Employers

Many adapted physical education specialists are employed as teachers in public school systems. They may also work in early childhood education centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or hospitals. The Department of Labor does not have data for adapted physical education specialists. Still, it includes them among more than 43,700 special education teachers employed in the United States as of May 2023. The industries that employ the highest number of special education teachers are:

• Elementary and secondary schools.
• Individual and family services.
• Educational support services.
• Federal and state government agencies.

Starting Out

Student teaching while in college provides a good introduction to the field. Some adapted physical education specialists who do well in their student teaching programs may be hired by the school system. Students and recent graduates have access to job listings and employment assistance through the career services office of their school. They also start by finding jobs through professional associations and employment agencies. The field is small yet competitive, so those with advanced degrees and certifications have good prospects of finding work. Three or more years of experience; on-the-job training

Adapted physical education specialists advance by becoming managers of other specialists. They may enhance their skills and knowledge through certification and by pursuing a masters degree in physical education, with a specialization in adapted physical education. Those who work in public schools may advance by becoming school principals. They may also own a business, managing clients and staff members.

Get an internship or part-time job in an educational organization, assisted living facility, or other organization that works with people with disabilities or impairments.

Visit the Web sites of professional organizations such as Adapted Physical Education National Standards, https://www.apens.org, and SHAPE America, https://www.shapeamerica.org, for teaching ideas and news.

Find career advice, job listings, and other resources on the National Association of Special Education Teachers Web site, https://www.naset.org.

Improve your skills, knowledge, and chances of finding work by getting certified. Find information on certification at https://www.apens.org/certification.html.