Elevate Charter Schools·Hamden, Connecticut
The Physical Education teacher will design and deliver a dynamic, equity-driven health and fitness curriculum that promotes physical literacy and character development. They will also collaborate with staff to foster a positive school culture and support daily operations like arrival, dismissal, and transitions.
Physical Education (PE) Teacher | Middle School Location: New Haven, CT Reports To: School Principal Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Start Date: SY26-27 (Immediate Opening/Hire) About Booker T. Washington Academy Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven, CT, serves K–4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 5–8 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washington’s credo—“Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways”—BTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals, character, self-discipline, responsibility for one’s actions, lifestyle, work ethic, and educational uplift. Scholars develop proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, discussion, and problem-solving to meet college and career goals, while embracing and demonstrating the morals, character, self-discipline, and work ethic to be leaders in life and community. Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category 1) and again in 2024 (Category 2)—the latter making it the only New Haven school honored that year—BTWA equips graduates to work hard, harness the power of education, elevate themselves, and give back to their communities in a transformational way. For more information about BTWA, please visit www.btwanewhaven.org About the Opportunity We are seeking an energetic and mission-aligned Physical Education (P.E.) Teacher to join our team at Booker T. Washington Academy Middle School team! In this role, you will design and lead a dynamic and culturally responsive physical education program that develops our students' physical literacy, health knowledge, sportsmanship, and self-discipline. As a P.E. teacher, you will have the opportunity to build and refine a comprehensive, engaging, and equity-driven health and fitness curriculum that supports the physical and social-emotional well-being of our students. You will also play a vital role in establishing a school-wide culture that values teamwork, perseverance, and character through movement and sport. This is a unique chance for an experienced and visionary educator who is passionate about physical education, youth development, and health equity—and who wants to build a legacy of wellness and empowerment in the lives of elementary students in New Haven. ~ ~ ~ Key Responsibilities of the Role As a Physical Education (PE) Teacher at BTWA MS you will be primarily responsible for: Excellence and High-Impact PE Instruction Develop and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate physical education lessons that promote physical fitness, movement skills, health literacy, and teamwork. Create a culture of health and wellness that aligns with ECS and BTWA’s holistic and equity-driven mission. Foster positive identity development, sportsmanship, and leadership among young men through structured physical activity. Differentiate instruction to support all learners, including students with diverse needs and physical abilities. Monitor student progress, maintain assessment data, and adjust instruction to ensure students meet established goals for physical education and health. Culture and Community Leadership Establish a structured, joyful, and inclusive environment that prioritizes safety, effort, and mutual respect. Inspire students to take pride in their physical development and personal growth. Reinforce ’s values and character development model through athletics and physical education. Collaborate with teachers and staff to support a positive and productive school culture. Lead or support extracurricular activities such as intramural sports, fitness clubs, or wellness programs. Collaboration and Professional Growth Engage in professional learning opportunities, including personalized coaching, department meetings, and school-wide PD. Collaborate with colleagues to align physical education with broader academic and social-emotional learning goals. Seek and apply feedback to improve your teaching practice and contribute to the development of a high-performing team. Partner with core instructional classroom teachers to identify cross-curricular opportunities that integrate physical education with academic and social-emotional learning goals. Collaboration, Programmatic Support, & Contribution Beyond the Classroom Support common school routines — Contribute to smooth, safe, and joyful daily operations by supporting arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and transitions with consistency and care. Build community through homeroom/advisory support — Help create welcoming homeroom or advisory spaces that foster authentic relationships, community‑building, and positive social‑emotional development. Strengthen schoolwide systems and traditions — Support the design and implementation of schoolwide routines, rituals, and celebrations—including exhibitions, performances, and community events that uplift BTWA’s identity and celebrate scholar voice. Contribute to schoolwide initiatives — Take ownership of special projects and shared responsibilities that advance BTWA’s mission and enhance scholars’ academic and character development; especially projects related to health, fitness and enrichment. Model professionalism and a growth mindset — Approach all responsibilities with reliability, flexibility, and a commitment to contributing positively to the broader school community. ~ ~ ~ Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences: Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or higher is required Valid teaching certification in Physical Education, or ability to obtain certification upon employment (CT certification or eligibility for reciprocity required) At least 2-3 years of experience teaching P.E. or coaching youth athletics, with evidence of student growth and engagement. A deep understanding of physical development in middle school-aged children. A strong sense of reflection and personal accountability for student growth, achievement and experience. Deep alignment with the mission and values of ECS and BTWA, including a resolute and unshakable belief in the potential of every student to learn, grow and achieve at a high level. CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to complete certification prior to start date)
Bachelor’s degree or high in Physical Education, Kinesiology, or a related field 5+ years of experience teaching or coaching youth in high-need urban settings, with a strong track record of student achievement is preferred Experience in an urban, high-expectations and/or charter school setting is a plus Experience teaching in a single-gender and/or founding school environment is highly preferred ~~~ Mindsets We Value Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy. The ideal candidate will have a positive mindset, a very strong work ethic, an inner drive for excellence and will thrive working in an entrepreneurial and results-driven environment Additionally, we deeply value, and are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate, the following mindsets and beliefs: Mission-Driven: You believe in the brilliance and promise of all students, particularly young men of color, and are committed to their holistic development. Growth-Oriented: You welcome feedback, reflect deeply on your practice, and are constantly working to improve.
You are flexible, proactive, and excited to build something from the ground up.
You value teamwork and believe that we succeed best when we work together.
Committed to
Excellence: You hold yourself and others to high standards in service of student success. ~ ~ ~ Compensation and Benefits At Elevate Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills and qualifications required for the role. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. The salary range for the Physical Education (PE) Teacher position is $50,500 to $90,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. In addition to competitive compensation, Elevate offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular, full-time employees at a competitive value. ~~~ Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation:
Mobility: Ability to move freely during physical education classes and throughout the school building.
Vision &
Hearing: Ability to monitor student activity and communicate effectively in loud or open environments.
Physical
Engagement: Frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, running, lifting sports equipment, and demonstrating physical exercises.
Ability to lead multiple physical education sessions across the school day with sustained energy and focus. Elevate Charter Schools is committed to providing a supportive work environment and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elevate is a non‑profit charter management organization serving public charter schools in Connecticut’s urban communities. Our scholars are 99% Black and Brown, and Elevate deeply values inclusion, representation, and diversity across our staff. Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve. If you have questions about the application process, experience any challenges, or need support completing your application, please reach out to our talent team at talent@elevatecharters.org. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates.
Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree and a valid teaching certification in Physical Education or be eligible for reciprocity. At least 2-3 years of experience in teaching or coaching youth athletics is required, along with CPR/First Aid certification.
Market context
In Connecticut, classroom teacher roles are typically shaped by steady demand for candidates who can support student learning and meet school compliance requirements. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for a mix of classroom readiness, safety certifications, and relevant experience; here, the listed requirements include a valid CT driver’s license plus CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration certifications. Job requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time, so review the source posting and confirm whether an Associate’s degree and Human Services experience are preferred or required before applying.
