K-8 Physical Education & Outdoor Education Teacher

Elgin Math and Science Academy • Elgin, IL

2d

About The Position

The Elgin Math and Science Academy Charter School (EMSA, www.elginmathandscience.org) opened in August of 2018 to all students residing in the U-46 attendance area.
EMSA is seeking a compelling, committed, and innovative Physical Education & Outdoor Education Teacher that will continue to develop our Outdoor Education programming and maintain the positive learning environment that promotes Wow & Wonder in the classroom while modeling and encouraging the habits of scholarship.
EMSA is situated on 19 acres adjacent to 20+ acres of a forested fen forest preserve. Over the course of several years, we are building an Outdoor Education program that teaches students about the environment so that they can be great stewards of the environment. Our students feel a deep connection to that natural world that surrounds us and we use that to strengthen our curriculum.
The successful candidate in this role will use EL Education’s Core Practices as the classroom’s foundation to ensure remarkable academic achievement, character development, and community involvement for all students. At EMSA, students and teachers will reach their highest potential through active exploratory learning and social responsibility in which:
Individuals of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome
Children’s natural curiosity is nurtured
Students become leaders of their own learning
Teachers and students hold high standards
Students develop skills to be responsible individuals
An EMSA Educator will:
Operate with the understanding: Diversity is a fact, Inclusion is a behavior, Equity is the outcome
Work collaboratively with all members of the learning community to build relational trust and foster a growth mindset for all through modeling by taking professional risks, owning mistakes, and being metacognitive about their own growth and revision
Model EMSA’s habits of scholarship in word and action and effectively build a positive classroom culture that promotes self-discipline
Assume primary responsibility for increasing student achievement (i.e. mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high quality work) by designing and implementing cross-curricular units of study that integrate literacy instruction and utilize active pedagogy
Challenge, engage inspire and empower all students with the Wow & Wonder of EL Education
Engage in professional learning and help to implement a progressive, bold educational approach in fostering EL Education’s Core Practices to inspire student success
Practice reflective and synthesizing professional practices to allow for a deeper understanding to manifest for implementation with the highest levels of fidelity
Establish clear and consistent assessment and progress monitoring techniques based on evidence to make instructional decisions to meet students needs and further their growth
Cultivate strong partnerships with families; all words and actions demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, belief in all students’ capacity to succeed and a desire to create an amicably beneficial situation for everyone
Actively engage families and the community by showcasing expeditionary outcomes and critique of authentic student work
An Ideal candidate is someone who:
Has demonstrated strong classroom and time management skills
Is committed to meeting the needs of every child in a diverse population and has demonstrated success working with low income and minority students
Believes every child can learn and reach high levels of achievement
Has a clear understanding of curriculum, instruction, assessment in child development, and the integration of and adherence to state standards in Physical Education
Has a proven ability to work as a member of a team with a commitment to his/her own learning and professional development
Has the capacity to teach physical education in an engaging and creative way
Lead adventure based learning activities that strengthen collaboration, leadership, and perseverance.
Facilitate outdoor skill development including navigation, ecology studies, team building, and risk awareness.
Foster a culture of respect for natural spaces while building confidence through authentic wilderness experiences.
Promote a lifelong appreciation for outdoor recreation, wellness, and environmental responsibility.
Can utilize the outdoors as much as possible when planning physical education lessons.
Believes children can make a significant contribution to the school, community, and the world
Understands that family involvement is integral to student success
Wants to be part of an organized, professional learning community
Is a self-starter interested in working in a fast-paced, startup environment that requires flexible roles

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and Illinois Professional Educator License
• Experience leading outdoor education programming
• Communication and interpersonal skills to engage in a highly collaborative school environment
• Extensive knowledge of Physical Education Standards and exams
• Ability to develop relational trust with students, families and staff

Nice To Haves

• Strong technology skills
• Fluent in Spanish and English
• Expertise in working with English Learners
• Expertise in working with low-income populations

Responsibilities

• Lead adventure based learning activities that strengthen collaboration, leadership, and perseverance.
• Facilitate outdoor skill development including navigation, ecology studies, team building, and risk awareness.
• Foster a culture of respect for natural spaces while building confidence through authentic wilderness experiences.
• Promote a lifelong appreciation for outdoor recreation, wellness, and environmental responsibility.
• Can utilize the outdoors as much as possible when planning physical education lessons.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time