AAPAR Award Recipient Profile
Rocco Aiello
| Council: | Adapted Physical Activity Council |
| Award: | Adapted Physical Education T. O. Y. - National |
| Year: | 2008 |
| Profile: | Chopticon High School Morganza, Maryland Mr. Rocco Aiello has been an itinerant adapted physical education teacher for the St. Mary's County Public Schools in Maryland for the past 11 years. He earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees from SUNY-Brockport and his supervisor certification from Towson State University. Rocco was described as very energetic and innovative by his colleagues, which is exemplified by the many programs he has developed and implemented: 1) peer tutoring program, 2) internship program, 3) Paraeducator training program, 4) life enrichment field trip program, and a 5) transition program. Rocco has also been involved in scholarly pursuits while serving as an adapted physical education teacher. He has presented many workshops and professional conference sessions on adapted physical education issues to colleagues at the local, state, and national levels. He has also served as a co-author on several articles in JOPERD and a chapter in the book, "A Paraeducators Guide to Physical Education."Rocco is also a tireless volunteer, working extensively with Special Olympicsand other organizations advocating for individuals with disabilities. His principal, Mr. Joseph North, states "Mr. Aiello is a true professional educator who always puts his students first." Sheral St.Clair, a mother of one of his students, writes "Rocco worked with J.W. tirelessly at school and at our community pool to aide in his recovery... It is his incredible dedication to his job and his students that make him so deserving of this award." APAC is proud to award Mr. Rocco Aiello as the Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Congratulations! |