Institute For Latino Progress·Chicago, Illinois
The Physical Education Teacher will design and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction in Physical Education, Health, and Driver’s Education for high school students. They will also collaborate with staff to support student wellness, academic growth, and social-emotional development within an inclusive learning environment.
The Physical Education Teacher will provide engaging, culturally responsive instruction for students in grades 9–12 by promoting lifelong wellness, physical fitness, safe decision-making, and personal responsibility while supporting academic growth aligned to ACT, College Readiness, Illinois State Standards, and IHSCA curriculum expectations.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Design and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction in Physical Education, Health, and Driver’s Education.
Promote physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy lifestyle habits through inclusive and engaging activities.
Deliver comprehensive health education addressing physical wellness, mental and emotional health, nutrition, substance abuse prevention, and personal safety.
Provide Driver’s Education instruction focused on safe driving practices, Illinois traffic laws, defensive driving skills, and responsible decision-making.
Utilize data to inform instruction and monitor student progress toward academic and wellness goals.
Create and maintain a positive, structured, and supportive learning environment that fosters student engagement, respect, accountability, and social-emotional growth.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English Learners (ELs), students with disabilities, and students requiring additional academic or behavioral support.
Implement accommodations and modifications for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans to ensure meaningful access to grade-level instruction.
Collaborate with case managers, special education teachers, and support staff to ensure compliance with IEP goals and service delivery.
Support the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework by providing Tier 1 instruction and participating in Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions as needed.
Contribute to improving academic achievement for all students, including students with disabilities, by ensuring equitable access to instruction.
Build strong, positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including but not limited to student attendance and other student related documentation.
Prepare and submit lesson plans in a timely manner in accordance with school policy and deadlines.
Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, wellness initiatives, and Driver’s Education requirements.
Keep accurate logs of all parent communication.
Collaborate with school administration and staff to support school-wide goals, culture, and continuous improvement efforts.
Participate actively in professional learning communities, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in Physical Education and Health required; Driver’s Education endorsement preferred or willingness to obtain within a designated timeframe.
Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred to effectively support and communicate with our diverse student population and families.
Demonstrated experience teaching high school students (grades 9–12) preferred.
Knowledge of culturally responsive teaching practices and strategies that support English Learners (ELs), students with IEPs, and students with 504 Plans.
Understanding of MTSS frameworks, differentiated instruction, and inclusive educational practices.
Strong classroom management skills with the ability to foster student engagement, accountability, and mutual respect.
Commitment to promoting student wellness, physical fitness, and safe, responsible decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to effectively motivate, mentor, and build positive relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds.
Uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct when working with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
Ability to establish and sustain a rigorous, structured, and positive learning environment that supports both academic and social-emotional growth.
Strong commitment to collaboration and contributing to a collegial professional learning community with students, families, staff, and school leadership.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills that balance individual rights, responsibilities, and school policies.
Reflective practitioner who engages in self-assessment and welcomes constructive feedback to improve instructional practice.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records and sensitive information in compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
Successfully pass required background checks, drug screening, and all CPS & Instituto compliance and HR requirements.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute positively to school-wide initiatives.
Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and strong organizational skills.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive in emergency or high-pressure situations.
The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Nature of work requires high stamina and ability to climb stairs, stand, walk run and perform sports demonstrations. Employee should also be able operate standard business office equipment from time to time.
WORKING CONDITIONS Majority of work performed in physical education facilities inside and outside of IHSCA. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings.
Long Term Disability: 403b retirement saving plan
Chicago Teachers Pension Fund (only with ISBE License)
Personal: Instituto Health Science Career Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Candidates must hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in Physical Education and Health. Experience teaching high school students and knowledge of culturally responsive teaching practices are strongly preferred.
Market context
Illinois classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially in districts seeking candidates who can support diverse student needs and communicate clearly with families and staff. This type of role is competitive because employers often look for classroom experience plus related backgrounds such as sociology, psychology, counseling, or education, and bilingual skills in English, Spanish, or Portuguese can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your resume to highlight public speaking experience and weekend availability if you have it.