Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Theresa Pawlus

Theresa Pawlus

Physical Education Teacher
Saratoga Springs,NY

Summary

Motivated and energetic Physical Education Teacher with over 20 years of experience in teaching and athletic leadership. Dedicated to promoting physical fitness, health, and overall student well-being through engaging and developmentally appropriate instruction. Committed to fostering a positive, collaborative learning environment that supports social and emotional growth. Combines strong organizational skills with a comprehensive educational background to deliver structured, effective programs. Builds positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators to support student success.

Work History

Adapted Physical Education Teacher

Center for Disability Services
Queensbury, NY
11.2024 - Current
  • Established and maintained standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.
  • Wrote or modified individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
  • Encouraged and worked with young students on IEP goals to develop gross/fine motor skills.
  • Provided instructions to students using appropriate communication to provide optimal support and keep individuals well-informed.
  • Established and maintained standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.
  • Carried a heavy caseload of approximately 80 students (IEP goals, PLP, data monitoring) every year.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness during lessons by modifying and adapting equipment.

Physical Education/Health Education Teacher

St. Lucie County School Board
Port Saint Lucie, FL
08.2019 - 07.2021
  • Instructed students in classroom settings on specific exercises, team sports concepts, and overall safety to avoid injuries.
  • Kept school equipment, gyms, and fields in good working order.
  • Managed consistent, learning-focused classroom environments by establishing and communicating clear objectives for students.
  • Monitored student physical fitness with standardized assessments and devised appropriate individual goals.
  • Maintained school-wide culture of respect and actively used positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) disciplinary methods.
  • Coached programs and other special events.
  • Fostered students' self-esteem and love of learning by maintaining a welcoming and positive classroom environment.

Physical Education/Health Education Teacher

St. Lucie County School Board
Port Saint Lucie, FL
08.2017 - 07.2019
  • Boosted student learning by facilitating in-depth classroom discussions to expand upon lectures.
  • Collaborated with other subject and grade-level teachers to build complementary educational frameworks for students.
  • Participated in on-campus activities to support students outside of the classroom.
  • Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
  • Differentiated instruction for students with a wide range of skill and interest levels.
  • Worked with teachers on IEP plans to develop objectives and assess progress.
  • Adhered to applicable fitness program standards and benchmarks.

Physical Education/Health Education Teacher

St. Lucie County School Board
Port Saint Lucie, FL
08.2004 - 07.2013
  • Taught students about concepts regarding fitness, health, and well-being.
  • Instructed students in classroom settings on specific exercises, team sports concepts, and overall safety to avoid injuries.
  • Kept school equipment, gyms, and fields in good working order.
  • Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
  • Monitored student physical fitness with standardized assessments and devised appropriate individual goals.
  • Conferred with specialists to support the needs of students with individualized educational plans.
  • Assessed student progress with course material through routine quizzes, final examinations, and standardized assessments.

Education

Master of Science - Physical Education, Recreation, And Health

Emporia University
Kansas
12.2023

Bachelor of Science - Physical Education

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN
05.2002

Skills

  • Enforcing Rules and Expectations
  • Relationship Building
  • Positive Reinforcement
  • Parent and Guardian Communication
  • Team building
  • Reliable & trustworthy

Accomplishments

Special Olympics Training – Prospect Center for Disabilities (2025)

  • Trained and prepared 75+ students in an 8-week Adapted Physical Education program to compete in the Special Olympics
  • Developed structured skill-building sessions focused on motor development, teamwork, and competition readiness.
  • Adapted instruction to meet diverse physical and cognitive needs.
  • St. Lucie County Public School System, Fort Pierce, FL. Started a food bank at Port St. Lucie High School, 2018-2019
  • Collected $3,000 in community donations for Teacher Appreciation Week 2017-2019
  • Collected $6,000 in community donations for Teacher Appreciation Week 2020-2021
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillator Certified (AED) 2022
  • Volunteered for the annual chaperone to Grad Nite, Martin Luther King Day parade, prom, homecoming, bonfire, carnival, Freshman Night, graduation, Valentine dance, Powderpuff Football, and sideline official for Varsity/JV football.
  • COMMUNITY OUTREACH Feed Our Eagles Co-Sponsor 2007-2009 Saint Lucie West Centennial High School, Port Saint Lucie, FL Feed Our Hungry Eagles is a community service endeavor that adopts between 20 and 40 families of students, faculty, & staff on campus each year that need assistance during the winter holiday season. As a community service project, we collect goods and products to create a holiday feast, including but not limited to a turkey and ham, dessert, and two small family-oriented gifts and games.

References

  • Jamie Hayes, History Teacher, LaSalle Institute, 518-366-8683
  • MaryBeth Cepiel Special Education 518-496-4972
  • Shannon Leahy, Special Education Teacher, 631-560-2796
  • Marty McGraw, Guidance Counselor, 518-421-1377
  • John Cronin Golf Course Owner 518-683-1006

References 7+ Years Below: 

  • Jerry Earley, Principal of Dale Cassens School, 772-468-5190
  • Adrian Ocampo, Executive Director of St. Lucie Schools, 772-429-3600
  • Jamie Alberti, Assistant Principal of Dale Cassens School, 772-468-5190

Additional Information

Volleyball Coach
Port St. Lucie High School | Port St. Lucie, FL | July 2020 - July 2021
• Encouraged team members to become stronger, more agile athletes and more successful competitors through focus, practical training, and proper nutrition.
• I communicated with coaches and athletes to discuss tournaments, competitions, and other events.
• Adjusted coaching techniques to meet athletes’ needs and address strengths and weaknesses.

• Educated athletes on rules, strategies, sportsmanship, and performance principles
Cross Country Coach
Port St. Lucie High School | Port Saint Lucie, FL | August 2019 - June 2020
• Implemented workouts and practice drills effectively boost athletes' stamina and improve overall skills.
• Increased efficiency and stamina during workouts while enhancing health and
chaperone to Grad Nite, Martin Luther King Day parade, prom, homecoming, bonfire, carnival, Freshman Night, graduation, Valentine dance, Powderpuff Football, and sideline official for Varsity/JV football.
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH Feed Our Eagles Co-Sponsor 2007-2009 Saint Lucie West Centennial High School, Port Saint Lucie, FL Feed our Hungry Eagles is a community service endeavor that adopts between 20 to 40 families of students, faculty, & staff on campus each year that need assistance during the winter holiday season. As a community service project, we collect goods and products to create a holiday feast, including but not limited to a turkey and ham, dessert, and two small family-oriented gifts and games.

Cheerleading Coach Centennial High School | Port St. Lucie FL | August 2005
Softball Coach Centennial High School | Port St. Lucie, FL | August 2004 - May 2006

• Educated athletes in rules, strategies, sportsmanship, and performance principles.

• I communicated with coaches and athletes to discuss tournaments, competitions, and other events.

Timeline

Adapted Physical Education Teacher

Center for Disability Services
11.2024 - Current

Physical Education/Health Education Teacher

St. Lucie County School Board
08.2019 - 07.2021

Physical Education/Health Education Teacher

St. Lucie County School Board
08.2017 - 07.2019

Physical Education/Health Education Teacher

St. Lucie County School Board
08.2004 - 07.2013

Master of Science - Physical Education, Recreation, And Health

Emporia University

Bachelor of Science - Physical Education

Middle Tennessee State University
Theresa PawlusPhysical Education Teacher