WHSN0380435-0056
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2026-07-02T00:00:00
Anticipated Opening July 2026 Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics Are you ready to lead a district-wide movement that connects physical health, student wellness, and competitive excellence from our youngest learners in kindergarten through our graduating seniors? The West Hempstead Union Free School District is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics to lead our K–12 programs. In this role, you will shape a culture in which every student develops the knowledge, habits, and confidence to lead an active and healthy life, and in which our student-athletes compete with pride, purpose, and preparation. If you believe that physical education and athletics are not electives in the human experience but essentials, we want to hear from you. If you are interested, here is what year one is all about. For a Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics in West Hempstead, this is the kind of work that matters, building something coherent, purposeful, and student-centered across every building and every grade. Conduct a listening and learning tour across all four buildings to understand the current state of PE, health instruction, and interscholastic athletics and identify what is working, what needs support, and where the biggest opportunities for growth exist. Develop and implement a K–12 physical education and health curriculum framework aligned to New York State standards that is coherent, developmentally appropriate, and focused on building lifelong wellness habits, not just unit plans and fitness tests. Lead, mentor, and evaluate a team of physical education teachers and coaches across all grade levels and buildings, fostering a culture of professional growth, shared purpose, and high expectations for both instructional quality and student experience. Oversee all aspects of the interscholastic athletics program, including hiring and supporting coaches, managing schedules and budgets, ensuring NYSPHSAA compliance, and building a program where student-athletes are developed as competitors and as people. Champion student wellness holistically by integrating physical literacy, health education, nutrition awareness, and social-emotional learning, ensuring students understand the connection between physical activity, mental health, and overall well-being. Engage families and the broader community in our wellness mission through communication, events, and partnerships that extend the school's commitment to health and fitness beyond the gym and the playing field. Manage facilities, equipment, and budgets responsibly, ensuring that our gyms, fields, and training spaces reflect our commitment to excellence and that resources are deployed equitably and strategically across all programs. Who we are looking for. Realistically, we need someone with the proper certifications. But beyond the paperwork, we want to work with a leader who sees physical education, health, and athletics as interconnected pillars of student development, not separate departments to manage. The successful candidate believes in the educative power of sport and movement, understands what high-quality instruction looks like in a gymnasium as much as a classroom, and leads with both vision and follow-through. We want someone who will take educated risks, consider both first- and second-order consequences, and build trust with coaches, teachers, students, families, and the administrative team. You don't have to have all the answers on day one, but you need to ask the right questions and commit to finding them. Day one is good, too. These include competitive compensation, a supportive administrative team, a community that cares deeply about its schools, and a location that offers everything Long Island has to offer. But none of that matters unless "Year One and Beyond" makes career sense for you. This position is for someone who wants to build something, not just manage it. Desired Skills and Experience If you can accomplish the above, you have what it takes. Realistically, you need New York State certification in Physical Education (and preferably in School Administration and Supervision), hands-on knowledge of NYSPHSAA regulations and interscholastic athletics administration, and a working understanding of health curriculum, adaptive physical education, and wellness program design. You need to know what good coaching and good teaching look like and be able to help the people on your team get better at both. If you have this experience, you know why it matters. If you are not sure you check every box, but you believe deeply in this work and have someone who will vouch for your ability to do it, let's talk. NYS Certification is Required Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, updated resume, and certification by July 2, 2026 online at www.olasjobs.org: Daniel Rehman, Superintendent West Hempstead UFSD 252 Chestnut Street West Hempstead, NY 11552 EOE
School Leader
West Hempstead UFSD
Long Island
Fixed