Athens Academy Physical Education Teacher (Grades K-8)   

The School:

Athens Academy is a co-educational, non-sectarian, independent college preparatory day school of approximately 950 students in grades K3-12 that offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.  The school’s mission is to seek “excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student.”  Situated on a picturesque campus of 152 acres, Athens Academy admits students from diverse social, economic, religious, and racial backgrounds--all of whom benefit from a challenging academic program, a vibrant arts program, competitive athletics, and a variety of service opportunities.  Athens Academy faculty and staff members are dedicated professionals who are not only experts in their respective fields of study, but are also sensitive to the gifts and challenges of individual students. 

The Preschool:

Athens Academy’s goal of nurturing secure, successful, well-adjusted, and happy students while challenging them to grow academically begins in the Preschool (half-day program in grades K3, K4, and Pre-first). The Preschool curriculum blends skill building, motor development, and creative activities, as well as free play. Benefiting from activities-based learning, children learn the foundations of reading, writing, and mathematics. Activities are carefully tailored to individual interests, abilities, and development. Preschool students at Athens Academy also benefit from hands-on activities in discovery centers, outdoor gardens, art rooms, music rooms, a dedicated media center, and a spacious playground, all in a state-of-the-art facility which opened in 2011. The Preschool is composed of approximately 120 students and 22 teachers, assistant teachers, and instructional support staff.

 The Lower School:

Lower School students (grades 1-4) at Athens Academy acquire a solid foundation in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, while also learning about responsibility, collaboration, and self-expression. A science laboratory classroom with a specialist teacher, a media center with a story telling room, and a discovery center used for a variety of activities all support classroom instruction. World languages, music, art, drama, and physical education classes are also woven into the fabric of the curriculum. Building upon traits developed as early as the Preschool, Lower School students are proud to uphold the concepts of mutual respect and kindness, as indicated by the “Kind Language Spoken Here” signs throughout the campus. The Lower School is composed of 250 students supported by approximately 30 teachers, assistant teachers, and instructional support staff.

The Middle School:

Recognizing that Middle School students are in a rapid mental, emotional, and physical growth stage of life, Athens Academy emphasizes responsibility, creativity, independent thinking, personal values, and service to others. Middle School students (grades 5-8), begin to master broader and more rigorous aspects of learning that include written expression, vocabulary, problem-solving, research, scientific investigation, and teamwork. An emphasis on critical and creative thinking runs throughout the curriculum. Opportunities for public speaking, performing, publication, and athletic competition complement the challenging academic program.

The Position:

Athens Academy seeks a dynamic, creative, and versatile full-time physical education teacher, beginning in August 2019.  Essential characteristics include love of children, energy, flexibility, the ability to work with others, a good sense of humor, and a firm foundation in physical education. We are looking for someone who is excited to become a part of our community and enjoys and understands the needs and development of Lower and Middle School children.  Coaching one or more Middle School and/or Upper School sports each year is a requirement of this position.

Application Process:

The school will accept materials from interested candidates until Thursday, February 28, 2019.    

A completed packet will include the following components:

• Cover letter expressing interest in Athens Academy and this position
• Statement of educational philosophy, including thoughts on opportunities for teaching and learning in today’s educational environment
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Names of three references and contact information

Interested candidates are encouraged to send their materials to:

Julie Brown, Middle School Receptionist  

Athens Academy

1281 Spartan Lane

Athens, GA   30606

jbrown@athensacademy.org

(706) 549-9225

Additional Information:

Several years ago, the faculty created the following list to describe the desired traits of Athens Academy faculty and administrators.  It is included in the spirit of providing some additional insight into what we value as a community of learners.

• Commitment to the school’s mission
• Passion and ability to meet the needs of each student, instructionally and emotionally—students are our highest priority and all we do/every decision we make is with their well-being in mind
• Knowledge of subject matter taught
• Knowledge of instructional methods being used and potential for introducing/supporting new instructional methods, including incorporating technological advances
• Professionalism in interactions with parents, students, colleagues, and the community
• Ability to lead and ability to work in a team
• Commitment to continuous professional improvement
• Positivity and effectiveness as a communicator
• Passion for subject matter taught
• Focus on family and community
• Participation in the life of the school beyond the classroom
• Advocacy for individual students

Thank you for your interest in Athens Academy.

Athens Academy is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution. In hiring, the school will select the best-qualified applicant without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, handicap, veteran status, or sexual orientation.