Health and Wellness Teacher, Grades 6-8, CSUS

Position: Health & Wellness Teacher, Grades 6-8

Health & PE Department/Cambridge Street Upper School

Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Department Overview:

The Cambridge Public Schools Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Department is dedicated to creating supportive learning environments where all students are known, celebrated, empowered, and able to thrive. Our students engage in relevant learning experiences that build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead healthy, active lives. These opportunities empower students to explore, create, and advocate for meaningful change at both individual and societal levels. We also acknowledge the historical marginalization of certain communities, which has led to significant health and educational disparities.

In alignment with the district's mission, our department is committed to:

• Advancing anti-racism, social justice, and racial equity by partnering with community organizations to support the needs of students, families, and educators of color
• Promoting inclusiveness, valuing diversity, and developing a culturally responsive curriculum

Upon completing our program, students will demonstrate competence in a range of areas, including motor skill development, self-efficacy, advocacy, and empowerment. They will be equipped to take ownership of their health and to contribute to the wellness of their communities throughout their lives.

The Opportunity:

The Cambridge Street Upper School, in partnership with the Health, Wellness, and Physical Education department, seeks a Health and Wellness teacher for grades 6-8. The Health and Wellness Teacher reports directly to the Director of Health and Physical Education, the Principal of the Cambridge Street Upper School, and the Lead Teacher for JK-8 Health and Wellness. The educator will teach Health Education according to the National Health Education Standards, the Social Justice Standards, the CASEL frameworks, and the National Sexuality Education Standards. They will teach the Health and Physical Education curriculum weekly and lead electives courses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize accepted H/PE department instructional strategies and techniques, which have been developed as a framework for enhancing life skills development and encouraging meaningful dialogue between students, teachers, and caregivers.
• Lead or co-lead the coordinated school health team and work collaboratively with the General Education Social Worker to support SEL initiatives and the implementation of the schools' chosen SEL curriculum
• Coordinate guest speakers and special presentations for grades 6-8.
• Build school-wide relationships with students, staff and caregivers by participating on appropriate committees and by engaging students in various programs and school-wide health promotion activities.
• Collaborate with the Health and Wellness team
• Manage all reports, data collection, and material inventory, as well as other duties that may be designated by the Director of Health and Physical Education or the Lead Teacher.

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Health & Wellness Teacher, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience and/or education in: secondary Health Education.
• Successful teaching experience in an urban setting is preferred.
• Required Massachusetts Certification in K-12 Health and Family/Consumer Science
• Experience leading instruction in multicultural and urban community settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, alongside the ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with a diverse staff and student body.

How to Join Our Team:

Apply online at www.cpsd.us. Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.