GIRESD: Special Education Adaptive PE Teacher (APE Teacher)

GIRESD School District, division of Special Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Special Education Adaptive PE Teacher (APE Teacher)

Location: Isabella County

Full-time: 195 day contract

Start date: 26/27 SY

Reports to: S. Turner

Summary

The Adapted Physical Education teacher at the GIRESD is responsible for facilitating specially designed instruction in physical education and recreational programs for a wide range of special needs. The student population includes students with cognitive, physical, emotional, communication, health-impaired, and adapted disabilities ranging from moderate to severe. Duties vary based on students' ages and the nature of their disabilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction and IEP Management

• Implements motor skills and activities for all assigned classrooms on a consistent schedule.
• Coordinates and provides direct individual/small group adapted and special physical education instruction to students with disabilities to meet desired goals that promote motor development, recreation, and leisure skills.
• Evaluates current performance levels using formal and informal assessments and documentation and presents results to the IEP team.
• Communicates with the special education teacher, occupational therapist, and physical therapist, as needed to develop appropriate goals.
• Collects regular data on IEP goals and behavioral performance to evaluate student progress and adjust IEP goals, as needed to ensure continued success.
• Completes required progress reports in collaboration with the IEP team throughout the school year.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Maintains an organized, accessible, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that complies with state and federal requirements.
• Directs paraprofessionals to provide an effective Adapted Physical Education program and address the needs of individual students.
• Maintains regular and effective communication with parents, administrators, and the teacher.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary and IEP meetings.

Physical Support and Personal Care

• Assists classroom staff with students with physical and personal care, including dressing, showering, and grooming as it relates to physical education and recreation, when needed.
• Performs student transfers to and from wheelchairs, floor mats, and assistive devices using appropriate lift techniques (1-person, 2-person, or mechanical).
• Utilizes the "MOVE" training program to help students sit, stand, and walk in the PE and Recreation environments.

Health and Safety

• Safely manages seizures and performs First Aid or CPR as needed.
• Observes universal precautions and handles bodily secretions appropriately using provided PPE.
• Strategizes and implements plans to address disruptive behaviors, including aggression and defiance.
• Cleans and sanitizes the environment and equipment using approved chemicals.

Qualification Requirements

• Education: Michigan Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in alignment with the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education Adapted PE R340.1797, or willingness to obtain required endorsement within three years of date of hire.
• Experience: Experience with students with moderate to severe disabilities and aquatics preferred.
• Skills: Ability to read and comprehend technical instructions, correspondence, and professional memos.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including email, data entry, Easy IEP, and Medicaid documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including patience, flexibility, and the acceptance of constructive criticism.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical Requirements: Regularly lift/carry up to 50 lbs. individually and push/pull up to 200 lbs. using wheeled devices.
• Daily Activities: Daily standing, twisting, bending, kneeling, and crawling; must be able to sit on the floor and get up independently.
• Environment: Work takes place in active, noisy school settings, community recreation and pool settings, as well as outdoors in various temperature extremes.
• Risk Factors: Increased exposure to infection and potential injury from student aggression compared to the general population.

Note: This job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Additional duties may be assigned.