Middle School Wellness Teacher (Long-Term Substitute) [High Rock Middle School] (FY26))

Needham Public Schools • Needham, MA

1d • $22 - $43

About The Position

This posting is for a long-term substitute position for leave of absence expected to commence on February 27, 2026 through March 20, 2026. Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm long-term substitute Wellness Teacher to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish.

Requirements

• Demonstrates an ability to work with diverse populations of staff and students
• Strong understanding of the six dimensions of wellness and how to integrate wellness concepts into physical education and health programs, promoting student responsibility for their own well-being
• Strength in teaching both physical education and health topics through a thematic (skills) approach, including Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) curriculum models
• Ability to foster collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in students through team challenge units and recreational pursuits
• Demonstrates special training or proficiency in sexuality education and essential health topics relevant to middle school students
• Ability to promote lifelong wellness habits through a balanced curriculum that integrates physical activity, mental health, and decision-making
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) license in Physical Education at the appropriate grade level

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute quality wellness lessons for 6th-grade students at High Rock, covering both health and physical education
• Implement a comprehensive wellness curriculum focused on the six dimensions of wellness (social, emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, and occupational/leisure aspects) to promote a well-rounded education
• Teach a variety of units, including invasion games, striking games, net games, team challenges, and leisure activities, fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and active participation
• Instruct essential health topics such as nutrition, decision-making, sex education, and communication, preparing students to make informed choices regarding their health and well-being
• Promote the value of health and physical education throughout the school and community
• Collaborate with other teachers to integrate curriculum and develop creative programming to enhance student learning experiences
• Work with professionals from other disciplines (e.g., classroom teachers, counseling, health services, etc.) to meet the individual needs of students

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed