#AdaptedPE Newsletter 14 (Week of 11/11/2024)

Welcome to the Adapted PE Newsletter! This weekly resource is designed to inspire and equip you with innovative teaching strategies, practical tools, and the latest trends in adapted physical education. By subscribing, you’ll gain access to curated content that makes your work easier, from engaging activities to equipment recommendations and professional development opportunities. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or ways to enhance your students’ experiences, this newsletter will keep you informed, motivated, and ready to make a positive impact. Subscribe now and stay connected all year long!

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Teacher Spotlight: Dr. Adam Forbes

This week, we’re excited to spotlight Dr. Adam Forbes, a dedicated leader and advocate in the field of Adapted Physical Education! Adam is an Assistant Professor at Norfolk State University, current President of the Virginia Adapted Physical Education Consortium (VAPEC), and Chair for VAHPERD. Since we both began our journeys in Fairfax County in 2017, Adam has gone on to make a tremendous impact in academia and Adapted PE. Known for his kindness and collaborative spirit, Adam has created standout resources like the Enter the Food Warrior series and other impactful seated activity videos. As the first-ever President of VAPEC, he’s been instrumental in shaping APE in Virginia, and we encourage all Virginia educators to consider joining VAPEC to support this important work. We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Adam Forbes and his ongoing contributions to APE!

Contents

Teacher Spotlight: Dr. Adam Forbes Enter the Food Warrior: Seated Interactive Story Adapted PE News East Coast Tour with Ben Holden (@WannaTeachPE)What’s New in Adapted Physical Education Podcast:Professional Development MAPEC Professional Learning Session: December 2nd Earn Your Master’s Degree in Adapted PE – UNH & UW-La Crosse Programs!2024 Adapted PE Conferences:2025 Adapted PE Conferences:APENS Study Group for CAPE Certification:Support and Stay Connected Support Our Site with Super Cool Merch!Stay Connected Newsletter Archive

Sitting in a session with @pcmn4bz on “Creating Community with Family,” focusing on #AdaptedPE, based on his years of research. Such thoughtful work and so clearly shared with the audience. pic.twitter.com/r8b68kTzoB
— Brad (@BHunterinBmore) November 9, 2024

So happy to have great #AdaptedPE teachers in VA who are passionate about advocating for their students! Thoughtful conversations and ideas. We’re excited for the future! pic.twitter.com/yvtTp5DS9o
— VAPEC (@vapecboard) November 10, 2024

Enter the Food Warrior: Seated Interactive Story

Adapted PE News

Stay informed with the latest news, professional development opportunities, and research advancements in the world of Adapted Physical Education.

East Coast Tour with Ben Holden (@WannaTeachPE)

I just wrapped up an incredible few days on the road with Ben Holden, author of Wanna Teach P.E. and the mastermind behind the world’s most-followed PE Twitter account, @wannateachpe. Ben flew in from the UK, and I had the privilege of chauffeuring him to two fantastic state PE conferences! Ben and I connected instantly, bonding over our similar upbringings in Northern England and shared passion for (let’s just say) “challenging” soccer teams.

Our first stop was the SHAPE PA conference at the massive Spooky Nook Sports Complex, where I got to watch Ben and many other incredible presenters lead impactful sessions. I also had the chance to present my own session, Just Adapt It, focusing on creative “low-tech” adaptations for PE using everyday items from places like dollar stores, thrift shops, and long-forgotten shelves in PE closets. I then teamed up with Nicole McCoy and Jeff Watkins to present on Assistive Tech in APE, a collaboration that felt especially rewarding after years of working together virtually. Meeting Nicole in person was a highlight, and Jeff, as always, brought his A-game! I’ll work on a video of this session for a future newsletter!

Had so much fun presenting with these two at @SHAPE_PA. If you missed us today, come check us out at the @SHAPEAmerica National Convention in Baltimore this spring. @DigitTheAPE @NMcCoy_APE @CaraGrant11 pic.twitter.com/vsCqZGMKtO
— Jeff Watkins (@LongviewAPE) November 8, 2024

Had a great time @vahperd conference, connecting with fantastic #AdaptedPE and #PhysEd teachers 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dKU5PRPJvj
— 🦍 𐌑ąȶȶ ɃąґҠ𝟈ґ ⚽️🏀JustAdaptIt.com (@DigitTheAPE) November 10, 2024

After a whirlwind two days, we made the seven-hour drive to Virginia Beach for the Virginia AHPERD conference. There, I had the chance to attend Brad Hunter’s presentation on his APE Bucket, which was a fantastic experience. Brad is an outstanding professional, deeply knowledgeable, and a true asset to our field. Ben and I presented again, and we loved connecting with so many old and new friends. It’s been exhausting but incredibly inspiring, and I’m committed to getting this newsletter out weekly for the school year—though I might take Thanksgiving week off!

Great to delve into @BHunterinBmore #AdaptedPE Bucket! What a pro and a presenter 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/OgQ0ctzNJO
— 🦍 𐌑ąȶȶ ɃąґҠ𝟈ґ ⚽️🏀JustAdaptIt.com (@DigitTheAPE) November 9, 2024

What’s New in Adapted Physical Education Podcast:

I’m excited to share that Scott McNamara is launching a new season of What’s New in Adapted Physical Education (APE) with a fresh focus on connecting research to practical teaching! In this season’s kickoff episode, Scott sits down with (my boss) Brad Wiener, an experienced APE supervisor from Fairfax County, Virginia, to discuss the evolving APE landscape and the unique benefits of having a supervisor with years of hands-on teaching experience. Brad shares insights into navigating common challenges like policy communication and staffing needs and emphasizes the power of integrating research into daily teaching practices. He also highlights the importance of mentoring pre-service teachers, fostering real-world skills and critical thinking to prepare them for their roles in APE. Don’t miss this episode and the bi-weekly insights ahead as Scott bridges the gap between research and practice in APE!

What's New In Adapted Physical Education · Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice: An Interview with Brad Weiner

Professional Development

Stay up to date with the latest workshops, training sessions, and resources designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in Adapted Physical Education. Explore opportunities for growth, learn new strategies, and connect with experts to continue improving your teaching and support for all students.

MAPEC Professional Learning Session: December 2nd

Mark your calendars for our next Professional Learning Session on Monday, December 2nd, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm! We’re thrilled to feature 2024 SHAPE Maryland Adapted PE Teacher of the Year, Melissa Orgera (@morgera10). Join MAPEC for an inspiring and informative session.

Register Now: Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to sign up!

Announcing our next Professional Learning Session:

Monday December 2nd 7:00-8:00pm with 2024 @SHAPEMaryland #AdaptedPE Teacher of the Year – Melissa Orgera @morgera10

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register or use this link:https://t.co/8rKZK4X18e pic.twitter.com/VgbPvLPb8J
— MAPEC (@MAPEC_Members) November 7, 2024

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Adapted PE – UNH & UW-La Crosse Programs!

Looking to further your education in Adapted Physical Education (APE)? Two fantastic opportunities are available for Fall 2025!

University of New Hampshire (UNH) is offering a fully funded Master’s in APE for Fall 2025, covering tuition, conferences, books, and more.
➡️ Apply now!
For more information, contact Scott McNamara at Scott.McNamara@unh.edu.
UW-La Crosse is seeking 5-6 students to join their 4-semester, face-to-face Master’s in APE program starting in mid-June 2025. This program offers excellent hands-on experience working with children with disabilities, and financial support through graduate assistantships. Students can earn $21,500, plus up to $13,000 in non-resident tuition waivers for out-of-state students.
➡️ Watch this 2-minute video to learn more
For inquiries, contact Dr. Brock McMullen at bmcmullen@uwlax.edu.

Don’t miss these incredible opportunities to advance your career in Adapted PE!

2024 Adapted PE Conferences:

Conference Name	Date	Location	Link
Tether Conference (Physical Activity for Visual Impairments)	November 15, 2024	Kutztown University, PA	Link

2025 Adapted PE Conferences:

Conference Name	Date	Location	Link
National Adapted PE Conference (with CAHPERD)	January 22-25, 2025	Pasadena, CA	Link
Fairfax County’s Fourth Annual Adapted P.E. National Conference	February 2025 (Exact Date TBD)	VIRTUAL	TBD
Colorado Adapted Physical Education Conference	May 18-20, 2025	Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, CO	Link
JMU CTA Adapted PE Conference	June 23-27, 2025	James Madison University, VA	Link
NCPEID Annual Conference	July 14-16, 2025	Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VA	Link
Minnesota Annual Adapted PE Conference	October (Date TBD), 2025	Minnesota	Link

APENS Study Group for CAPE Certification:

The study group uses gamification for review, rotating standards each month. Attendees will receive a Quizzizz for future study. The remaining Fall semester dates are November 11, and December 9, with sessions held at 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST. The group is hosted by CSU Long Beach Project CAPE and UW-LaCrosse Scholars.

Join via Zoom: https://csulb.zoom.us/j/85372672032.

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