All About Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Job Description: 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.
Daily Life Of an Adapted Physical Education Specialist
- Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition.
- Write reports to summarize student performance, social growth, or physical development.
- Assess students' physical progress or needs.
- Request or order physical education equipment, following standard procedures.
- Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.
- Maintain inventory of instructional equipment, materials, or aids.
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Adapted Physical Education Specialist Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Adapted Physical Education Specialists say are important on the job.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Adapted Physical Education Specialist
- Certified Adaptive Physical Educator
- Adaptive Physical Education Specialist
- Physical Education Teacher
- Adapted Physical Education Aide
- Developmental Physical Educator
Job Opportunities for Adapted Physical Education Specialists
In the United States, there were 41,300 jobs for Adapted Physical Education Specialist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,100 new jobs for Adapted Physical Education Specialist by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,400 positions for Adapted Physical Education Specialist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Adapted Physical Education Specialist are Utah, Arizona, and Hawaii. Watch out if you plan on working in North Dakota, North Carolina, or Nebraska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Adapted Physical Education Specialist
The salary for Adapted Physical Education Specialists ranges between about $34,580 and $98,730 a year.

Adapted Physical Education Specialists who work in Oregon, Rhode Island, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Adapted Physical Education Specialists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $60,840 |
Alaska | $62,040 |
Arizona | $48,850 |
Arkansas | $34,140 |
California | $66,640 |
Colorado | $51,370 |
Connecticut | $70,200 |
District of Columbia | $67,310 |
Florida | $51,500 |
Georgia | $58,010 |
Hawaii | $37,160 |
Idaho | $47,080 |
Illinois | $54,120 |
Indiana | $46,190 |
Iowa | $75,280 |
Kansas | $67,310 |
Kentucky | $58,910 |
Louisiana | $57,490 |
Maryland | $51,090 |
Massachusetts | $56,700 |
Michigan | $72,670 |
Minnesota | $68,540 |
Mississippi | $57,280 |
Missouri | $55,780 |
Montana | $58,430 |
Nebraska | $60,060 |
Nevada | $55,650 |
New Hampshire | $48,150 |
New Jersey | $65,380 |
New Mexico | $56,290 |
North Carolina | $45,670 |
Ohio | $42,690 |
Oklahoma | $40,300 |
Oregon | $81,990 |
Pennsylvania | $66,780 |
Rhode Island | $81,180 |
South Carolina | $62,740 |
Tennessee | $57,580 |
Texas | $53,840 |
Utah | $72,290 |
Vermont | $45,400 |
Virginia | $78,340 |
Washington | $59,520 |
West Virginia | $53,030 |
Wisconsin | $63,010 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Adapted Physical Education Specialists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Database software
- Individualized Educational Program IEP software
- Student record software
How do I Become an Adapted Physical Education Specialist?
Learn what Adapted Physical Education Specialist education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Adapted Physical Education Specialists?

Below are examples of industries where Adapted Physical Education Specialists work:

References:
Image Credit: woodleywonderworks via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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