K-4th Grade PE/1st - 4th Grade Science Teacher

FCS seeks for a dedicated and enthusiastic full-time teacher to join our Lower School faculty, responsible for teaching 1st-4th grade students in Science, Physical Education (PE), and Health. The
teacher will design and deliver engaging lessons to 1st-4th grade students in various branches of science, including life science, physical science, earth science, and basic scientific inquiry. Additionally, the teacher will create an engaging and supportive classroom environment that fosters an understanding of healthy body function, the importance of physical fitness, and the connections between physical activity and emotional well-being. Lesson plans and activities will be age appropriately developed and aligned with Next Generation Science standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach science, physical education, and health education, focusing on physical fitness, exercise, body function, and the integration of these elements with emotional and social health.
• Collaborate with fellow PE and science teachers to plan and implement a balanced and comprehensive physical education and science curriculum.
• Develop and deliver engaging science lessons that align with curriculum standards.
• Create hands-on experiments and activities to reinforce scientific concepts.
• Assess and monitor students' understanding and progress through tests, assignments, and projects.
• Demonstrate and explain basic skills, strategies, and techniques in sports, games, rhythms, and body movement fundamentals.
• Foster physical fitness, teach health concepts, and develop social-emotional skills through individual, dual, and team sports.
• Create a classroom atmosphere that promotes cooperation, kindness, respect, and appreciation of diversity.
• Develop engaging lessons that consider multiple learning styles, abilities, and interests, ensuring inclusivity in all activities.
• Teach and model good sportsmanship, equity, inclusion, environmental stewardship, and peaceful conflict resolution.
• Actively participate in school-wide activities such as weekly faculty meetings, morning meetings (8am), and Meeting for Worship.
• Assess student needs, utilizing both anecdotal observations and formal assessments to guide instruction.
• Differentiate lessons and design project-based, experiential units of study that foster creativity and problem-solving.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment that supports Quaker values
• and diverse learning styles.
• Supervise students during lunch and recess, ensuring safety and promoting positive social interactions.
• Participate in field trips related to the curriculum and school traditions, facilitating experiential learning opportunities.
• Document curriculum and lesson plans annually using Rubicon Atlas (training provided).
• Regularly communicate with parents through emails, a monthly newsletter, phone calls, and in-person meetings; participate in two parent-teacher conferences per year and a Back-to-School Night presentation.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of Lower School.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Minimum of 3 years of classroom experience (preferably in elementary education).
• Strong understanding of child development, science concepts, physical education, and progressive education.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong classroom management skills, preferably with knowledge of Responsive Classroom.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and families.
• Knowledge of using technology such as Google Suite and Blackbaud.
• Ability to multitask and manage a variety of responsibilities.

Desired Qualities

• Passion for teaching and working with children, with a focus on fostering their social, emotional, and physical development.
• Ability to create a positive classroom environment where students feel valued and respected.
• A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, integrating these principles into teaching practices and the curriculum.
• Experience with project-based learning and an understanding of experiential learning models.

We invite applicants who are committed to creating a nurturing environment that promotes physical fitness, health, and emotional growth. If you are enthusiastic about teaching young students and making a positive impact in their lives, we encourage you to apply for this exciting and rewarding position!

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and the names and contact information of three professional references to jobs@friendscommunityschool.org.