The Children s Center of Hamden Inc·Hamden, Connecticut
The teacher will plan and deliver physical education and health instruction tailored to students' individual needs and IEP goals within a special education environment. They will also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support student growth and maintain a safe, structured classroom.
🏃♂️ Physical Education and Health Teacher – Whitney Hall School
📍 Hamden, CT | 🕒 Full-Time | Exempt
The Children’s Center of Hamden is seeking a dedicated Physical Education & Health Teacher for our Whitney Hall School program. In this role, you’ll deliver engaging physical education and health instruction within a special education environment, helping students build lifelong wellness habits, confidence, and social-emotional skills. You’ll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support each student’s physical, academic, and developmental growth.
Why Join Us?
At The Children’s Center of Hamden, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team where all of our teachers are valued and supported every step of the way. We know the importance of providing you with the tools and resources you need to succeed in the classroom — and to grow in your career.
👩🏫 High Staff-to-Student Ratios & Small Class Sizes – Enjoy the ability to provide individualized instruction and build meaningful connections with students in a supportive classroom environment.
🏫 Outstanding Classroom Support – You’ll have the help of skilled paraprofessionals and the guidance of an experienced Instructional Coach, ensuring you always have the resources and mentorship you need in the classroom.
💰 Competitive Compensation & Stipends – Ability to earn additional income during the Extended School Year (ESY) program
💼 Retirement & Long-Term Security – Our positions are Teacher’s Retirement Eligible and also include access to a 403(b)-retirement savings plan and Social Security benefits—helping you build a strong financial future.
🎓 Tuition Loans & Career Growth – Invest in your future with interest-free tuition loans, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities that help you advance and specialize.
🏥 Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and wellness programs. On one of our medical plan options, The Children’s Center covers 90% of the employee premium and contributes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), making quality healthcare affordable and accessible.
🏖️ Generous Paid Time Off – Sick, personal time, and school breaks so you can recharge and maintain balance.
💙 Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a school community dedicated to student success and teacher well-being.
Plan and deliver physical education and health instruction tailored to students’ individual needs and IEP goals.
Assess students’ physical, social-emotional, and health-related strengths and needs to guide instruction.
Teach physical education, health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, safety, hygiene, and life skills concepts.
Adapt activities and equipment to support student participation, accessibility, and skill development.
Prepare and implement IEP goals, quarterly benchmarks, and progress reports related to PE/Health.
Ensure compliance with PPT recommendations, IEP timelines, and state/federal special education regulations.
Create a safe, structured, and engaging gym/classroom environment through consistent routines and positive behavior support.
Promote teamwork, sportsmanship, motor skill development, healthy habits, and positive peer interaction.
Collaborate with paraprofessionals, related service providers, classroom teachers, and the treatment team.
Participate in PPTs, case conferences, treatment team meetings, and staff development.
Maintain accurate records, lesson plans, substitute plans, and timely reports.
Demonstrate sensitivity and cultural awareness with all students and families.
Perform other duties as assigned to support program success.
What We’re Looking For
Holds or is immediately eligible to obtain Connecticut Physical Education, PK-12 Certification (#044) and Connecticut Health, PK-12 (#043).
If not certified, eligibility for a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP) will be considered.
Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education or a related field required.
Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
Strong classroom management and ability to foster student engagement.
Knowledge of instructional planning and student assessment.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Ability to perform physical tasks including standing, walking, bending, and lifting (light to heavy as needed).
Active movement and participation in physical activities throughout the day.
Potential exposure to bodily fluids and other environmental hazards in a school-based setting
If you’re passionate about promoting health, wellness, and confidence in students with diverse learning needs, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape brighter futures at Whitney Hall School!
📌 The Children’s Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates must hold or be eligible for Connecticut Physical Education (PK-12) and Health (PK-12) certifications. A bachelor's degree in physical education or a related field is required, along with the ability to perform physical tasks in a school setting.
Market context
Connecticut schools regularly need certified Physical Education and Health teachers, especially candidates who can support both instruction and student wellness. These roles are competitive because districts look for Connecticut PK-12 PE and Health certification, a related bachelor’s degree, and the ability to handle active school-based duties. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification status and tailor your application to both PE and health instruction.
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