What is an Adapted Physical Education Specialist?
Position 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.
A Day in the 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.
- Maintain inventory of instructional equipment, materials, or aids.
- Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
- Provide students positive feedback to encourage them and help them develop an appreciation for physical education.
- Establish and maintain standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.
- Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.
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Things an Adapted Physical Education Specialist Should Know How to Do
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.
Related Job Titles
- Autism Motor Specialist
- Adaptive Physical Educator
- Physical Education Specialist
- Adaptive Physical Education Specialist
- Developmental Physical Educator
Job Demand for Adapted Physical Education Specialists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 41,300 jobs in the United States for Adapted Physical Education Specialist. 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. The BLS estimates 3,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Do Adapted Physical Education Specialists Make A Lot Of Money?
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 different U.S. states?
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 |
What Tools do Adapted Physical Education Specialists Use?
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 to Become an Adapted Physical Education Specialist
Are there Adapted Physical Education Specialists education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become an Adapted Physical Education Specialist?

Where do Adapted Physical Education Specialists Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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