Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver is an exemplary program designed for gifted children. We provide nationally recognized gifted education to approximately 200 students ranging from ages three years old through eighth grade, who demonstrate exceptional, differentiated abilities and learning.

Position Summary

The Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver invites applications for a Physical Education Teacher. We seek a candidate with expertise in varied media and techniques. We seek a candidate who is skilled in working with a diverse group of gifted students from preschool through eighth grade. This position requires a dynamic individual who approaches physical education (PE) as a holistic component of a child’s education.

Essential Functions

Curriculum planning, teaching, and assessment

• Plan, document, teach, and assess PE units and lessons from preschool to Grade 8, incorporating a range of physical education techniques and strategies appropriate for each grade level.
• Collaborate regularly with teachers and administration in developing integrated units at all grade levels.
• Plan and teach elective classes in the middle school as needed, up to three periods per day.
• Balance skills, concepts, and application in the PE curriculum, allowing for student direction and interest in health and team sports while remaining accountable for meeting grade-level standards and learning goals.
• Teach students to apply elements of health and physical education throughout their daily lives.
• Coordinate and oversee Ricks’ athletics program.
• Coordinate recess activities and oversee staff.
• Provide individual and small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students with varying abilities and to accommodate a variety of instructional activities.
• Evaluate each student’s performance and growth, using both formative and summative assessments regularly.
• Complete report cards and other assessments as needed.

Maintenance and logistics

• Organize storage areas and control the use of materials, equipment, and tools to prevent loss and to minimize the time required for distribution and collection.
• Select and requisition books, instructional materials, tools, and instructional aids, and maintain the physical education (PE) supplies inventory.
• Seek out collaborations throughout the DU community.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by Administration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Creative and detail-oriented.
• Able to differentiate and allow for students’ creative expression while teaching foundational skills and concepts.
• Strong sense of order and able to maintain a clutter-free workspace.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Physical Education or Education

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Physical Education in Elementary or Middle School.
• Graduate hours in education of the gifted, experience teaching gifted children, Gifted certification, or experience working with Gifted children.
• Experience working with a wide age range (3 yo – 14 yo) of children.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Evenings and weekends as required.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) July 27, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 9.

Salary Rate

The salary rate for this position is $55,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.