National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Since 2000, AAPAR's Adapted Physical Activity Council (APAC) has recognized the work of outstanding adapted physical education teachers at the district and national levels.  As a result of Sportime's generous support the national winner receives a complimentary year's extension on their AAHPERD membership, a subscription to Palaestra magazine, a customized warm-up suit and a seat on the Sportime International Advisory Board.

Application Eligibility Requirements

Adapted physical educators who meet the eligibility requirements and embody the award criteria may apply.

1. Current membership in AAPAR, APAC, and a state AHPERD.
2. Degree in and certification as a physical education teacher.
3. Minimum of five years teaching experience in physical education. 
4. Full-time teaching contract, current at the time of nomination and selection. 
5. Minimum of 50% of total job responsibility in teaching adapted physical education.
6. Certified in Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE) or eligible to sit for the Certified Adapted Physical Education exam (eligibility= 200 hrs. of practicum experience, at least one 3-credit hour survey course in APE) is desirable.
7. Four letters of recommendation. Letters should be directly related to the awards criteria. At least one letter for each should be included from: a fellow teacher, administrator/supervisor, and parent/child.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Attend the AAHPERD National Convention in the year of selection and attend the APAC breakfast to receive the award.
2. Attend Sportime's dinner honoring TOYs at the AAHPERD National Convention.
3. Attend a Teacher of the Year (TOY) orientation meeting in June at AAHPERD headquarters.
4. Present a program session at the AAHPERD National Convention the year following selection.
5. Serve on Sportime's Advisory Board.
6. Be familiar and current with AAPAR/Adapted Physical Activity Council (APAC) materials and distribute appropriate materials at professional meetings when identified as an AAPAR/APAC TOY.  Materials should include membership forms, brochures about AAPAR and/or APAC, etc.
7. Be informed and articulate about APAC's mission and CAPE certification.
8. Acknowledge AAPAR/APAC sponsorship of the TOY program in all materials where identification as TOY is used by applying the title "AAPAR's National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year".
9. Conduct adapted physical education workshops funded by and agreed upon with Sportime.
10. The TOY winner will be awarded the following: one year paid membership in AAPAR/AAHPERD; one year paid subscription to Palaestra, the premier quarterly on exercise and sport for people with disabilities; stipend to help defray the cost of travel to the AAHPERD National Convention in the year following the receipt of the award; warm-ups embroidered with AAPAR Logo, Sportime and "Adapted Teacher of the Year".

Award Criteria

For the purposes of this award, an adapted physical educator is defined as an individual assigned at least 50 percent of his/her teaching responsibility in adapted physical education, providing direct and/or consultative services to individuals with disabilities ages birth to adult. The applicant must be a teacher who:

1. Conducts an appropriate physical education program as reflected in the students' IEPs and generally accepted standards of practice for adapted physical education.
2. Utilizes various teaching methodologies and plans innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of all students.
3. Serves as a positive role model epitomizing personal health and fitness, enjoyment of activity, and sensitivity to the physical and emotional needs of all students.
4. Participates in professional development opportunities.
5. Provides service to individuals with disabilities through advocacy, consultation, in-service training presentations and/or active membership in related professional organizations.

Required Application Materials to be Submitted to AAHPERD

• Completed Online Application
• Verification of Teaching Assignment Form
• 4 Letters of Recommendation
• 1 Wallet Photo (3 1/2 x 2 1/2)
  
  

Required Application Materials to be Submitted to AAHPERD AFTER District Selection

• Best Practices DVD with Commentary
• Publicity Form
• Letter of Verification from District AHPERD

Application Timeline

Please Note:  Current members of the AAPAR Board of Directors, members of the APAC Executive Committee and former national Adapted Physical Education Teachers of the Year are not eligible to apply for this award.