Physical Education Coach (26-27 School Year) - New Jersey

Job Description

Job Description

Be Part of Our Movement to Inspire the Next Generation!

Become a physical education coach and help us change the way kids play! At Kids in the Game, you’ll be part of a network of 150+ coaches who are working with kids from early childhood and up, providing sports and skill development, and making a positive impact in their lives.

WHO WE ARE

Kids in the Game sport and enrichment-based programs can be found in schools and communities across New York & New Jersey, serving thousands of children every year. Our goal is to provide positive experiences and opportunities through sports and creative play. We inspire kids to embrace new experiences, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and build integrity. Our work is focused on achieving four ultimate impacts:

• Enhancing emotional intelligence
• Creating a positive sense of self
• Developing NYC & NJ into the nation’s top talent hub Integrating our communities
• Narrowing the income inequality gaps

Kids in the Game is a Certified B Corporation and we’re committed to doing business for good. We are striving every day to have a positive impact on the lives of our youth, and we believe that it all starts with being the best part of their day. To learn more about our programs and our team, visit

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are hiring a Physical Education Coach in our New Jersey location with experience coaching and teaching group sports and physical activity in our daily PE programs. As a valued member of Kids in the Game, you will be able to help us follow and model our 5 organizational core values through action:

• Positivity: Create an energetic and uplifting environment where kids feel excited to participate.
• Empathy: Show understanding and support for each child’s unique needs and emotions.
• Commitment: Be dependable and deliver consistent, high-quality programming.
• Ambition: Strive to continuously improve as a coach and inspire youth to set and achieve personal goals.
• Inclusivity: Ensure every child, regardless of ability or background, feels welcomed and valued.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

As part of our mission to empower children through sports and creative play, Kids in the Game offers physical education classes for schools looking to incorporate educational and engaging sports and fitness classes into the traditional school day. PE shifts typically run from 8am to 2pm and require a high level of commitment. Our Physical Education (PE) Coaches organize games and challenges that promote physical activity among children and young adults from Pre-K to middle school. Their goal is to develop motor skills and physical development among younger children and proper exercise and eating habits among older children.

Weekly Hours & Communication Commitment:

Our PE coaches must have a high level of commitment to being present every day at the program and be able to operate independently without daily supervision from a Kids in the Game Program Manager. Since you are at a single coach program, you must be able to build and maintain open lines of communication with your supervisor and be able to receive feedback from school administrators who oversee the PE program on a daily basis.

The PE program shifts are typically between 8am to 2pm during the weekdays. You can expect to be observed by your supervisor 1 to 2 times per month.

Our PE Coaches can expect to have the following responsibilities:

Lesson Planning & Facilitation

• Develop engaging lesson plans to cater to skill levels and learning styles.
• Showcase the ability to independently lead 45-minute PE classes based on diverse school settings for a class size of 30-60 students (multiply times a day).
• Implement appropriate safety instructions and conduct safety checks on equipment and field areas to ensure the overall safety of all sports equipment and school spaces.
• Implement best practices in child behavior management to provide an orderly, productive environment in physical education classes and group activities.
• Adapt plans to meet the diverse needs of students in an adaptive PE setting.

Assessment & Progression

• Assess student learning and provide constructive feedback to students to facilitate their growth.
• Lesson plans must build off of skills and gameplay within each subsequent lesson.
• Discuss progression through the school year for each student in your classes with the Program Manager and school admin team.
• Complete progress reports and report cards throughout each program session.

Engagement, Relationship Building & Inclusivity

• Encourage active participation among students through positive reinforcement while maintaining safe and inclusive spaces.
• Engage in activities alongside students, striking a balance between participation and supervision.
• Demonstrate charismatic and personable characteristics that motivate students to excel.
• Model and promote positive character development and healthy peer interactions.
• Use positive language at all times when engaging with the students.

Communication & Collaboration

• Be an ambassador for Kids in the Game at the school programs by fostering positive relationships with all stakeholders including teachers, school administrators, children, parents, and other Kids in the Game staff.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to ensure alignment with program goals and student progress.
• Have weekly check ins with your supervisor to give updates on the program.
• Communicate proactively with your supervisor if you need support or any incidents occur at program.

Safety & Supervision

• Maintain a safe and organized play environment by inspecting equipment and enforcing safety guidelines.
• Actively supervise all students to ensure a safe and structured environment.
• Incorporate appropriate warm-ups, cool-downs, and injury-prevention techniques.
• Respond appropriately to injuries, behavioral challenges, or conflicts, following organizational policies.

Professionalism & Representation

• Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to actively engage with youth.
• Daily, on site attendance to prepare for your classes and set up spaces is required.
• Lateness and absences will not be acceptable due to PE sites being single coach programs.
• Be prepared in proper uniform for every day of program.
• Company shirt or sweater (log visible at all times)
• Sneakers / Close-Toed walking shoes
• No Crocs or sandals
• Athletic shorts or sweatpants
• Uphold the organization’s mission and values both in and out of the program.
• Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

Compensation: This is a part-time, seasonal position for the 2026-2027 School Year. We offer a competitive hourly rate of $26 to $30 depending on experience and skill sets.

• Coaches with 2 or fewer years experience coaching PE classes will be paid at the starting rate of $26 - $30 per hour.
• Coaches with more than 3+ years of qualified coaching and teaching experience can expect to be paid above starting range.

Requirements

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO LOVE ABOUT YOU

Our ideal candidate would meet some or all of the following qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or advanced educational degree in physical education is highly preferred.
• Ability to learn quickly and understand new concepts related to the physical education curriculum.
• Possess at least two years of experience leading physical education and fitness classes in school-based settings. Also, a plus if you have prior experience working in adaptive physical education programs.
• Demonstrate positive group management and engagement through a structured interview and demo process.
• Work within a team environment and independently. You may be asked to lead PE classes on your own or with a co-coach, so you should be adaptable to different class structures!
• Act as a Kids in the Game ambassador and communicate efficiently with the People & Culture and Program Management team to stay informed about program updates.
• Be a positive and influential role model for the children you work with and contribute meaningfully to the school culture while you are at the school.
• Up-to-date physical and tuberculosis test documentation will be required before starting.
• You must pass Federal and NJ State background checks and be willing to complete Department of Education fingerprinting before starting.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are a plus.

Physical Requirements & Active Coaching Expectations

At Kids in the Game, our coaches are active, engaged, and present with kids—on the playground, in the gym, and out in the community. The physical requirements below reflect the essential functions of our coaching roles and the dynamic environments in which our programs take place. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions.

Physical activity levels may vary by coaching placement (recess, PE, after school, or summer camp), but all roles involve active supervision, movement, and hands-on engagement with children.

Active supervision & physical requirements include:

1. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during outdoor activities, playground supervision, gym classes, or park-based programming.
2. Ability to walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supervising children.
3. Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level, assist with activities, or provide support as needed.
4. Ability to climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.
5. Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 pounds, including sports equipment, activity supplies, or personal belongings (weight may vary by role).
6. Ability to participate in active games and movement-based activities, including running, jumping, throwing, and demonstrating basic sports skills.
7. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs.
8. Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness to supervise children effectively and ensure safety in active environments.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

At Kids in the Game, you can expect to be welcomed into an engaging and spirited environment that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. We are proud to foster an inclusive environment where our team members feel respected by and connected. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and passions of our employees, and we look forward to adding dynamic personalities to our team.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all of our employees. We recruit employees from across the city, state, and country, from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We have developed partnerships with organizations that allow us to target our hiring practices to include chronically discriminated against or low-income groups, and improve their access to high-quality employment opportunities.