Health and Physical Education

400 Lake Street • Ithaca, New York • 14850

Health and Physical Education – Notice of Anticipated Vacancy

Position Title: Health and Physical Education

Brief Description: The Ithaca City School District is seeking a dynamic, student-centered educator for an anticipated full-time position split between Health Education and Physical Education at Ithaca High School. This unique opportunity is ideal for an educator who is passionate about promoting lifelong wellness, mental health awareness, fitness, and mindfulness through innovative instruction and relationship-centered teaching practices.

Responsibilities:

Health Education (0.5 FTE)

• Teach high school health curriculum aligned with New York State Learning Standards.
• Deliver instruction in areas such as:
  • Mental and emotional health
  • Nutrition and wellness
  • Substance abuse prevention
  • Healthy relationships
  • Personal safety and decision-making
• Utilize engaging, student-centered instructional strategies.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student wellness initiatives.

Physical Education – Yoga Concentration (0.5 FTE)

• Teach yoga-based physical education classes focused on:
  • Flexibility
  • Strength and balance
  • Mindfulness and stress management
  • Breathing techniques and relaxation
  • Functional fitness and lifelong wellness
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Promote a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
• Encourage lifelong participation in physical activity and wellness practices.

Location(s): DeWitt Middle School

Anticipated Start Date: 11/24/2025

Posting Dates: 10/29/2025 – Until Filled

Number of Vacancies: 1

FTE: 1

Application Requirements:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Proof of Certification (or pending certification)
4. Official Copy of transcripts: undergraduate and graduate
5. Three (3) Letters of Reference (highly preferred for external candidates)
6. MANDATORY Writing Sample (see prompt below)

MANDATORY Writing Sample

1. The ICSD has a diverse student population representing a variety of races, gender identities, learning needs, socio-economic status, sexual orientations, languages, national origins, etc. Describe your teaching strategies and/or experiences for effectively educating students from diverse backgrounds. Please give specific examples of how you respond effectively to students who have a variety of identities, and/or respond effectively to students who are different from your own identity. How do you ensure success for every student?
2. Tell us about any personal and professional experiences you have had that would help you help us to fulfill our district equity goals.
3. The Ithaca City School District is a 1:1 district in grades 3-12. Please provide examples of how you have used or your vision for using digital technology in instruction. Also, please provide evidence of how you stay current with students’ digital world.

Required Qualifications:

• The Ithaca City School District is committed to eliminating race, class, and disability as predictors of academic performance, co-curricular participation, and discipline. Qualified candidates will demonstrate a basic awareness of these commitments and a strong willingness to support these efforts.
• All candidates must possess New York State Teacher Certification in Health Education and Physical Education. This requires at least a Bachelor’s degree. Additional certification is encouraged. Licensed teachers from other states may qualify for reciprocity.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience teaching yoga, mindfulness, or wellness-based fitness programs.
• Yoga instructor certification (200-hour or equivalent) preferred but not required.
• Experience working with high school students.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a department team.

Desired Characteristics:

• An educational leader whose competency, energy, and commitment will help ensure that students thrive.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with students and their families who represent cultures that are diverse in terms of race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics in order to build an effective and collaborative school community.
• Ability to implement culturally responsive curriculum; create an inclusive classroom; and differentiate instruction in order to engage the learning styles and needs of each student as an individual.
• Build positive relationships with students and staff.
• Create engaging and supportive classroom experiences.
• Promote physical, emotional, and social wellness.
• Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and professionalism.
• Support the district’s mission of inclusive and equitable education.

Salary Range: $56,918-$119,338 (10-month full-time basis) Based on the 26-27 ITA step and lane salary grid

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The Ithaca City School District does not unlawfully discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, veteran status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or other federal/state protected status.