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Adapted Physical Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adelphi Staffing

Bilingual Diagnostician

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$55 - $60/hr

The ideal candidates will deliver adapted physical education instruction to support students' motor development, physical fitness, and participation in school-based activities. Job Quick Facts: * BD ...

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How much do adapted physical activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for adapted physical activity in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is adapted physical activity?

Adapted physical activity (APA) refers to physical education, exercise, and sports programs that are specifically designed or modified to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. The goal is to promote inclusion, improve physical fitness, and enhance quality of life by providing accessible and meaningful physical activities. Professionals in APA assess each person's abilities and tailor activities to ensure safety, enjoyment, and personal growth. This can include modifications to rules, equipment, or the environment to ensure everyone can participate. APA is utilized in schools, community settings, and rehabilitation programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adapted physical activity specialist?

To thrive as an Adapted Physical Activity Specialist, you need a solid background in physical education, exercise science, or a related field, often supported by a degree and relevant certifications such as CAPE (Certified Adapted Physical Educator). Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and specialized instructional strategies is essential for meeting diverse participant needs. Exceptional communication, creativity, and patience are vital soft skills for building rapport and effectively motivating individuals with disabilities. These skills ensure inclusive, safe, and effective physical activity programs that enhance participants' health, confidence, and quality of life.

What is the difference between Adapted Physical Activity vs Physical Therapist?

AspectAdapted Physical ActivityPhysical Therapist
CredentialsCertification in Adapted Physical Activity or related fieldsDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) license
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, recreational facilitiesHospitals, clinics, rehab centers
Industry UsageSpecializes in designing physical activity programs for individuals with disabilitiesFocuses on restoring movement and function after injury or illness

Adapted Physical Activity professionals develop tailored exercise programs for individuals with disabilities, often working in educational or community settings. Physical Therapists primarily treat injury or illness-related mobility issues in clinical environments. While both roles promote physical health, their focus, credentials, and work settings differ significantly.

What are some common challenges professionals face when working in adapted physical activity and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Adapted Physical Activity often encounter the challenge of designing inclusive programs that meet a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. Adapting activities to individual abilities while maintaining engagement and motivation can be complex, especially in group settings. Collaboration with other specialists, ongoing training, and clear communication with participants and their families are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful outcomes.
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Adapted Physical Activity jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adapted Physical Activity job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,254 per year, or $16 per hour.

Adapted Physical Education Specialist Teacher - Special Programs

WCPSS

Cary, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview
POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)
TEACHER
WORKING TITLE
Adapted Physical Education Specialist
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Special Education Services
LOCATION
Crossroads II, Cary, NC
PAY GRADE
Classroom Teacher
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
Yes
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is not eligible for hybrid telework workweek
POSITION PURPOSE:
Creates, organizes, and implements an instructionalprogram for assigned students in APE for students with disabilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
  • Extensive knowledge of Healthful Living curriculum and standards;
  • Considerable knowledge of best practices in special education and the development of young children;
  • Considerable knowledge of Special Education processes to include conducting evaluations, writing present levels of performance, and appropriate goals based on data, etc.;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google apps;
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local compliance regulations;
  • Effective time management skills;
  • Ability to adapt physical education activities to ensure all students benefit from movement;
  • Ability to work with adults in a consultative format to address student needs;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, external agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in Education or Special Education from a regionally accredited college/university;
  • Three years of teaching experience in the field of Health and Physical Education with a focus on students with disabilities;
  • Experience with students with disabilities with multiple handicaps and severe and profound populations.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Hold or be eligible for a North Carolina Professional Educator's License in Health and Physical Education (K-12);
  • Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree in Physical Education with emphasis in Adapted Physical Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Designs the APE program so that it is consistent with the total educational philosophy and goals of the district.
  2. Participates in professional development as assigned through educational meetings, visiting related facilities, reading professional literature, and exchanging ideas with district staff.
  3. Develops and conducts professional development presentations to inform classroom teachers and school personnel of the mission, goals and objectives of APE and ways of achieving them in the school setting.
  4. Collaborates with general Physical Education teachers, related service personnel, and Special Education staff in planning and developing the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
  5. Identifies, selects, and utilizes appropriate assessment instruments; creates and presents subsequent evaluation reports.
  6. Identifies strengths and weaknesses, develops measurable annual goals and measurable objectives/benchmarks for students' IEPs.
  7. Prepares, implements, and evaluates an annual educational plan for each student based on individually assessed needs and in accordance with district procedures.
  8. Identifies modifications and accommodations needed for each student.
  9. Maintains up to date service delivery documentation. (i.e., anecdotal records, log of teacher observations, (how progress is measured) for each student receiving APE services.
  10. Provides specialized instructional techniques by modeling instructional strategies for adult assistants/Instructional Assistants (IAs) when needed to meet the educational needs of students.
  11. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team for APE services as appropriate.
  12. Maintains equipment assigned by APE department for students on assigned caseload.
  13. Advocates for Physical Education and APE with school personnel in assigned schools.
  14. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This job operates in a school environment. Duties will mainly be performed in assigned schools within the gym and/or outdoor setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, and other service providers. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/2025
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

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