Health and Physical Education Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 360,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity. Five core principles are embedded within these commitments - high quality, rigorous instruction, talented and empowered educators, safety and support, financial stability and collective impact.

The Health and Physical Education Specialist provides support to the CPS Health and Physical Education Leadership Team (HPELT) and will assist in the development, piloting and implementation of a comprehensive Health Education K-12 curriculum and a Physical Education PK-12 curriculum, corresponding assessments, and professional development. The Specialist will work to support initiatives in the Office of Teaching and Learning; including policy development and implementation.

The Physical Education Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Convene quarterly CPS Health and Physical Education Leadership Team meetings to guide and support initiatives
  
  
• Develop and provide professional development on best practices for all K-12 Health and Physical Education teachers
  
  
• Will seek out and apply for grants for Health and Physical Education
  
  
• Provide mentorship to new health and physical education teachers
  
  
• Provide outreach, guidance, and support to schools in implementing Health and Physical Education curriculum and assessment
  
  
• Provide technical assistance and professional development to schools for the development and implementation of best practices in Health and Physical Education
  
  
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with organizations providing health and wellness services in Chicago Public Schools
  
  
• Assist with development, implementation, and enforcement of policies that promote student health.
  
  
• Collect and analyze school-level data related to Health and Physical Education
  
  
• Promote and conduct outreach to community stakeholders, parents and other interested groups
  
  
• Assist with the development and implementation of internal and external Health and Physical Education communication strategies
  
  
• Research and document policies of best practices and guidance
  
  
• Prepare background documents, fact sheets, and other communication materials related to Health and Physical Education
  
  
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Health and Physical Education Specialist must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required : Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree is required, a Master's degree is preferred (B.S., B.A., M.S., M.A.).

Type of Experience and Number of Years : A minimum of five years of Health and Physical Education teaching experience. High school experience preferred. Curriculum and assessment writing experience required. Leadership and development experience preferred. Grant writing experience preferred. Must be proficient in the use of computers and software, including but not limited to Google, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Experience forging productive collaborations.

• Exceptional writing, verbal and interpersonal skills, including public speaking.

• Keen analytical skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to think "big-picture" as well as to translate ideas into realistic, actionable plans.

• Ability to handle and respond to competing priorities.

• Ability to synthesize and apply information to different audiences.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; be highly organized and flexible.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a project team.

• Ability to work with minimum supervision.

• Capacity to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference is required.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulation.

• Possess integrity and tact when dealing with confidential information and sensitive situations.

• Demonstrated skills in trend analysis to proactively identify issues and make sound recommendations..

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.