PK-12 Adapted Physical Education Teacher
https://www.pps.net/Page/555

Portland Public Schools envisions every student, every teacher, every school succeeding. As we commit to a major transformation under new, nationally-recognized leadership, we are actively seeking talented, driven professionals who are energized by big challenges. If you are solution-oriented, a strong communicator and collaborator, and passionate about urban education, then this is the place for you!

The Opportunity:

Portland Public Schools is seeking to add a dynamic and knowledgeable Adapted Physical Education Teacher to the Health and Physical Education branch of the STEAM department. You will support the district’s transformational work to “ensure all students have access to high quality instruction responsive to their needs and delivered by effective and culturally responsive educators within the least restrictive setting.” You will serve as a strong collaborator across the District to align and integrate curriculum, instruction and assessments, and lead implementation for adapted physical education. In Portland Public Schools we want every student to develop the skills necessary to engage in an active lifestyle across the lifespan.

Alignment to District Priorities:

Adapted Physical Education teachers are committed to supporting the District and Special Education’s mission and Reach 2020 Plan by “ensuring all students have access to high quality instruction responsive to their needs and delivered by effective and culturally responsive educators within the least restrictive setting.” We believe this includes highly qualified Adapted PE teachers who play a critical role in accessing the full spectrum of least restrictive service options, enabling our special education students to access their full potential. Adapted PE Teachers focus on facilitating access to and participation in educational activities and routines as well as community recreation/leisure opportunities. Adapted PE Teachers can foster academic performance, school participation and obesity prevention by influencing school programs, routines and curricula to address the motor proficiency of students in developmentally appropriate ways. Adapted PE Teachers play a very important role in helping students in general and special education programs achieve positive learning outcomes and become prepared for life, further education, employment, independent living and “to meaningfully participate in their community.”

Responsibilities:

  • Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling conditions.
  • 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.
  • Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.
  • 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.
  • Assess students’ physical progress or needs.
  • Prepare lesson plans in accordance with individualized education plans (IEPs) and the functional abilities or needs of students.
  • Establish and maintain standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.
  • Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
  • Write or modify individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
  • 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.
  • Write reports to summarize student performance, social growth, or physical development.
  • Advise education professionals of students’ physical abilities or disabilities and the accommodations required to enhance their school performance.
  • Attend in-service training, workshops, or meetings to keep abreast of current practices or trends in adapted physical education.
  • Review adapted physical education programs or practices to ensure compliance with government or other regulations.
  • Request or order physical education equipment, following standard procedures.
  • Maintain inventory of instructional equipment, materials, or aids.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

The PK-12 Adapted Physical Education Teacher will have demonstrated experience in:

  • Providing comprehensive psychomotor assessments of students with disabilities
  • Making specific program recommendations based upon the current understanding of the neurological basis of normal and abnormal motor control and the sensory motor integration methods for teaching physical education to students with various disabilities.
  • Providing Direct Service (hands-on teaching)
  • Co-teaching with General Physical Education Teachers
  • Consulting to General PE teachers, Special Education teachers, General Education teachers and staff; providing developmental physical education teaching methods for students with disabilities
  • Developing IEP goals in the psychomotor domain that are tied to the core curriculum and educationally and developmentally appropriate for each specific student
  • Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to develop and implement interventions and modifications to curriculum, instruction, behavior management strategies, instructional materials/equipment
  • Data collection and analysis for quarterly progress reports, annual IEP and tri-annual evaluations
  • Advocating for students

Endorsement Requirement:

Possess a valid and current teaching certificate with an endorsement in physical education and a specialization in Adapted Physical Education.