Job Description:
Inspire Movement. Build Confidence. Create Connections.
At LEARNs Ocean Avenue LEARNing Academy in New London, we are seeking an energetic, creative, and student-centered Wellness, Recreation & Community Integration Teacher to join our collaborative transdisciplinary team. This unique role blends adapted physical education, health and wellness, recreation, life skills, and community-based learning to support students with diverse learning and developmental needs.
This is more than a teaching position-its an opportunity to help students experience success, develop independence, and engage fully in school, recreation, and community life.
Why LEARN?
At LEARN, youll become part of a mission-driven organization that is recognized as a regional leader in specialized education and student support services. We believe in innovation, collaboration, and creating environments where both students and staff thrive.
What Youll Love About Working Here
- Make a meaningful difference in students lives every day
- Design creative wellness, recreation, and community-based learning experiences
- Work alongside a supportive transdisciplinary team of educators, therapists, behavior specialists, and social-emotional support staff
- Help students build skills that transfer beyond the classroom into their homes and communities
- Access ongoing professional learning and growth opportunities
- Be part of a collaborative culture that values creativity, innovation, and student-centered decision making
- Experience the joy of seeing students gain confidence, independence, and lifelong healthy habits
What Youll Do
As the Wellness, Recreation & Community Integration Teacher, you will create engaging learning experiences that support students physical, social, emotional, and functional development.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Design and deliver engaging wellness, recreation, and community-based instruction for individuals, small groups, and classes
- Teach and co-teach adapted physical education lessons aligned to students developmental and IEP goals
- Plan and facilitate on-campus and community-based recreational activities that reflect student interests and strengths
- Support students in developing healthy habits, leisure skills, self-confidence, and community participation
- Collaborate with teachers, therapists, behavioral staff, and families to integrate student goals across learning environments
- Participate in Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings and contribute to the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Develop schedules and service plans that ensure effective student support
- Support school-wide wellness initiatives, special events, and recreational programming
- Supervise and guide instructional assistants and other support staff
- Monitor student progress and complete required documentation and reports
- Maintain program equipment, recreational materials, and learning resources
- Create opportunities for students to practice and generalize skills across school, community, and recreational settings
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all students
The Ideal Candidate
You are:
- Enthusiastic, flexible, and student-focused
- Passionate about wellness, recreation, adapted physical education, and inclusive programming
- Skilled at building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Creative in designing motivating and meaningful learning experiences
- Comfortable working in community settings and supporting students with diverse learning needs
- Committed to helping students achieve greater independence and quality of life
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelors Degree
- Current Connecticut State Department of Education Certification in Physical Education
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a transdisciplinary team
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Preferred
- Experience in Adapted Physical Education
- Experience working with students with disabilities, including students with complex educational, behavioral, communication, and developmental needs
- Certification or experience in Occupational Therapy
- Experience implementing community-based instruction and recreational programming
Qualified applicants should apply online and submit their credentials at: https://www.applitrack.com/learn/onlineapp/
LEARN is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)
Job# 5133