Physical Education Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and communities impacted by trauma.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon the principles of the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model and the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. Together, these principles are embedded throughout our trauma-informed philosophy and guide how we serve youth and families, support one another as colleagues, and partner with our community.

Our Therapeutic Day School provides specialized educational and therapeutic services for students whose emotional, behavioral, developmental, or learning needs require a highly structured and supportive learning environment. Through trauma-informed practices and individualized support, we help students build academic, social, emotional, and life skills needed for long-term success.

About the Role

As a Physical Education Teacher, you will provide safe, structured, and engaging physical education instruction for students in grades K-12. This role supports students with diverse academic, developmental, behavioral, physical, and social-emotional needs through adaptive, standards-based physical education programming.

This is an excellent opportunity for an educator who is passionate about wellness, movement, and student development while creating an inclusive and trauma-informed learning environment where all students can succeed.

What You'll Do

• Develop and deliver standards-aligned physical education instruction that promotes fitness, movement, teamwork, sportsmanship, and lifelong wellness.
• Adapt activities, equipment, and instructional approaches to meet students' individual learning needs, IEP goals, and safety requirements.
• Create a safe, structured, and engaging environment using trauma-informed and relationship-based classroom management practices.
• Assess student participation, progress, and skill development while maintaining required educational records and documentation.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, clinicians, social workers, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Support school-wide wellness initiatives, recreational activities, professional development, and other educational programming.

Who We're Looking ForRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Education, or a related field.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Physical Education endorsement, or eligibility to obtain appropriate licensure.
• Knowledge of instructional planning, student assessment, classroom management, and physical activity safety practices.
• Ability to actively supervise students and meet the physical requirements of the position.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and employment clearances.

Preferred

• Experience working in a therapeutic day school, special education program, alternative school, or residential treatment setting.
• Experience supporting students impacted by trauma, emotional disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, developmental differences, or behavioral challenges.
• Familiarity with IEP implementation and adapted physical education practices.
• Training in CPR, First Aid, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, or other safety-related certifications.
• Experience teaching physical education across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Work Location: Lawrence Hall Therapeutic Day School, Chicago, IL.
• Schedule: Full-time position following the Therapeutic Day School calendar and assigned instructional schedule. Occasional participation in school events, meetings, and professional development outside regular school hours may be required.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, move, and actively supervise students for extended periods; demonstrate physical activities; set up and move equipment; and respond promptly to safety concerns.
• Work Environment: School-based setting serving students with diverse educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Other Position Requirements: Commitment to culturally responsive, equitable, and trauma-informed educational practices.

Compensation and Benefits

We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Salary: $50,000-$55,000 annually. Compensation is based on a set salary rate and may vary based on education and experience.
• Average of 17-25 days PTO + 9 holidays.
• Medical insurance (HMO and PPO options).
• Dental insurance (HMO and PPO options).
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent Care.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for parking and transit.
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Voluntary Life Insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• 100% employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources.
• Wellness Reimbursement Program.
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

How to Apply

Submit your application here.

We look forward to learning more about you!

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.