Physical Education/Health Teacher

1/2 Physical Education/ 1/2 Health Teacher

Oxford Hills Middle School

Paris, Maine

Application Deadline:  Until a suitable candidate is found

School/Program-Specific Information 

Oxford Hills Middle School serves approximately 500 students in grades 7-8.  OHMS has two campuses located about 2 miles apart, one in South Paris and one in Oxford.  The successful candidate is driven by a range of passions that center on empowering students, fostering innovation in teaching methods, promoting equity and inclusion, and supporting social-emotional development. They are enthusiastic about designing engaging learning experiences tailored to diverse student needs, advocating for inclusive classroom environments, and building strong connections between the classroom and the community. In addition, they are committed to continuous improvement, seeking out opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and reflection to enhance their teaching practices and create positive impacts on students' lives.

Oxford Hills Middle School is actively searching for an exceptional Physical Education/ Health Teacher to become a valued member of our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in physical education and health education, with experience working in a middle school setting. The teacher will be responsible for designing and implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate physical education and health curriculum that aligns with state standards and promotes holistic wellness among middle school students. Additionally, the teacher will lead outdoor expeditions and experiential learning activities to enhance students' understanding of health and wellness in real-world contexts.

As our Physical Education/Health Middle School Teacher, you will have a range of duties. These include developing comprehensive curriculum plans for physical education and health classes, conducting dynamic and participatory physical education sessions that emphasize teamwork, fitness, and skill development, and teaching essential health education topics like nutrition, mental health, and personal wellness. You'll integrate experiential learning opportunities, outdoor expeditions, and adventure-based activities to enhance students' grasp of health and wellness concepts. Additionally, you'll assess student progress, provide constructive feedback, and maintain open communication with parents/guardians regarding student performance and engagement.

Collaboration is key in our educational approach, and you'll work closely with colleagues to infuse physical education and health concepts into interdisciplinary units and school-wide initiatives. Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and positive social interactions are encouraged is a fundamental aspect of this role. Staying current with best practices in physical and health education, attending professional development opportunities, and continuously refining your instructional strategies are also important aspects of this position.

To qualify for this role, you should hold a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Health Education, or a related field (a Master's degree is preferred), possess a valid teaching license/certification in Physical Education/Health Education, and have experience teaching middle school students, preferably within an expeditionary learning or outdoor education framework. Strong communication skills, a passion for promoting physical fitness and wellness, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents/guardians, and community partners are essential qualities we're seeking. If you're an enthusiastic educator with a deep commitment to inspiring healthy living and holistic wellness in middle school students, we encourage you to apply for this fulfilling opportunity.

As a District we are committed to our four Strategic Pillars: Healthy and Resilient Students, Maximizing Our Facilities to Support Learning, Recruiting and Growing Talent, and Rigorous, Relevant and Responsive Learning. We are invested in the well-being of our students and our staff and you will find our classrooms - both indoors and outdoors -  as evolving spaces intentionally designed to optimize learning. Our District maintains close partnerships with multiple community partners and recently started an Employee Life Navigator program intended to add an additional layer of support for all staff. 

OUR MISSION

The Oxford Hills School District, in partnership with families and communities, engages and supports all students in diverse and challenging learning opportunities to prepare them to graduate as healthy, responsible, and productive citizens, ready to succeed in our global societies.

CORE BELIEFS

Therefore, the Oxford Hills School District, in collaboration with its parents and communities, will:

• Meet students where they are, motivating and helping them develop their individual learning paths.
• Hold students to high expectations and provide adequate time and support to achieve them.
• Prepare students for success by helping them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Foster high aspirations and the skills of self-determination, self-control, and self-advocacy.
• Guide students to be curious learners and ethical leaders, able to adapt to changing times.
• Provide learning experiences in a safe, caring, and welcoming environment.

OXFORD HILLS REGION

The Oxford Hills School District (MSAD 17) comprises the towns of Norway, South Paris, West Paris, Oxford, Waterford, Harrison, Hebron and Otisfield. MSAD 17 shares vocational resources and accepts students in its Oxford Hills Technical School programs from the RSU10 School District towns of Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner. Oxford Hills/Nezinscot Adult Education is located within the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

The Oxford Hills offer a variety of outdoor resources for anyone wishing to enjoy the region, whatever the season. The area boasts more than ten lakes and ponds for outdoor recreation, a land trust with hundreds of acres for skiing, snowshoeing, and is in close proximity to several downhill skiing areas! Community support for Oxford Hills athletics and extracurricular activities is very strong and represents the robust regional commitment to the students and schools within the district.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must hold a valid Maine certificate or the ability to obtain one with appropriate endorsement(s).

Reports to: Building Principal

Work Schedule: 180 Day Contract

Responsibilities Include:

• Design Engaging Lessons: Develop interactive and exciting instructional lessons that captivate students' interests and foster a love for learning.
• Create a Supportive Environment: Cultivate a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
• Implement Creative Strategies: Utilize alternative teaching methods and strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and ignite curiosity.
• Collaborate for Success: Work closely with parents, guardians, and colleagues to create a collaborative support system that promotes student success and well-being.
• Monitor Progress: Continuously monitor and assess student progress to tailor instruction and interventions for optimal academic and personal growth.
• Provide Individualized Support: Offer personalized support and interventions to address academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, ensuring every student receives the attention they need to succeed.
• Promote Equity and Inclusion: Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and equity within the classroom and school community, celebrating diversity and embracing each student's unique strengths.
• Professional Growth: Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills, stay updated on best practices, and inspire continuous improvement.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of student attendance, behavior, and academic performance to track progress and inform decision-making experience.
• Two to three years of middle school teaching experience is required.
• Preferred -  Experience working with diverse student populations, including those with special needs or behavioral challenges, is highly desirable. Experience with project based learning is a plus.

Expectations of Oxford Hills School District Staff:

As contributing members of the district’s learning community, all district staff members are expected to:

1. Model a strong work ethic, perseverance and grit, as well as responsibility and respect;
2. Utilize best practices for motivating today’s students in a safe, supportive learning environment;
3. Demonstrate knowledge in the development of real-world learning experiences and community partnerships to provide students with opportunities for extensions of learning, applied learning, community service, and citizenship;
4. Demonstrate a willingness and ability to collaborate, engage, and communicate with colleagues, parents and the public.

Further, instructional staff will emphasize and employ practices that lead to improvement in student achievement by:

1. Instilling problem-solving and critical thinking as a “new basics” for learning across all grade levels;
2. Delivering strong literacy instruction across content areas;
3. Helping student develop skills to apply, interpret, analyze, and evaluate the vast, ever-expanding amount of information;
4. Employing effective lesson design by adjusting to students’ personal learning needs and preferences, including appropriate technology applications.  

How To Apply
Applicants must complete the entire online application as well as provide cover letter, résumé, copy of certification, transcipts and three current letters of reference to be considered for a position. Please be sure to provide complete reference information in the application for each reference including name, address, phone and email address.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Oxford Hills School District is an EEO/AA employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.