Students of all abilities are capable of achieving their goals. This sentiment set forth by Howard County Public Schools Adapted Physical Education Specialist and Salisbury University graduate Melissa Orgera ’13 is the driving force behind her exceptional work with students with disabilities. For her efforts, the former outstanding physical education teacher education student and varsity women’s soccer team member was recognized as the State of Maryland Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators [SHAPE MD]. Her work uses visual aids – such as task cards, countdown strips and visual schedules – as a communication tool to enhance skill learning and positive behavioral reinforcement for students with cognitive disabilities and neurodivergent disorders. During her senior year at SU, Melissa completed her elementary internship in physical education and adapted physical education with mentor teacher Jennifer Hill (2022 SHAPE America APE Teacher of the Year finalist) at Pinehurst Elementary School under the supervision of Dr. Dean Ravizza in the Department of Secondary and Physical Education. Orgera has never forgotten her start in adapted physical education at SU, as she openly shares her expertise with SU students in the Adapted Physical Education classes.
SU Graduate Named Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year
