Physical Education (PE) Teacher | Middle School | ECPA

Elevate Charter Schools•New Haven, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy for Young Men (ECPA) is seeking an energetic and mission-aligned Founding Years Physical Education (P.E.) Teacher. This role involves designing and leading a dynamic, culturally responsive physical education program to develop students' physical literacy, health knowledge, sportsmanship, and self-discipline. As a founding-years teacher, you will help build a comprehensive, engaging, and equity-driven health and fitness curriculum supporting the physical and social-emotional well-being of middle school boys. You will also contribute to establishing a schoolwide culture that values teamwork, perseverance, and character through movement, sport, and physical health education. The goal is to equip students with the habits, discipline, and self-belief needed to thrive in high school, college, and life, empowering them to lead healthy lives and understand their bodies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher
Valid teaching certification in Physical Education, or ability to obtain certification upon employment (CT certification or eligibility for reciprocity required)
At least 2-3 years of experience teaching P.E. or coaching youth athletics, with evidence of student growth and engagement.
A deep understanding of physical development in middle school-aged children.
A strong sense of reflection and personal accountability for student growth, achievement and experience.
Ability to create a class environment in which students feel safe, supported and challenged to engage deeply in meaningful work
Deep understanding of, and genuine excitement for, working in both a founding school and a single-gender/all-boys school community
Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, youth development, social-emotional learning and culturally responsive pedagogy
Deep alignment with the mission and values of ECS and ECPA, including a resolute and unshakable belief in the potential of every student to learn, grow and achieve at a high level.
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to complete certification prior to start date)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or high in Physical Education, Kinesiology, or a related field
5+ years of experience teaching or coaching youth in high-need urban settings, with a strong track record of student achievement is preferred
Experience in an urban, high-expectations and chart school setting is a plus
Experience teaching in a single-gender and/or founding school environment is highly preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate physical education lessons that promote physical fitness, movement skills, health literacy, and teamwork.
Create a culture of health and wellness that aligns with ECS and ECPA’s holistic and equity-driven mission.
Foster positive identity development, sportsmanship, and leadership among young men through structured physical activity.
Differentiate instruction to support all learners, including students with diverse needs and physical abilities.
Monitor student progress, maintain assessment data, and adjust instruction to ensure students meet established goals for physical education and health.
Establish a structured, joyful, and inclusive environment that prioritizes safety, effort, and mutual respect.
Inspire students to take pride in their physical development and personal growth.
Reinforce ECPA’’s values and character development model through athletics and physical education.
Collaborate with teachers and staff to support a positive and productive school culture.
Lead or support extracurricular activities such as intramural sports, fitness clubs, or wellness programs.
Engage in weekly professional learning, including coaching, co-planning, department work, and grade-level collaboration focused on strong science instruction and deeper learning.
Collaborate with colleagues to build a positive, high-performing adult culture centered on continuous improvement and shared responsibility for student success.
Give and receive feedback to refine instructional practice, strengthen lab and classroom routines, and improve student outcomes.
Lead Innovation Lab experiences—clubs, project-based enrichment, showcases, or community-based projects—that extend learning beyond the classroom and give students authentic opportunities to apply their interdisciplinary thinking.
Support common school routines (arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, transitions) to ensure safety, consistency, and a positive, identity-affirming school culture.
Lead a homeroom/advisory that builds community, fosters authentic relationships, and supports students’ social-emotional development and sense of belonging.
Help design and implement schoolwide systems, rituals, and traditions, including exhibitions, performances, and public demonstrations of learning that strengthen ECPA’s emerging identity and celebrate student voice.
Shape and refine schoolwide systems—academic routines, culture practices, community rituals, and enrichment structures—as ECPA grows into a full 5–8 middle school.
Embrace feedback and adapt with flexibility, modeling a growth mindset as the school evolves.
Take ownership of schoolwide initiatives and contribute to special projects that advance the mission in a dynamic, early-stage environment.