Employment
Opportunities
Employment
Opportunities
J. Paul Taylor Academy | Las Cruces, New Mexico
Physical Education & Healthy Living Teacher
Principal
Full-Time, Licensed Teaching Position
J. Paul Taylor Academy is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and student-centered Physical Education & Healthy Living Teacher to join our team beginning July 6, 2026.
J. Paul Taylor Academy is built upon three foundational pillars:
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Conversational Spanish Development
Healthy Living
The Physical Education & Healthy Living Teacher serves as the instructional leader for the Healthy Living pillar and plays a critical role in promoting student wellness across the school community. This position combines standards-based physical education instruction with health education, wellness leadership, and the development of schoolwide initiatives that encourage lifelong healthy habits.
The successful candidate will inspire students to develop physical fitness, healthy decision-making skills, personal responsibility, teamwork, and an appreciation for lifelong wellness. The teacher will collaborate with staff, students, families, and community partners to foster a culture where healthy living is integrated into daily school life.
Provide standards-based physical education instruction aligned with New Mexico Physical Education Standards.
Plan and implement engaging lessons that develop motor skills, physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal responsibility.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Assess student growth and progress using a variety of formative and summative measures.
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment that encourages participation and success for all students.
Promote physical activity and fitness as lifelong pursuits.
Serve as the lead advocate and coordinator for the school's Healthy Living pillar.
Develop and support school-wide wellness initiatives and activities.
Promote healthy lifestyle choices among students and staff.
Collaborate with teachers to integrate wellness concepts across grade levels and content areas.
Support outdoor learning opportunities and movement-based learning experiences.
Foster a school culture that values physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Provide age-appropriate health instruction for middle school students, including:
Nutrition and healthy eating habits
Physical fitness and personal wellness planning
Mental health awareness and emotional well-being
Stress management and healthy coping strategies
Personal health and hygiene
Substance abuse prevention and risk reduction
Healthy decision-making and goal setting
Interpersonal relationships and communication skills
Digital citizenship and digital wellness
Bullying prevention and conflict resolution
Safety, injury prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices
Other health education topics required by New Mexico standards
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to promote student success.
Communicate effectively with families regarding student progress and wellness initiatives.
Participate in school events, professional learning communities, and staff meetings.
Build partnerships with community organizations that support health, fitness, and wellness opportunities for students.
Contribute positively to the mission and culture of J. Paul Taylor Academy.
Valid New Mexico teaching license with appropriate endorsement or eligibility to obtain required licensure through an approved alternative licensure pathway prior to or shortly after the start date.
Strong foundation and passion for physical education, health education, and student wellness.
Experience working with elementary and/or middle school-aged students.
Knowledge of age-appropriate physical education and health education curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
Strong classroom and behavior management skills in active learning environments.
Excellent integrity, professionalism, initiative, and moral character.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members.
Three or more years of successful physical education and/or health education teaching experience.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Experience implementing Project-Based Learning.
Experience developing or leading schoolwide health and wellness initiatives.
Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
Ability and willingness to integrate technology into instruction and student fitness tracking.
Experience coaching youth sports, leading extracurricular activities, or coordinating wellness programs.
Collaborative and mission-driven school culture.
Innovative Project-Based Learning environment.
Commitment to bilingual communication and cultural responsiveness.
Strong emphasis on student wellness, outdoor learning, and healthy living.
Opportunity to lead and shape the school's Healthy Living pillar.
Opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
Supportive team dedicated to developing the whole child through academics, wellness, and community engagement.
Application Information
Start Date: July 6, 2026
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST
Interested candidates should submit all required application materials through the school's employment application process.
J. Paul Taylor Academy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
J. Paul Taylor Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
J. Paul Taylor Academy is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student is empowered to learn, grow, and thrive. We seek educators who embrace innovation, collaboration, and the belief that healthy, engaged students are better prepared for success in school and in life.
How to Apply:
Click the appropriate form below for a job application and submit it with a resume and a list of at least three professional references to:
J. Paul Taylor Academy
Attn: Eric Ahner
500 N. Reymond St.
Las Cruces, NM 88005
-OR-
Email the completed application, resume, and references to:
eric.ahner@jpaultayloracademy.org
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