Position: Extended Term Substitute, Physical Education Teacher

November 2026 through December 2026 with the possibility of May 2027 through June 2027

Putnam Ave Upper School/Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Department

Putnam Avenue Upper School Community:

The Putnam Avenue Upper School is an innovative public middle school in the Cambridge Public Schools. We are looking for a dynamic, committed educator with solid content and pedagogical knowledge, solid classroom management skills, a deep commitment to social justice, and experience working in urban schools.

We are actively working towards becoming an antiracist school, and are taking steps towards identifying and dismantling racist structures, hearing and elevating underrepresented voices, and striving to achieve an equitable and just educational experience for all students.

Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Department Overview:

Cambridge Public School's Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Department is dedicated to creating supportive learning spaces where all students are known, celebrated, empowered, and thrive. Students will receive relevant learning opportunities that develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for healthy, physically active living.

These experiences will support students to be engaged in exploring, creating, and advocating for meaningful changes at the individual and societal levels. We also recognize that certain groups have been historically marginalized, resulting in significant health and educational disparities. In working to uphold the district's overarching mission, we are committed to:

Anti-racism, social justice, and racial equity by working with community partners to address the needs of youth, families, and educators of color
Promoting inclusiveness, valuing diversity, and creating a culturally responsive curriculum within our department

Upon completion of our program, students will develop competence in a variety of skills, which include motor skill development, self-efficacy, advocacy, and empowerment to take control of their health and engage in lifelong efforts to maintain and enhance their individual and community health and wellness.

The Role:

The Health, Physical Education, and Wellness (H/PE) department seeks an Extended Term Substitute, Physical Education Teacher to join our team. The Physical Education teacher will be responsible to the Coordinator of Health and Physical Education and to the principal of the school to whom they are assigned. The Physical Education teacher will teach Physical Education according to the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards, and the Massachusetts Health Curriculum Frameworks. The Physical Education teacher will utilize accepted H/PE department strategies for developing physical skills and abilities of students with all abilities. The Physical Education teacher will work collaboratively with physical education, general education, special education, and related services staff to ensure that students with disabilities have positive educational outcomes.

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Extended Term Substitute, Physical Education Teacher, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

Strong ability to provide direct physical education/ special education services to students with disabilities
Strong ability to provide explicit instruction and/or support in motor skill development and social-emotional behavior.
Develop specialized equipment, goals, and objectives for the purpose of improving students` motor skills.
Provide instruction to students using systematic, structured, and multisensory approaches to learning.
Prepare, implement, and evaluate educational plans for each student based on individually assessed needs and in accordance with district/department procedures.
Collaborate with physical education, general education, special education, and related service teachers and staff
Administer formal and informal assessments and analyze data to inform decisions regarding IEP goals/objectives, learning approaches/content, and support
Accommodate and modify for student learning and support the general education teacher with the implementation of appropriate accommodations in the general education setting
Ensure implementation of the student’s Individualized Education Plan
Assume responsibility for all reports, data collection, inventory, and purchasing, as well as other duties as may be designated by the Coordinator of Health and Physical Education.
Collaborate and provide guidance to instructional aides who are providing support for physical education students

Other Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with appropriate coursework in Physical Education
Successful teaching experience and/or education in elementary Physical Education
Massachusetts Certification in PK-8 Physical Education is preferred

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in PDF format.

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.