Physical Education Teacher, Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School

Posted by Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School on May 11, 2015

“Giving meaning to the lives of our children in the present while preparing them to become active citizens in a democratic society . . .” – Grace Lee Boggs

The Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School (FACTS) is a K-8 charter school located in the Chinatown area of Philadelphia. FACTS utilizes traditional arts and cultures found within students’ own and neighboring communities as the catalyst for critical inquiry and community engagement. FACTS’ education has high academic standards, is truly community-based, incorporates and respects the lives of students and their families, engages students in understanding their own and others’ cultures and communities, and engages students in understanding their role as active participants in working for a just society. Please visit our school’s website at http://www.factschool.org to learn more.

We are currently seeking a creative Physical Education teacher for grades K through 8. Our aim is to build a Physical Education program that spans a diverse array of health and physical education options. In addition to teaching more traditional PE/Health curriculum (e.g. organized sports and fitness), the PE teacher will work closely with several artists in residence (e.g. Ballet, Capoeira, and Step) to incorporate folk arts. The P.E. teacher will also have the opportunity to embrace the interests of FACTS students and families by teaching neighborhood games, movement-based cultural traditions, and other wellness activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

FACTS teachers challenge, inspire, and actively engage students in their own learning process by teaching for content, critical thinking, and character development. Responsibilities include:
• Implementing curriculum and instruction in a manner consistent with our mission statement
• Developing a cooperative partnership with students and parents based on mutual respect.
• Maintaining a school atmosphere which values each student, respects all cultures, fosters responsibility to oneself and to the broader community, and promotes social justice.
• Collaborating with Folk Artists in Residency at FACTS to deliver content instruction.
• Establishing and maintaining standards of pupil behavior to build a sense of community and positive learning atmosphere.
• Interpreting the educational program to parents or other community members using the primary language when possible.
• Meeting requirements for the assessment and recording of students’ development.
• Participating in in-service education activities provided by the school and/or other professional growth activities.
• Completing all reports as required, including student evaluation, inventories, orders, and program evaluation.
• Maintaining good public relations through reasonable participation in such activities as parent meetings, holiday programs, and other school events that may take place outside of work hours.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Pennsylvania teaching certification or eligibility is required.
• Sincere interest in and commitment to FACTS’ mission is required.
• Genuine desire and capacity to work cooperatively & effectively with colleagues & diverse populations is required.
• Commitment to participate actively in school-wide community-building practices such as Responsive Classroom, transformative anti-racism/anti-bias practices, and ritual events.
• Successful relevant teaching experience in an urban school setting is preferred.
• Fluency in a language other than English (especially Mandarin, Spanish or Indonesian) is a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: We offer salary that is commensurate with experience, a very competitive benefits plan, and a caring and collegial work environment.

TO APPLY: To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Put the title “Physical Education” in the subject line. FACTS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, gender, sexual orientation, limited English proficiency, or any other protected class. No calls please.