Physical Education & Health Teacher of the Deaf

Reports to: Director of Academic Affairs

Employment Information: Full time, 10-month bargaining unit position

Qualifications:

• Level 3 ASL competence as measured by the ASLPI preferred.
• At least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Health Education, Physical Education or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Possession of or eligibility for appropriate certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education is required.
• Demonstrated experience teaching Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students.
• Strong organization and positive leadership skills; demonstrated initiative.
• Able to implement an inquiry-based, engaging approach to teaching and learning. Experience with interdisciplinary and functional curricula.
• Able to uphold PSD’s communication principles of full accessibility to communication in the school environment, and the importance of self-expression and respect for each individual’s language needs.
• Knowledge of multiple disabilities and child development.
• Understanding of and experience with diversity.
• Successful experience working as a member of an instructional team. 

Professional Profile:

The Health & Physical Education Teacher is a vital member of PSD’s instructional team. As a bilingual school, the first responsibility of all faculty members is language development. This assuredly includes the Health & Physical Education Teacher. The development of physical education and health literacy in American Sign Language and English is as important as fostering physical skills.

It is expected that the Health & Physical Education Teacher is up to date with current research and trends in the emerging health education and physical fitness fields. This position is central in linking PSD with appropriate community entities to expand students, families and staff understanding of and use of healthy life practices. Cross curricular connections between classroom instructional units and health/physical education instruction are expected. All teachers are to work collaboratively with colleagues, to put in the time necessary to appropriately plan/prepare for instruction and to attend professional development activities.

Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include providing leadership for and implementing an engaging and developmentally appropriate school-wide health education program that is based on current and emerging information across topics (e.g. nutrition, human sexuality, fitness, environmental influences, safety). Planning and instruction should include language targets related to the area/unit of study throughout the Health/Physical Education curriculum

Teaching physical fitness that aligns with healthy practices is compatible with promoting healthy lives among students. Thus there should be a balance between non-competitive and competitive fitness activities. Working on school-based fitness/health campaigns and activities, and connecting PSD with relevant community organizations are part of the overall responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

This position may require the following physical demands.

• Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Generally work in standard office conditions and climate.
• Work in a stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied diverse array of contacts.
• Regularly walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, stoop and reach with hands and arms.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Near vision sufficient to read written communications and computer display screen

PSD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, PSD will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the human resources department.