Sign up for our newsletter
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
This bar graph shows the annual salary for Adaptive Physical Education Specialists.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Adaptive Physical Education Specialists.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 7%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students.
Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.
Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
Adaptive Physical Education Specialists are essential professionals in the education sector, focusing on developing and implementing physical education programs tailored for students with disabilities. If you're interested in pursuing this rewarding career, here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal.
First and foremost, it's crucial to understand what an Adaptive Physical Education Specialist does. They work with students who have various physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental disabilities to improve their physical fitness, motor skills, and social functioning through customized physical activities. This role requires patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of how to modify traditional physical education activities to meet the needs of each student.
Bachelor’s Degree: Begin by earning a bachelor's degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field from an accredited institution. During your undergraduate studies, focus on courses that cover adaptive physical education, special education, anatomy, and physiology.
Specialized Training: Enroll in specialized adaptive physical education courses or a certification program that provides training on working with individuals with disabilities. Many states require additional coursework in adaptive P.E. as part of the certification process.
State Certification: Obtain a teaching certification in physical education. Each state has its own requirements for certification, so it’s important to research the specifics in your area. In many cases, this will include passing a teacher certification exam.
Advanced Degree (Optional): Some positions may require or prefer a master's degree in adaptive physical education or special education. Pursuing an advanced degree can provide more in-depth knowledge and may lead to higher-level positions within the field.
Student Teaching: Complete a student-teaching internship where you can gain hands-on experience under the supervision of an experienced Adaptive Physical Education Specialist. This will give you valuable insights into the daily responsibilities and challenges of the job.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering with organizations that serve individuals with disabilities can help you develop additional skills and demonstrate your commitment to working within this field.
Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices and new research in the field of adaptive physical education. This might include attending workshops, conferences, and webinars.
Join Professional Organizations: Consider joining professional organizations such as SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) which offer resources and networking opportunities for physical education professionals.
Prepare Your Resume: Craft a resume that highlights your education, experience, certifications, and any relevant volunteer work in adaptive physical education.
Search for Positions: Look for job openings at public schools, private schools, special education programs, and therapeutic recreation centers. Don't forget to leverage your professional network and contacts made during student teaching or volunteer work.
Interview Preparation: When you land an interview, be ready to discuss specific strategies you would use to teach students with different types of disabilities. Be prepared to talk about your philosophy on adaptive physical education and how you plan to measure student progress.
By following these steps and committing yourself to continuous learning and professional development, you can build a successful career as an Adaptive Physical Education Specialist. Remember that your role is not just about teaching physical skills; it's also about fostering inclusivity and helping each student achieve their personal best.
An Adaptive Physical Education Specialist is a trained professional who develops and implements physical education programs tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. They work closely with students to ensure they can participate safely in physical activities and achieve their personal fitness goals.
To become an Adaptive Physical Education Specialist, you typically need:
Adaptive Physical Education Specialists can work in a variety of settings, including:
Key skills for this role include:
Career advancement opportunities may include:
Yes, joining professional organizations can be beneficial for networking and professional development. Some organizations include:
The job outlook for Adaptive Physical Education Specialists is generally positive, as there is a growing awareness of the importance of physical education for students with disabilities. However, job availability may vary depending on location, school budgets, and government policies.
Yes, some specialists work part-time or on a contract basis, although full-time positions are more common. Contract work might involve consulting with schools or districts to establish adaptive physical education programs or train staff.
Remember to check your state's specific requirements and stay updated on any changes to certification standards or job market trends. Always look for opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in the field of adapted physical education.