Position Summary

The K-12 Physical Education Teacher/Apprentice is responsible for designing, implementing, and assessing a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate physical education program for all students in the Kake City School District. This position focuses on promoting lifelong health, fitness, teamwork, and positive social behaviors in a unique, culturally rich rural Alaskan community.

This position features a dual-entry pathway: it may be filled by a traditionally certificated teacher or an aspiring educator entering the District-Sponsored Teacher Apprenticeship Program.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

1. Instructional Design & Delivery

• Develop and deliver a sequenced, standards-based K-12 physical education curriculum that aligns with Alaska Physical Education Standards.

• Adapt and differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs, abilities, motor skills, and learning styles of students across all grade levels (K-5 elementary, 6-8 middle, and 9-12 high school).

• Integrate culturally responsive practices and local Southeast Alaska traditions or outdoor recreational opportunities into the physical education program.

• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, communicating those objectives effectively to students.

2. Class Management & Safety

• Create an inclusive, safe, supportive, and positive learning environment in the gymnasium, weight room, and outdoor recreational areas.

• Establish and maintain clear, positive standards of student behavior to ensure safety during physical activities.

• Supervise students at all times during class, transitions, and locker room usage (as applicable).

• Inspect, maintain, and properly store physical education equipment; report safety hazards or facility maintenance needs immediately.

3. Assessment & Student Growth

• Assess student progress, motor skills, and physical fitness levels regularly using formative and summative evaluation tools.

• Maintain accurate, complete student records including attendance, grading, and skills development progress.

• Provide constructive, timely feedback to students and communicate regular progress updates to parents/guardians.

4. Professional Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Participate actively in staff meetings, district in-service days, and professional development opportunities.

• Partner with classroom teachers, special education staff, and administration to support the holistic well-being of Kake's students.

• Foster positive relationships with community members, families, and local organizations to encourage physical health outside the school day.

Dual-Pathway Qualification Framework

Candidates will be evaluated, hired, and compensated based on one of the following specific pathways:

Pathway A: Certificated Teacher Track

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Physical Education, or a related education field.

• Licensure: Holds or is eligible to hold a valid Alaska Initial, Professional, or Master Teaching Certificate with a Physical Education endorsement.

• Placement: Governed strictly by the Kake Education Association (KEA) Negotiated Agreement and placed on the certificated salary schedule based on verified education and experience blocks.

Pathway B: District Apprentice Track (With Bachelor’s Degree)

• Education: Holds a verified Bachelor’s Degree in any field from an accredited institution.

• Apprenticeship: Must apply for, meet enrollment criteria, and actively participate in the District-Sponsored Teacher Apprenticeship Program to earn an initial Alaska Teaching Certificate.

• Placement: Governed by the Kake Education Association (KEA) Negotiated Agreement under a special apprentice or alternative certification framework, receiving a certificated-track salary and benefits structure while completing on-the-job learning (OJL) hours and required coursework.

Pathway C: District Apprentice Track (Without Bachelor’s Degree)

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; some college or Associate’s degree preferred.

• Apprenticeship: Must apply for, meet enrollment criteria, and actively participate in the District-Sponsored Teacher Apprenticeship Program, working towards a Bachelor’s degree in education and Alaska teaching licensure.

• Placement: Governed by the Kake Educational Support Staff Association (KESSA) Agreement. Positioned on the classified pay scale, subject to hourly, non-exempt guidelines, and working under the direct supervision of an assigned certificated mentor or "Journey Worker" teacher.

Additional Requirements & Physical Demands

• Physical Stamina: Must be able to frequently stand, walk, run, jump, balance, bend, kneel, and demonstrate various physical exercises and sports skills to students.

• Lifting: Ability to routinely lift, carry, and move physical education and sports equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Background Clearance: Must pass a federal fingerprinting and criminal background check as required by the State of Alaska for school district employment.

• Core Competencies: Strong communication skills, adaptability to a multi-grade rural school ecosystem, high emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to supporting the youth of Kake.