Play & Values Coach Grades 5-8

Agreement Dates: August 16 through August 15 Annually, hours- 7:45 am-4:30 pm

Report to: Associate Head of School

Department: Faculty

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

EEO Category: 2

Pay Category: Exempt

Pay Range: $72,471-$97,404

Pay Rate: Annual

Pay Schedule: Semi-monthly

Summary:

SF Day seeks a passionate and experienced Play & Values Coach to join our team starting in August 2025. The ideal candidate will fully align with our school’s mission, vision, and goals, demonstrating a collaborative spirit and infusing enthusiasm and energy into our social-emotional learning (SEL) focused conflict resolution, advisory, and wellness programs. This position collaborates deeply with students and teachers to cultivate a culture of belonging that helps students develop social skills, social connections and resolve conflict both and in and outside of the classroom in the school environment.  

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Assist in creating a safe and inclusive middle school and lived school experience for all students where they can develop skills to manage emotions, establish positive relationships and make responsible decisions promoting overall emotional intelligence and wellbeing 
• Support students with conflict resolution skills that encompass, communication, mediation, reflection, negotiation, self advocacy, self awareness, self management. 
• Create a focus on values, competitive gameship, leadership, conflict resolution and teamwork within the recess / unstructured play (recess) framework 
• Encourage safe, healthy interactions and positive conflict resolution through role modeling and active participation on the playground and in the classroom
• Proactive daily care and management of all play spaces, manage student materials and oversee teachers managing play spaces. 
• Must love to interact and lead activities with upper elementary and middle schoolers and have a firm understanding of the developmental social emotional range of middle schoolers
• Model positive behavior. Actively engage a diverse range of students in respectful and inclusive healthy relationships and interactions throughout the school day. 
• Demonstrate ability to build rapport, trust and respect with students. 
• Maintain positive and appropriately professional relationships with the children and school staff
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills
• Detail-oriented with a strong emphasis on follow-through
• Participate in daily supervisory duties to support the responsibilities of the position. 
• Support the transition of 5th graders into middle school
• Support the transition of new students entering SF Day in 5th-8th

Advisory Program

• In partnership with the Middle School Head, utilize best practice frameworks and resources to develop an advisory curriculum, 5th-8th, that is aligned to SF Day’ s mission and values.
• Seeking teacher feedback and provide updates to the Division Head and Director of Student Life for advisory improvement
• Schedule and lead regular meetings with the advisory lead team.
• Update and communicate with the division head, community, and parents as necessary

Principal Accountabilities & Deliverables

• In partnership with the Associate Head of School, Division Heads, Director of Student Life support the implementation of SEL objectives and school-based behavior norms education K-8.
• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting social-emotional learning and contribute to building a healthy school community

Program Management 

• Provide active training, mentorship, and daily supervision during recess, lunch, and throughout field trips and community engagement events.
• Oversee and train teachers and staff on recess and lunch duties, ensuring the effective application of social-emotional learning (SEL) practices and conflict resolution.
• Establish clear communication channels to keep teachers and administrators informed about any issues or incidents that arise.
• Engage families and the community through workshops and support teacher training and staff development.

Student Experience

• Encourage Socialization and Conflict Resolution Skills -  Foster an environment where students can interact with peers and make new friends.
• Promote Peaceful Conflict Resolution - Guide students in learning how to resolve conflicts in a respectful and peaceful manner.
• Prepare for Activities - Discuss strategies with students on how to approach activities and what to do if things do not go as expected.
• Facilitate Cooperation - Provide cooperative activities that encourage students to work together, communicate effectively, and demonstrate empathy.
• Support Diverse Needs - Offer a variety of materials and spaces to accommodate the diverse needs and experiences of all students.
• Encourage Self-Regulation - Create opportunities for students to practice self-regulation, helping them manage their emotions and behaviors effectively.
• Collaborate with K-4 Play Coaches Teacher -  Work closely with the K-4 Play & Values Coach to ensure a cohesive K-8 wellness program.

Environment Creation:

• Foster a joyful, vibrant, and welcoming atmosphere that encourages student engagement and exploration.

Other

• Collaborate with faculty and staff in student-facing duties such as arrival/dismissal, recess, and lunch