Adaptive Physical Education Specialists
Overview

Introduction
Adapted physical education specialists teach physical education to adults and children with delayed motor development or other physical impairments. Specialists individualize instruction according to the students age, skill level, and condition. They may screen and place students in physical education programs and monitor their progress by keeping records of their attendance and performance. Approximately 43,700 special education teachers, including adapted physical education specialists, are employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes adapted physical education specialists in the special education teachers category. As of May 2023, the median annual salary for special education teachers was $67,190, with salaries ranging from $43,530 to $114,360. Salaries vary depending on the type of employer. For example, special education teachers in elementary and secondary schools earned about $74...
Work Environment
Most adapted physical education specialists work in school systems for kindergarten through high school students. Some may work in preschool and early childhood education centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or hospitals. The work is physical as well as mental. Specialists must have good physical and clear communication skills to instruct and guide students and listen closely to ...
Outlook
The employment outlook for adapted physical education specialists is solid. More attention is being paid to identifying children with disabilities early on, so more adapted physical education specialists will be needed to screen and place students in special education programs and instruct and guide them. The Department of Labor projects a 3 percent employment growth for all special education t...