Physical Education Specialist

Job Overview:

Responsible for creating a classroom environment that fosters, promotes, and develops an understanding of the relationship of healthy body function and exercise; that motivates each student to cultivate physical fitness, and appropriate social and emotional behavior through sport and play; that discovers and develops talents of students in physical achievement; and that develops strength, skill, agility, poise, and coordination in individual, dual and team physical activities and sports, in accordance with each student's ability. 

Essential Functions: 

• Teaching knowledge and skills in Physical Education

• Evaluating each student's progress in physical skills and social growth

• Demonstrates, and explains basic skills, knowledge and strategies of formal sports, games, and fundamentals of body movement

• Leading students through a multitude of engaging Physical Education activities that promote self-confidence, teamwork and physical health

• Ensure a commitment to the school's DEI mission and goals by participating in continuous professional development for learning differences, anti-racism and anti-bias of all kinds.

• Willingness to participate in extracurricular activities associated with the school's After School and Athletics programs

• Writing individualized student reports about student progress and goals

The role will also offer support and leadership in the afterschool Athletics Program as Assistant Athletic Director, for which an additional stipend will be paid in addition to the position's annual salary. Duties will include:

• Manage Athletic Study Halls, including organizing teachers, rooms and groups; taking attendance and providing snacks for the student-athletes; approving timesheets for teachers and managing student behavior issues

• Order buses for games using the school's Purchase Order process

• Contact referee assignor for games in coordination with Athletic Director (AD)

• Attend Athletic Director meetings when they don't interfere with teaching schedule

• Contact other Athletic Directors to schedule games

• Attend and represent Gaynor at games when available; provide coverage as necessary to fill vacancies/absences

• Assist with logistics in real-time when unplanned situations arise, e.g. emailing faculty and contacting parents

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree required (Physical Education K-12 preferred)

• Master's degree preferred

• Experience working with children with learning differences preferred

• NYS Certification or state license certification in special area content preferred

• Independent school teaching experience, pre-K through 8th grade preferred

• Knowledge of the cognitive, linguistic, and developmental needs of children

• 2 or more years experience in an administrative support role or related experience with a thorough understanding of the athletic facilities and program

• Strong communication and organizational skills (both written and verbal)

• Sets a respectful, collaborative, and positive tone, and recognizes our responsibility to create a diverse and inclusive environment that supports and celebrates each individual in our school community

• Ability to be flexible to adjust to classroom instruction

• Will display time management to maximize student learning

• Sets a respectful and positive tone in the classroom

• Proficient in Google Workspace (Drive, Docs & Sheets) and Microsoft Office

• Experience with coaching middle school sports teams

• CPR/AED certification required

• Concussion Certificate preferred

Stephen Gaynor School offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive professional development program. Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter and contact details for at least 2 individuals who can supply reference letters upon appointment. 

Please apply online at Employment Opportunities.

THE GAYNOR DIFFERENCE: UNLOCKING EACH STUDENT'S POTENTIAL

A pioneer in special education, Stephen Gaynor School is an independent, nonprofit Pre-K, Lower, and Middle School for bright students with learning differences. Founded in 1962, Stephen Gaynor School provides a highly individualized educational program in a rich, rigorous, and nurturing environment in which students gain the skills and confidence necessary to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Nearly 400 students ages three to 14 attend our school with a range of learning differences, from Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to speech, language, and reading delays such as dyslexia. With more than 50 years of experience in special education and a dedication to continuous improvement, Gaynor has the expertise to help children break down barriers to learning, build self-esteem, and realize academic success.

Our expert staff provides an unparalleled level of personal attention in a nurturing environment allowing students to be academically challenged, yet supported every step of the way.

Children leave Stephen Gaynor School full of smiles and self-confidence, well-prepared for the next step on their educational journey.

Our Diversity Mission: Stephen Gaynor School is dedicated to promoting and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within our school community. We recognize, value, and celebrate many types of diversity including neurodiversity, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, ability, religion, sexual orientation, family composition, language, and gender identity/expression.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Stephen Gaynor School is an equal employment opportunity employer. Gaynor is committed to building a culturally diverse and anti-racist workforce. We provide opportunities for employment without discrimination or harassment on the basis of (including hairstyle), color, religion, creed, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, gender expression, national origin, alienage, age, pregnancy, marital/partnership status, immigration or citizenship status, status as a veteran or active military service member status, disability, genetic predisposition, status as a victim of domestic violence, prior arrest or conviction record, caregiver status, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law (collectively, the "Protected Characteristics").