Secondary, Middle School

Salary Range:
$47,066 - $103,660
Employee Group:

P.A.T- Teachers

Prepared Date:

March 2025

Reports to:

School Principal

FTE/ FLSA Status:

1.00-10-Months- Exempt

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Health and Physical Education Teacher promotes students' physical, mental, and emotional well-being by providing instruction in health education and physical fitness. This role focuses on teaching physical activities, wellness practices, and healthy lifestyle choices to help students develop lifelong habits for maintaining their health. The teacher designs engaging lessons that encourage active participation and fosters a positive, inclusive environment that supports students' physical and emotional development. Additionally, they assess student progress, promote teamwork, and collaborate with other educators to enhance the overall wellness of the school community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Instruction: Plan and deliver lessons in physical education and health, focusing on fitness, sportsmanship, wellness, nutrition, and personal safety.Physical Activity & Fitness: Teach a variety of physical activities, including individual and team sports, fitness exercises, and recreational games, to encourage active lifestyles.Health Education: Provide instruction on topics such as nutrition, mental health, hygiene, substance abuse prevention, and sexual health.Student Assessment: Assess student performance and progress in physical fitness and health-related knowledge, adapting instruction as needed.Behavior Management: Create and maintain a safe and positive learning environment, promoting teamwork, respect, and inclusion in all activities.Collaboration: Work with other teachers, administrators, and staff to integrate health and physical education across the curriculum.Adaptation for Special Needs: Modify activities and provide support for students with physical, mental, or emotional challenges to ensure full participation.Promote Lifelong Fitness: Encourage students to develop habits that promote long-term health and wellness.Event Planning & Extracurricular Activities: Organize and lead school events like sports days, wellness fairs, and physical challenges to promote healthy living.Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional learning to stay updated on health fitness trends, as well as effective teaching strategies.Other Duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Health Education: Strong understanding of health principles, including nutrition, mental health, wellness, substance abuse prevention, and safety.Physical Education Techniques: Knowledge of various sports, fitness activities, and movement skills, along with the ability to teach students at varying skill levels.Classroom Management: Ability to create a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment where students can develop confidence and teamwork.Assessment & Evaluation: Skill in assessing student performance, tracking progress, and adjusting instruction to meet individual and group needs.Differentiated Instruction: Ability to adapt lessons and activities for students with varying physical abilities, skill levels, and learning needs.Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively teach, motivate, and interact with students, parents, and colleagues.Physical Fitness & Wellness Promotion: Knowledge of how to foster lifelong habits of physical activity, healthy eating, and wellness practices.Technology Integration: Ability to integrate technology into lessons, such as using fitness trackers or health apps to monitor progress and engage students.Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with other teachers, staff, and the broader school community to promote student wellness.Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing professional learning to stay current with developments in physical education and health education best practices.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Standing & Moving: Frequent standing and moving throughout the classroom, gymnasium, or outdoor areas to demonstrate exercises, monitor activities, and interact with students.Physical Activity: Regular participation in physical activities, demonstrations, and physical exercises to model appropriate techniques and engage students.Lifting & Carrying: Ability to lift and carry sports equipment, teaching materials, and other supplies (typically up to 25 lbs).Reaching & Bending: Frequent reaching, bending, and crouching to set up equipment, assist students, or retrieve items.Fine Motor Skills: Frequent use of hands for writing, using technology, and managing teaching tools and equipment.Visual & Auditory Requirements: Ability to observe students' movements and actions, assess performance, and listen to instructions and feedback from students.Communication: Clear verbal communication to provide instructions, give feedback, and interact with students during activities.Endurance: Ability to engage in extended periods of physical activity while maintaining energy and enthusiasm throughout lessons
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Classroom & Gymnasium Setting: Primarily works in a gymnasium, fitness room, or classroom, as well as outdoor spaces for physical activities and sports.Active Environment: The work setting is physically active, with frequent movement and participation in physical exercises, sports, and activities.Collaborative Atmosphere: Regular interaction with other teachers, administrators, and staff to integrate health and wellness education across the curriculum.Varied Noise Levels: The environment may vary in noise levels depending on the activity, with higher noise levels during physical activities and sports events.Health & Safety Focus: A strong emphasis on maintaining a safe and injury-free environment for students during physical activities and sports.Technology Integration: Use of technology, such as fitness trackers, health apps, and instructional tools, to enhance student engagement and track progress.Inclusive Environment: A supportive and inclusive environment that accommodates students with different physical abilities and skill levels.Occasional Outdoor Work: May involve outdoor activities or field trips, requiring attention to weather conditions and appropriate planning for student safety.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Health Education, Physical Education, Kinesiology, or a related field.Valid teaching license or certification in Physical Education and/or Health Education (as required by state regulations).Preferred: Master's degree in Health Education, Physical Education, or a related field.Certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is preferred. Experience teaching physical education or health education at the K-12 level.
Knowledge and experience in coaching, sports management, or leading extracurricular physical activities or wellness programs.Familiarity with adapting physical education programs for students with varying physical abilities.Experience using technology to enhance physical education and health instruction.
BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:
Health and Dental InsuranceFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expensesLife InsuranceAccidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) InsuranceShort- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.