Adapted Physical Education Teachers
Overview
Adapted Physical Education Teachers design and lead customized PE lessons for students who have physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, making sure every student can safely participate and build strength, balance, and coordination. They study each student’s abilities, help write or update Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and choose or modify activities, rules, and equipment—such as using lighter balls, visual markers, or wheelchair-accessible games—to fit specific needs and goals. They also track progress with detailed records, communicate regularly with parents and school staff, and help schools create inclusive sports and fitness programs where students with disabilities can join in alongside their peers.
Did you know?
Most states require specific certification in adapted physical education beyond general PE teaching credentials, often including coursework in disability studies and therapeutic techniques.
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Negotiation
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare lesson plans in accordance with individualized education plans (IEPs) and the functional abilities or needs of students.
- Review adapted physical education programs or practices to ensure compliance with government or other regulations.
- Evaluate the motor needs of individual students to determine their need for adapted physical education services.
- Communicate behavioral observations and student progress reports to students, parents, teachers, or administrators.
- Request or order physical education equipment, following standard procedures.
- Establish and maintain standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.
- Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition.
- Assess students' physical progress or needs.
- Maintain inventory of instructional equipment, materials, or aids.
- Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students.
- Attend in-service training, workshops, or meetings to keep abreast of current practices or trends in adapted physical education.
- Collaborate with other educational personnel to provide inclusive activities or programs for children with disabilities.
- Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.
- Assist in screening or placement of students in adapted physical education programs.
- Provide students positive feedback to encourage them and help them develop an appreciation for physical education.
- Advise education professionals of students' physical abilities or disabilities and the accommodations required to enhance their school performance.
- Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.
- Write or modify individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
- Write reports to summarize student performance, social growth, or physical development.
- Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
Career Considerations
Specialized Certification Requirements
Most states require specific certification in adapted physical education beyond general PE teaching credentials, often including coursework in disability studies and therapeutic techniques.
Legal Compliance and IEP Knowledge
Professionals must understand federal laws like IDEA and ADA to develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensure legal compliance in educational settings.
Growing Employment Opportunities
Increasing emphasis on inclusive education and federal mandates for serving students with disabilities create expanding job prospects in public schools and specialized facilities.