RI Adaptive PE Teacher (2026-27)

About the role

School Year: 2026-27

Teaching at Achievement First

Achievement First invites you to apply for a teaching role! This is an exciting opportunity for teachers dedicated to delivering exceptional instruction while continually growing in their craft. At AF, you'll be part of a vibrant, supportive community where professional development, collaborative planning, and personalized coaching from school leaders are a part of your weekly experience.

In this role, you won't just be preparing students for college and career-you'll be inspiring them to lead lives of purpose, leadership, and impact. You'll create a learning culture in which scholars can discover their fullest potential and become agents of change, making a difference within their communities and beyond.

At AF, we believe in nurturing the whole child, setting high academic standards, and fostering a classroom environment where students thrive both intellectually and emotionally-and can be their authentic selves. Together, we are building a more just and equitable world, one classroom at a time.

Join us, and be part of a team that is transforming lives through the power of education.

Position Summary

The Adaptive Physical Education (APE) Teacher provides specially designed physical education instruction and related support services to students with disabilities who require adaptations to participate in physical education programs. The APE Teacher develops and implements individualized physical education programming designed to improve motor skills, physical fitness, movement patterns, coordination, social interaction, and participation in educational activities.

The APE Teacher collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, families, and school personnel to ensure students have access to physical education in the least restrictive environment (LRE) consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regulations, and district policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver adaptive physical education instruction aligned with student IEP goals and Rhode Island standards.
• Assess student motor skills, physical abilities, mobility, coordination, and adaptive needs.
• Develop and implement individualized adaptive physical education programs and accommodations.
• Adapt instructional materials, equipment, activities, and environments to support student participation and success.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, administrators, nurses, behavior specialists, and families regarding student needs and programming.
• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, re-evaluations, eligibility meetings, and multidisciplinary team discussions.
• Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals and objectives.
• Maintain accurate records including attendance, progress reports, service documentation, and assessment data.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, technology, and evidence-based practices to support student learning and engagement.
• Establish and maintain a safe, positive, culturally responsive, and inclusivEnsure appropriate safety procedures and supervision during all physical education activities.
• Support inclusion opportunities within general physical education settings whenever appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and administrators regarding student progress and needs.
• Participate in school and district professional development and staff meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Rhode Island regulations, and district policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal and learning environment.
• /or designee.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Adaptive Physical Education, Special Education, or related field.
• Valid Rhode Island certification in 11513 All Grades Health/PE/Adapted PE, Gr. PK-12.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adaptive physical education practices, disabilities, motor development, and differentiated instruction.
• Knowledge of Rhode Island Department of Education regulations, IDEA, and special education procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Adaptive Physical Education endorsement or specialized training.
• Experience working with students with developmental, intellectual, physical, sensory, and emotional disabilities.
• Experience in urban education and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills valued.

Compensation & Benefits

• Employees at Achievement First are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual's skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. Teacher salaries in RI range from $50,500-$ 94,336.
• As a regular full time employee of Achievement First, you will be eligible for benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match and paid