Job Description
Independence Charter School
Physical Education Teacher (Fitness & Movement) - Grades 4-8
Independence Charter School - Center City (ICS- CC) is a K-8 Philadelphia citywide admission charter focused on academic excellence, second language acquisition and developing global citizens. ICS is now recruiting culturally proficient educators to join the 2026-27 staff. This is a full-time teaching position. Work is performed under the supervision of the principal.
Job Summary: To plan, organize and implement a culturally responsive instructional program for grades 4-8 that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential.
• Curriculum & Instruction: Develop and teach engaging physical education lessons centered on fitness, motor skills, agility, strength fundamentals, and active movement.
• Skill Development: Teach proper form, body awareness, movement mechanics, and injury prevention tailored to middle school developmental levels.
• Student Assessment: Monitor student progress, personal fitness goals, participation, and effort using inclusive, growth-oriented evaluation metrics.
• Classroom Management: Establish a safe, supportive, and structured environment that encourages participation from students of all athletic abilities.
• Health & Wellness Literacy: Integrate core concepts of nutrition, stress management, cardiovascular health, and wellness into practical movement activities.
• Safety & Maintenance: Ensure proper setup, safe operation, and maintenance of all gymnasium equipment and athletic spaces.
• Support the principles of global citizenship, including celebrating and respecting all cultures and identities.
• Work with classroom teachers to understand the needs for differentiated instruction to meet the physical, emotional, and behavioral needs/ limitations of students
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and teaching strategies to meet different aptitudes (students with dance experience and those with dance apprehension) and interests
• Participate in staff development activities and staff meetings as required.
• Establish protocols and classroom procedures that create an inclusive environment where all students are encouraged to expand their comfort zone.
• Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the school.
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress and student needs.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
Other Duties, as assigned (i.e., assisting with arrival/dismissal, etc)
Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
• Certification: State teaching certification/licensure in Physical Education (K–12 or Middle Grades preferred).
• Skills: Strong communication, youth engagement, adaptive physical education techniques, and current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience: 2+ years of teaching or coaching middle school-aged youth preferred.
• Ability to shift between multiple grade level instruction during the course of a school day.
• PA Certification preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability required:
• Demonstrated cultural responsiveness and skill in encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to feel a sense of belonging and in creating a safe space where they feel respected, heard, and challenged.
• Demonstrated understanding, appreciation and compassion for students who learn differently
• Commitment to ICS values of equity, courage, community, and growth
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Must have the ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis (M-F, 7:30 AM -3:30 PM)
• Ability to work independently & collaboratively
• Willingness to perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the total school program
• Initiative & problem solving skills
Pay Range: starting salary range begins at $52,000
Apply: Email resume to jobs@icscharter.org
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position.
Pay: From $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
Work Location: In person