Cornell University·City of Ithaca, New York
Temporary Physical Education Instructors provide in-person weekly instruction for students enrolled in PE courses. They are responsible for lesson planning, record keeping, and maintaining communication with students and staff.
Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution.
Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life.
We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.
Cornell Physical Education offers a wide variety of academic courses for Cornell students.
Through our broad-based programs, we try to promote a healthy and holistic lifestyle throughout the campus community.
Physical Education (PE) Instructors are the front-line staff who are responsible for teaching over 500 PE courses, helping our students engage in healthy physical activity during their time at Cornell.
A successful candidate will have extensive teaching and expertise in the topic they are teaching as well as very strong communication skills to interact and effectively work with a diverse group of constituents including students, other instructors, and PE & Recreation staff.
We offer a large variety of courses including Sailing, Yoga, Swimming, Scuba, Bowling, Dance (swing, salsa, tango, Ballroom, Belly, Latin), Fencing, Fishing (angling and fly tying), Gymnastics, Ice Skating, Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Martial Arts, Badminton, Tennis, Archery, Hand Guns, Trap and Skeet, and Weight Training.
Temporary Physical Education Instructors provide in-person weekly instruction for students enrolled in PE courses.
They are integral in student mental health and wellbeing, as well as education to physical activity.
In addition, they are highly skilled individuals that will provide in-depth education to their field of expertise.
Duties will include, but are not limited to: Daily/weekly lesson planning PE record keeping (taking attendance/Canvas upkeep/grading) Email correspondence and communication 2-4 hours of class instruction per week *Pay: $600-$1,200 per section.
This will depend on candidate experience and class certification requirements.
These positions are temporary, non-benefits eligible, and are not eligible for visa sponsorship.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Required Qualifications: High School Diploma with at least 2-3 years of relevant experience.
Strong competency in specified activity that you are applying to teach.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent customer service skills.
Strong organizational and communication skills (written and verbal).
Basic computer skills including Microsoft office, Google Drive, e-mail communication, and spreadsheets.
Related certifications to area, if applicable—instructor cert, CPR/First Aid, etc.
Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
3-5 years’ experience teaching activity. Advanced certification in teaching area. First Aid/CPR/AED University Job Title: Temporary PE & Athletics Professional Job Family: Temporary Athletics & Physical Education Level: No Grade - Annual Pay Rate Type: Salary Pay Range: Refer to Posting Language Remote Option Availability: Onsite Company: Contact Name: Bri Muscente Contact Email: bmm249@cornell.edu Job Titles and Pay Ranges: Non-Union Positions Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position Unique applicable skills Academic Discipline To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator. Union Positions The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates. Current Employees: If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell. Online Submission Guidelines: Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. Employment Assistance: For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu. If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-01-05
Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least 2-3 years of relevant experience, along with strong competency in the activity they are teaching. Related certifications and the ability to work with diverse populations are also required.
Market context
In New York, classroom teacher roles are typically shaped by steady school staffing needs and competition for educators who can demonstrate strong instruction and classroom leadership. This role is competitive because it calls for advanced chess knowledge, proven teaching experience, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while supporting student success. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your application to show concrete teaching results and leadership examples.