What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School Physical Education Teacher (K - 5) position at Milton Academy?
Position: Lower School Physical Education Teacher (K5)
Department: Lower School
Location: Caroline Saltonstall Gym, Milton Academy Campus, Milton, MA
Hours: Full-time with the flexibility to work nights and weekends
FLSA: Exempt
Classification: Faculty (Academic Year)
Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K12 school, boarding and day in grades 912, located just outside of Boston.
Milton Academy cultivates in our students a passion for learning and a respect for others. Milton students grow by developing their own identities, learning from and listening to the lived experiences of others, and living and working among peers whose differences they accept with respect and care.
In our ongoing work to create an environment that confronts bias, injustice, and bigotry, we encourage each other to be open to learning, explore our histories and identities, and seek to understand the world around us with a critical lens. At Milton, we prepare students to partner with their future communities to create a more just world, and to have the courage to speak up and live by our motto, Dare to be true.
Summary of Position:
Milton Academy is seeking a full-time Lower School Physical Education (PE) Teacher starting in August 2025. The PE teacher will be responsible for creating a dynamic, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate PE program for students in grades K5. The ideal candidate will foster a love of movement, promote healthy habits, and support students physical, social-emotional, and character development through active engagement in various physical activities and games. The ideal candidate will bring energy, creativity, and a deep understanding of age-appropriate physical education instruction.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Teaching and Curriculum
-
Design and implement a comprehensive K5 PE curriculum that supports physical literacy, skill development, and teamwork.
-
Encourage sportsmanship, collaboration, and respect through structured play and team-building activities.
-
Promote lifelong fitness habits and physical well-being.
-
Support students' gross motor skill development and physical confidence.
-
Participate in the life of the school outside the classroom, faculty meetings, lunch and recess duties, and advising student activities.
-
Create a student-centered learning atmosphere that fosters a positive classroom environment which encourages student participation and discussion.
-
Adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
-
Stay informed about the latest developments in physical education, trends, and innovations, and incorporate these into the program.
-
Learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion in education; incorporate related principles when designing curriculum, teaching, and engaging with students.
-
Collaborate with K-5 colleagues to develop inter-departmental and cross-disciplinary projects and initiatives
-
Actively support students, providing mentorship and academic guidance.
-
Assess and evaluate student performance through assignments, projects, and observations.
-
Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues regarding academic progress.
Community
-
Be a visible, accessible presence around campus.
-
Contribute to creating a positive community culture that ensures students are heard, seen, valued, and cared for.
-
Share in the enforcement of our expectations for students.
-
Actively participate in greater community enrichment activities, such as advising a student activity, acting as a faculty sponsor to a student club, coaching an athletic team, or acting as an affinity group facilitator.
Other Professional Expectations and Responsibilities
-
Work cooperatively with students, parents, peers, administration, and community members.
-
Act in a manner that is respectful, generous toward others, supportive of colleagues, and based in a belief in the competence and good intentions of all members of the community.
-
Communicate openly and promptly, supporting colleagues, students, and the integrity of the institution in conversations with students and parents.
-
Create and maintain classroom and campus environments that are open and flexible, reflecting the schools values related to diversity, equity, and belonging.
-
Strive to grow and improve professionally, demonstrating a commitment to continuing professional development in alignment with the school.
-
Exhibit skills in collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
-
Meet deadlines.
-
Attend all school-wide, divisional, and faculty meetings and events and serve on committees as required.
-
Prepare for and participate in the opening of school programming, curriculum nights, open houses, and all other key student/family moments that are part of the school calendar.
-
Complete school-required training.
-
Abide by the schools policies and procedures as outlined in the provided handbooks.
-
Communicate with the appropriate supervisor when unable to meet any professional obligation.
Supervision to be received: Supervised by the Lower School Principal.
Supervision to be exercised: None.
Education/Certification/Licensure
Required:
Bachelors degree in Physical Education, Health Education, or a related field
Preferred:
A masters degree in Physical Education, Health Education, or a related field
Experience
Required:
A minimum of three years of proven experience coaching, teaching and creating curriculum at the elementary level.
Preferred:
Prior experience teaching PE at the elementary level, ideally in an independent school.
Competencies
Required:
-
Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate physical education practices.
-
Enthusiastic, flexible, and collaborative approach to teaching and learning.
-
Excellent classroom management skills.
-
CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
-
Demonstrated computer expertise including GoogleSuite, Microsoft Word, and Adobe.
-
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.
-
Understanding of confidentiality and related issues.
-
Receptive to supervision and professional development.
-
Desire to be a part of a dynamic educational community.
Physical Abilities
Required:
-
Must be able to work at a computer for up to 8 hours each day in conjunction with OSHA requirements.
-
Must be able to teach in a classroom setting and use relevant instructional technology.
-
Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction.
-
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds, set up activity spaces, and be active for extended periods.
All interested internal candidates must complete an application for promotion or transfer and forward to your supervisor as soon as possible.
The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this job description; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.
Milton Academy is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or ancestry, age, veteran status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are fundamental elements of Miltons mission. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.