Physical Education Instructional Coach, K-8 (SY25-26)

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR of PHYSICAL EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

The Office of Health and Wellness (OHW) plays a critical role in supporting schools in the implementation of the BPS Wellness Policy a Whole School Whole Community Whole Child Approach which is a national model to link learning and health. As a district our mission is to actively promote the health and wellness of all students to support both their healthy development and readiness to learn. OHW is committed to supporting schools in their efforts to create safe healthy and sustaining learning environments. OHW provides professional development tiered instructional coaching assessment & data program evaluation support resource development and selection in the following areas: physical education health education social emotional learning wellness councils physical activity and health promotions. OHW is a part of Teaching and Learning in the Academics Division.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Physical Education Instructional Coach resides within the Office of Health and Wellness in the Teaching and Learning Department in the Academics Division of the Boston Public Schools reporting to the Director of Physical Education (PE). In collaboration with the Physical Education (PE) Director the High School Instructional Coach will work with BPS PE teachers to support their implementation of high quality standards-based elementary and middle school PE curriculum. The Coach will work directly with teachers in schools by modeling high quality instruction in a variety of formats; offering collaborative and one-on-one coaching; facilitating professional learning community groups; and leading related centralized professional development. The Coach will focus on enhancing teachers ability to provide PE instruction utilizing the BPS PE Frameworks SPARK OPEN PE Project Adventure and other standards-based curricular units. Using best practices in peer-coaching the coach will work as a colleague with PE teachers in one-on-one and small group settings to expand and refine their professional practice. The Coach will also assist and support schools in their integration of physical activity across the school day and work with administrators and teachers to align their work with district priorities regarding both physical education and activity. This person will also facilitate the access of other resources pertaining to wellness policies initiatives and promotions to schools.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support the PE Director in providing professional development and coaching to PE teachers on the implementation of high quality standards-based K-8 PE curriculum

• Participate in and deliver professional development focused on current best practices in PE and standards-based PE curriculum
• Work with teachers 1:1 or in small groups to ensure the alignment of instructional practices to support physical literacy culturally and linguistically sustaining practices and transformative social emotional learning
• Work with teachers to ensure the alignment of their instruction to the BPS PE standards curricula and assessments
• Support teachers with development of professional practice and student learning goals and to identify and develop artifacts to support the teacher effectiveness evaluation
• Utilize best practice coaching models to work with PE teachers in one-on-one settings; to set student-centered goals; to observe and model lessons; co-plan and co-teach lessons; and to provide debrief and feedback sessions focused on continuous improvement of instruction
• Collaborate with PE teachers to develop well-structured lessons and rigorous units leading to increased skill-based learning and increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity participation inclusive of all students
• Use student assessment data to guide work by analyzing student performance and participation and adjusting coaching priorities as needed
• Continuously improve professional knowledge and practice through self guided inquiry and participating in professional development activities; share information and knowledge with assigned schools; apply the best research in the design and development of standards-based PE curriculum and health-related-fitness assessments
• Deliver equipment and curriculum to schools as needed
• Fully support the OHW and Physical Education/Physical Activity teams in all projects and initiatives

Assist PE teachers in establishing and maintaining an effective physical activity climate in their schools and implementing approved district wide wellness policies procedures and directives

• Communicate district wellness-related policies; work with PE teachers and school staff to implement the requirements in the most effective way for the school
• Focus coaching on district priorities regarding implementation of adopted curriculum and improvement strategies that optimize the quality and quantity of physical activity (specifically moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) offered to students
• Collaborate with other members of the Office of Health and Wellness on ways to support schools in their implementation of wellness policies and interventions regarding physical activity
• Provide individualized support and materials to help school-based staff implement physical activity initiatives across the school day
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors Degree in physical education or related field with 5 plus years of teaching experience and demonstrated expertise in PE
• Massachusetts Teaching Secondary License in PE K-8
• Experience training or coaching teachers in the area of PE
• Demonstrated evidence of exemplary teaching performance and skills in PE
• Outstanding presentation and facilitation skills with demonstrated ability to implement professional development and motivate follow-through
• Strong interpersonal skills to share proven instructional approaches with teachers and administrators and provide advice and coaching
• Ability to plan strategically and implement all the components of a peer coaching model
• Strong organizational skills and efficiency in meeting deadlines
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Proficient in Google Workspace including Google Docs Sheets Slides Forms and Classrooms
• Experience working with a diverse adult and student population
• Ability to travel between multiple school sites and work on a flexible schedule
• Outstanding references from past supervisors
• Current authorization to work in the United States
• An understanding of the principles of equity at multiple levels (e.g. racial ethnicity gender sexual orientation health ability) and the need for antiracist policies and practices in research and evaluation.
• An understanding of and commitment to gain greater understanding of what is necessary for an urban school system to enjoy continuous improvement in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.
• A deeply held and unyielding belief in the overarching mission of public education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters Degree with 5 plus years teaching experience
• Experience working as an Instructional Coach
• Experience working in a large school district especially BPS
• Knowledge of adult learning theory
• Knowledge of the use of instructional technology including its use to analyze student performance data
• Knowledge of BPS programs funding and partners (existing and potential)
• BPS values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom school and district culture and diversity. BPS is particularly interested in candidates who are fluent in the following major languages: Spanish Cabo Verdean Creole Haitian Creole Chinese Vietnamese.

Terms: BTU Group I 5% differential.

The Boston Public Schools in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies does not discriminate in its programs facilities employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race color age criminal record (inquiries only) disability homelessness sex/gender gender identity religion national origin ancestry sexual orientation genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation threat or harassment that demeans individuals dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.