Adapted Physical Education Teacher

Summary Description: The Physical Education Teacher works with children across all programs to provide physical activity to develop motor skills and physical development. To provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.

Required Education and Experience:

• Must have a master’s degree; and a NYS Physical Education Certification with a minimum of 12 semester hours of teacher preparation in Adapted Physical Education. Prefer a minimum of 1-3 years' experience. Job Tasks: Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition.
• Assist students with special educational needs. Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students.
• Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs. Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.
• Teach physical education. Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.
• Maintain student records. Assist in screening or placement of students in adapted physical education programs.

• Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress. Provide students positive feedback to encourage them and help them develop an appreciation for physical education. • Encourage students. Assess students' physical progress or needs.

• Assess educational needs of students. Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
• Teach physical education. Write or modify individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
• Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs. Establish and maintain standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.
• Establish rules or policies governing student behavior. Prepare lesson plans in accordance with individualized education plans (IEPs) and the functional abilities or needs of students.
• Document lesson plans. Evaluate the motor needs of individual students to determine their need for adapted physical education services.
• Assess educational needs of students. Communicate behavioral observations and student progress reports to students, parents, teachers, or administrators.
• Discuss problems or issues with supervisors.
• Discuss student progress with parents or guardians. Write reports to summarize student performance, social growth, or physical development.
• Prepare reports detailing student activities or performance. Advise education professionals of students' physical abilities or disabilities and the accommodations required to enhance their school performance.
• Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies. Attend in-service training, workshops, or meetings to keep abreast of current practices or trends in adapted physical education.
• Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge. Review adapted physical education programs or practices to ensure compliance with government or other regulations. Request or order physical education equipment, following standard procedures.
• Order instructional or library materials or equipment. Maintain inventory of instructional equipment, materials, or aids.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Reports to: Building Principal; Responsible to the Special Education Supervisor, and the Director of Special Education. (Updated 5/2023)