POSITION SUMMARY:
The Instructional Specialist - Adapted Physical Education is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of all county-wide Adapted Physical Education (APE) programs. The responsibilities of this position include collaboration for program planning and design, budget development, recruitment and retention of staff, staffing assignments, observations and trainings. The Instructional Specialist will ensure the APE program is in compliance with federal, state and local mandates. In addition, the Instructional Specialist will maintain high standards for students, staff and parent satisfaction within Prince George's County Public Schools.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Works with the Supervisor on all facets of program planning and development and all associated budgets for the APE program;
Develops and implements proactive Adapted Physical Education Program designs;
Develop schedules and school assignments, and ensures placement of staff at county schools;
Supervises and monitors district-wide operations of Adapted Physical Education school-based personnel;
Plans and organizes trainings and professional development to ensure Adapted Physical Education Teachers have the knowledge, skills and expertise to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities;
Evaluates and ensures adequate resources, equipment and supplies are available to staff and students to deliver services listed on the Individualized Education Program (IEP);
Monitors all documentation for APE services including student folders, time studies, student service calendars and pertinent information in student records and IEPs;
Reviews, modifies and creates curriculum documents for both Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education;
Conducts staff observations and makes recommendations;
Manages the ongoing development and maintenance of best practices relative to APE service delivery;
Ensures federal, state and local policies and procedures are adhered to by staff;
Submits all required reports to federal state and local agencies;
Collaborates with Human Resources on staff recruitment, retention and orientation;
Collaborates with offices such as Human Resources, Payroll, Accounts Payable and Teacher Certification, to maintain accurate processing of data;
Collaborates with the Instructional Supervisor for Physical Education and the Curriculum and Instruction Department;
Attends monthly Special Education Leadership and Support Programs, Services meetings, and all other meetings related to Programs and Related Services;
Manages the Adapted Physical Education Community Based Instructional Program (Program 45) in collaboration with the Department of Transportation;
Assists with the planning and implementation of the Prince George's County Special Olympics school based program;
Plans the Special Education Day at the County Fair in collaboration with the Prince George's County Fair Association; and
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Keeps abreast of latest research, best practices, developments and techniques in the delivery of APE instruction;
Knowledge of APE instructional techniques, management skills and strategies for modifying curriculum;
Thorough knowledge of Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) organization and Physical Education K-12 curriculum, program of studies, federal and state laws related to instruction and the Physical Education Maryland State Curriculum;
Knowledge of system-wide school improvement planning;
Experience in writing curriculum, determining program evaluation criteria and implementing ongoing program evaluation;
Experience in leadership activities within schools and/or the Adapted Physical Education community;
Demonstrated leadership, public speaking and administrative competency;
Ability to analyze student performance and participation data;
Knowledge of current trends in Adapted Physical Education;
Demonstrated competence in developing and leading staff development sessions for teachers or principals and parents;
Knowledge of national and state standards for physical education;
Extensive expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional development programs and initiatives;
Expertise and competency in curriculum writing;
Understanding and expertise in implementing accommodations and modifications;
Effective planning and organization skills, as well as the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
Effective communication (oral and written) as well as human relations skills;
Experience working with state, county and/or federal agencies; and
Experience working with computers and other technology.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following fields of study: Adapted Physical Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or Education and five (5) years of successful teaching experience as an Adapted Physical Education Teacher.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Advanced Professional Certificate; Administration I Certificate
required; CAPE Certification; and Maryland Certification in Physical Education.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
None.