Personal Trainer Certification Instructor

Health, Wellness, and Fitness Education Program

Youth Justice and Education Services

Statewide Connecticut Residential Programs

ACES Youth Justice and Education Services is seeking a motivated and engaging Personal Trainer Certification Instructor to provide health, fitness, wellness, and workforce readiness instruction to youth in small classroom settings within residential facilities throughout Connecticut. This position focuses on helping students develop foundational fitness knowledge, healthy lifestyle practices, leadership skills, and career exploration opportunities within the health and wellness industry.

The ideal candidate is passionate about fitness education, mentorship, youth development, and creating positive learning experiences that promote physical wellness, confidence, and long term success.

Position Responsibilities

• Deliver instruction aligned with nationally recognized personal trainer certification curriculum and fitness industry standards
• Teach youth in small group residential and alternative education settings
• Develop engaging, hands on lessons focused on exercise science, strength and conditioning, anatomy, nutrition, wellness, and fitness programming
• Prepare students for entry level personal training and fitness certification pathways when applicable
• Promote safe exercise techniques, injury prevention, and healthy lifestyle habits
• Maintain accurate attendance, instructional, and student progress records
• Foster a positive and structured classroom environment utilizing trauma informed and restorative practices
• Collaborate with educational staff, residential personnel, behavioral support teams, and administrators
• Support students in developing leadership, teamwork, communication, and employability skills
• Travel to residential facilities throughout the state of Connecticut as assigned

Work Environment

• Small classroom and fitness training settings
• Residential and secure treatment facilities
• Collaborative multidisciplinary educational teams
• Opportunities to positively impact youth through wellness focused and workforce connected learning

About ACES Youth Justice and Education Services

ACES Youth Justice and Education Services is dedicated to enhancing and transforming lives through education, innovation, leadership, and workforce development opportunities. Our programs provide students with personalized academic and behavioral support while preparing youth for meaningful postsecondary and career pathways.

Application Information

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Copies of certifications and licenses
• Three professional references

ACES is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating equitable and supportive learning environments for all students.

Required Qualifications

• Current nationally recognized Personal Trainer certification such as NASM, ACE, ISSA, ACSM, NSCA, or equivalent
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification
• Minimum of two years of fitness, coaching, athletic training, wellness, or health education experience
• Strong communication, classroom management, and relationship building skills
• Experience working with adolescents, alternative education, or justice involved youth preferred
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to pass all required background and clearance checks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching fitness, wellness, health education, or workforce development programs
• Experience in residential, behavioral health, juvenile justice, or alternative education settings
• Group fitness, strength and conditioning, sports performance, or nutrition coaching certifications
• Knowledge of trauma-informed educational practices and restorative approaches
• Experience designing individualized fitness plans and wellness programming
• Ability to integrate mindfulness, social emotional wellness, and healthy lifestyle education into instruction