The K-8 Physical Education Teacher & Coach will be responsible for providing a student-centered, supportive approach in Physical Education instruction for students in grades K-8. Teachers in the physical education department at Sinai Akiba Academy are committed to a student-centered pedagogy, skill development, and the positive benefits of experiences outside of the classroom. Sportsmanship, teamwork, and lifelong habits for a healthy, active lifestyle are the foundation of the physical education curriculum. A strong applicant should love working with children and supporting their positive physical and social-emotional development. Ideal candidates will be patient, kind, flexible, and enjoy working on a team, as our teachers work closely with one another and contribute greatly to the wider SAA community. We value faculty who are involved in school life within and beyond the classroom to enrich our vibrant community. This teaching position is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Director of Auxiliary & Athletics Programs and includes daily supervision of the recess program and coaching after school sports teams. 

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility. 

Our core values of Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) serve as a commitment with the students, families and community members that we serve to energize the present, explore the past, and embrace the future.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and deliver age-appropriate physical education lessons to students in kindergarten through 8th grade (specific grade levels to be assigned each year)
• Collaborate with the Physical Education team members to design and implement physical education curriculum that aligns with the school's educational philosophy, core values, and California State Standards
• Facilitate team sports and fitness activities
• Promote a culture of physical wellness and healthy lifestyle choices
• Arrange recess play areas with intention to curate safe & interactive free-play spaces
• Assess student progress and provide feedback to parents and school administration
• Work collaboratively with other teachers and staff to identify student needs and provide support to help students develop the necessary skills to be successful in physical education and recess
• Develop an ongoing working knowledge of each individual student’s educational and emotional needs, and maintain records to show student progress, performance, and participation
• Effectively collaborate with Student Services department to integrate recommended teaching strategies/pedagogy
• Establish a collaborative relationship between school and home to promote physical and emotional wellbeing for students
• Communicate sports team/Physical Education updates with families weekly through the athletics newsletter
• Support the school in developing appropriate intra and inter school competitions and challenge all students to engage in appropriate activities.
• Coach an after school athletics team each season as determined by the Director of Auxiliary & Athletics Programs
• Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current in knowledge of evidence-based instruction in health, physical education, and learning disabilities
• Instruct and/or assist with in-service training of staff as it pertains to supporting positive play
• Commit at all times to the safety and protection of students and employees
• In collaboration with the Physical Education department and Administration, coordinate our annual Park Day event
• In collaboration with the Physical Education department and Administration, oversee the scheduling and assessment of faculty/staff recess and lunch supervision duties
• Learn, use, and apply technology as required by School to enhance learning, provide feedback to students and parents, and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to JagNet, Google Workspace, Paylocity, and any other School approved software.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Head of School in support of the school’s mission

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, or related field required
• Valid teaching credential in Physical Education is preferred
• Minimum of two years of experience teaching Physical Education (K-8 level preferred)
• Knowledge of physical education curriculum development, instruction, and assessment
• Basic technology, outstanding organizational and communication skills are required
• Ability to lift and move objects of up to 30 pounds. This includes holding and carrying children when necessary for the health, safety or well-being of the child.
• The position may require physical activity for extended periods of time to lead class activities, including running, jumping, lifting, throwing, catching, kicking and balancing. Ability to quickly respond to children’s movements during activities.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary Range: $58,000 - $68,000
• Excellent benefit package with a portion of medical paid by SAA
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 403b and employer funded retirement plans
• Professional development opportunities

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the base annual salary range for this position: $58,000 - $68,000. Annual base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final annual base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full annual base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume for consideration to Denise Fernandez Reyes, Director of Auxiliary & Athletic Programs, at dfernandezreyes@sinaiakiba.org. 

Sinai Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

About Sinai Akiba Academy

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility.

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