Under the direction and guidance of the Director of Recreation Services, the Adaptive Health and Physical Education Instructor is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate, individualized Health and Physical Education instruction to students in grades K–12. The position supports students across St. Joseph’s Villa educational programs, including the Villa Education Center (VEC), Dooley School, and Alternative Education programs.

The instructor develops and implements adaptive physical education programming aligned with the Virginia Department of Education Health and Physical Education Standards of Learning (SOLs), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and student-specific educational and behavioral needs.

The Adaptive Health and Physical Education Instructor promotes lifelong physical fitness, healthy decision-making, motor skill development, responsible behavior, and participation in physical activity. Instruction incorporates the five core areas of Health and Physical Education: Skilled Movement; Movement Principles and Concepts; Personal Fitness; Responsible Behavior; and Physically Active Lifestyle.

All work is performed safely, effectively, and ethically and in accordance with applicable laws, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and St. Joseph’s Villa’s mission, values, and guiding principles.

• Provide direct Health and Physical Education instruction to students in grades K–12, adapting instruction to accommodate cognitive, developmental, behavioral, physical, and educational needs.
• Maintain appropriate sight and sound supervision of students and ensure a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Develop and implement individualized lesson plans that include learning objectives, instructional methods, adaptive modalities, activities, and assessment strategies.
• Align instruction with Virginia Department of Education Health and Physical Education Standards of Learning (SOLs), IEPs, 504 Plans, and applicable educational requirements.
• Assess student progress and mastery of physical, motor, fitness, and health-related skills and modify instruction based on individual student needs.
• Provide differentiated and adaptive instruction using appropriate equipment, technology, therapeutic approaches, and instructional strategies.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student progress, including IEP progress notes, report cards, monthly reports, and other required educational documentation.
• Collaborate regularly with teachers, counselors, clinicians, behavior support staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to assess student progress and coordinate educational and therapeutic interventions.
• Implement approved behavior management and crisis intervention techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.
• Support students who demonstrate behavioral, emotional, developmental, or physical challenges during instructional and recreational activities.
• Ensure appropriate instructional materials, adaptive equipment, and other learning resources are available and maintained.
• Develop and adapt curriculum and instructional materials in collaboration with the Principal, Director of Recreation Services, education leadership, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Assist with planning and implementing therapeutic recreation activities that support students' physical, social, emotional, and developmental goals.
• Support student athletics and assist with planning, coordinating, and implementing sports and recreational activities.
• Promote healthy lifestyles, physical fitness, positive social interaction, responsible decision-making, and lifelong participation in physical activity.
• Communicate student progress, classroom concerns, safety concerns, and performance issues to appropriate leadership.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, facility concerns, equipment issues, or maintenance needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, interdisciplinary meetings, program activities, and other activities necessary to support an effective educational and psycho-educational program.
• Participate in professional development and contribute to staff training related to physical education, adaptive instruction, student development, safety, and emerging practices.
• Maintain professional conduct, appearance, communication, and relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Promote positive community relationships and appropriately utilize community resources to enhance student learning and participation.
• Evaluate instructional practices, work processes, and program effectiveness and recommend opportunities for continuous quality improvement.
• Complete required training and maintain compliance with St. Joseph’s Villa policies and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

• BS/BA degree in Health and Physical Education or Recreation Related 

• Adaptive Physical Education Certification is Required 

• Current and valid Virginia teaching license with endorsement in Health and Physical Education K-12 

• One (1) or more year’s classroom experience with students with special education (or alternative education) needs. 

• Understanding of the needs of students with disabilities   

• Proficiency with Windows, MSOffice (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet research and assistive technology  

• Valid VA driver’s license with excellent driving record