A conversation with Brad Hunter: National APE Teacher Of The Year!

MAHPERD "Voices From The field"

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As the 2025 Shape America National Adapted PE Teacher of the Year, Brad brings a refreshing perspective to adaptive physical education. Rather than focusing on what students can't do, he zeroes in on what standards are truly asking students to learn. "When you start opening yourself up to what am I actually being asked to teach the student—not what may be implied from our PE experience—that can be a huge unlock," Brad explains.
This approach has led to transformative moments in his Baltimore City Public Schools gymnasiums. A lunch table becomes a "surfboard" for a student frightened of balance beams. A pair of tall cones with painter's tape creates a modified badminton net for a wheelchair user, attracting a line of peers wanting to join. Laminated cards give a reluctant student control over creating dance routines, turning resistance into leadership.
These adaptations aren't just clever workarounds—they represent Brad's philosophy that success comes through patience, creativity, and resilience. "When students don't experience success, that's not a reflection on the student or yourself. It just means we haven't yet found the solution for this student to access this skill or activity," he shares.
Brad's impact extends beyond direct instruction through his commitment to communication and collaboration. He connects with parents after every session, not just sharing updates but actively seeking their expertise about their children. This partnership approach, combined with his work as president of the Maryland Adapted PE Consortium and service on multiple education committees, has created ripples throughout his district and beyond. Join us in reimagining physical education where every student experiences the joy of movement on their own terms.
Want to bring Brad's adaptive PE insights to your program?

Connect with Brad:

Email[email protected]

Blueskye-@BHunterinBmore

MAPEC -Free to join and all webinars are posted.

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챕터

1. Meet Brad Hunter, National APE Teacher (00:00:00)

2. Brad's Journey to Adaptive PE (00:02:18)

3. Defining Adaptive Physical Education (00:05:57)

4. A Day in Brad's Life (00:12:50)

5. Creative Adaptations in Action (00:16:20)

6. Essential Traits for APE Teachers (00:25:26)

7. Collaboration and Communication (00:30:28)

8. Professional Growth and Development (00:35:31)

9. Future of Inclusivity in Schools (00:38:33)

10. Resources and Final Thoughts (00:46:16)