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Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

SOC 25-1193.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers postsecondary instruction, curriculum development, scholarly engagement, and program leadership in recreation and fitness studies departments at universities and colleges requiring advanced graduate-level preparation.

Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Course syllabi and homework assignmentsdraft and format under faculty mentorship for undergraduate recreation or fitness studies courses.
  2. Student attendance records and grade logsmaintain accurately using institutional learning management systems with supervisor guidance.
  3. Classroom discussions on recreation and fitness topicsfacilitate introductory sessions under the direction of a supervising professor.
  4. Assigned readings and current literature in kinesiology or therapeutic recreationreview and summarize to support preparation for course delivery.
  5. Lectures on foundational topics such as anatomy or conditioning theorydeliver to small undergraduate sections using provided instructional materials.
  6. Multiple-choice and short-answer examinationscompile and administer following departmental templates and assessment protocols.
  7. Word processing and office suite softwareuse to produce course handouts, assignment sheets, and correspondence in a postsecondary academic environment.
  8. Student class work and written assignmentsevaluate using provided rubrics and grading criteria under close faculty oversight.
  9. Professional conferences and departmental colloquiaattend and document key developments to build familiarity with the recreation and fitness field.
  10. Active listening and note-taking protocolsapply during instructional team meetings to support lesson planning in a university recreation studies program.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Undergraduate lecture series on topics such as therapeutic recreation and sport conditioningprepare and deliver with reduced oversight in a postsecondary classroom setting.
  2. Course materials including syllabi, handouts, and multimedia resourcesrevise and update each term to reflect current scholarship in recreation and fitness studies.
  3. Student performance data including grades and attendancemaintain and analyze using spreadsheet software to identify at-risk students in a postsecondary program.
  4. Seminar and laboratory discussionsfacilitate and moderate with growing independence, applying active listening and social perceptiveness skills in a university context.
  5. Written examinations and practical assessmentscompile, administer, and grade with limited supervisory review for recreation and fitness undergraduate courses.
  6. Learning management and calendar scheduling softwareuse proficiently to organize course timelines, post resources, and communicate with students.
  7. Current peer-reviewed literature in kinesiology, sport science, and counselingread and integrate into course content to keep instruction current.
  8. Individual student writing assignments and research papersevaluate with constructive written feedback using established rubrics in a university recreation program.
  9. Instructional strategies aligned to diverse learner needsselect and apply in familiar classroom and laboratory contexts within a postsecondary fitness studies department.
  10. Video creation and editing softwareuse to produce supplemental instructional content for hybrid or online recreation studies course sections.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Undergraduate and graduate lecture curricula on anatomy, sport psychology, and conditioning theorydesign, deliver, and continuously refine autonomously across a full academic year.
  2. Course content, methods of instruction, and learning outcomesplan, evaluate, and revise systematically using evidence-based curriculum review processes within a postsecondary recreation studies department.
  3. Complex non-routine student performance issuesdiagnose and resolve through critical thinking and judgment, applying appropriate academic support strategies in a university setting.
  4. Scholarly literature, conference presentations, and professional networksengage with regularly to sustain expertise and translate emerging developments in recreation and fitness into classroom instruction.
  5. Graduate-level research papers and thesis chaptersevaluate with sophisticated written and oral feedback that advances students' scholarly development in recreation and fitness studies.
  6. Comprehensive examination programs including written, oral, and practical componentscompile, administer, grade, and analyze for validity and reliability across multiple course sections.
  7. Classroom discussions integrating multidisciplinary knowledge from biology, psychology, and counselinginitiate and moderate to promote higher-order thinking among advanced postsecondary students.
  8. Web-based course environments and information retrieval systemsmanage and optimize to deliver effective online and hybrid instruction in recreation and fitness studies programs.
  9. Inductive and deductive reasoning frameworksapply to guide students through systems analysis of fitness program design and therapeutic recreation planning in applied settings.
  10. Student learning outcomes and program-level assessment datamonitor, interpret, and act upon to improve instructional quality across recreation studies course offerings.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Departmental curriculum for recreation and fitness studieslead comprehensive redesign initiatives that align program content with accreditation standards and emerging professional competencies.
  2. Faculty development initiatives and peer mentoring programsdesign and lead to build instructional capacity across a postsecondary recreation, kinesiology, or sport science department.
  3. Strategic research agenda in recreation, fitness, or therapeutic recreationset and direct, integrating findings into graduate program development at the institutional level.
  4. Institutional assessment and program evaluation frameworksdevelop and champion to ensure continuous improvement of undergraduate and graduate recreation studies offerings.
  5. Interdisciplinary academic partnerships with health sciences, psychology, and community service sectorscultivate and sustain to advance the department's scholarly and professional mission.
  6. Scholarly and professional discourse at national conferences and in peer-reviewed publicationslead through keynote presentations and high-impact research that shapes the recreation and fitness studies field.
  7. Graduate student dissertation and capstone committeeschair and guide, exercising expert judgment to develop the next generation of recreation and fitness scholars and practitioners.
  8. Departmental policies for grading, academic integrity, and student records managementauthor and oversee to ensure compliance and equity across all course sections.
  9. Institutional technology strategy for instructional innovationinfluence by modeling advanced use of video, OCR, and web authoring tools in a postsecondary academic environment.
  10. Cross-institutional and community stakeholder relationshipsforge and lead to position the recreation and fitness studies program as a regional and national leader in professional preparation.

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted course material drafting — uses an AI writing tool to generate first drafts of syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts, then manually reviews each output for disciplinary accuracy and pedagogical fit Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Attendance and grade record support — delegates routine data entry and formatting of student records to an AI assistant, verifying every entry against the official gradebook Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Lecture content scaffolding — directs an AI tool to outline lecture structures on topics such as anatomy, conditioning theory, and therapeutic recreation, then refines the content with subject-matter expertise before delivery Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Discussion facilitation preparation — uses an AI assistant to generate discussion prompts and anticipated student responses, retaining full ownership of moderating live classroom dialogue Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Assignment rubric generation — prompts an AI tool to produce initial grading rubrics for written papers and practical assignments, then adjusts criteria to reflect course-level expectations Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Feedback acceleration — hands off batches of student written work to an AI assistant for a first-pass commentary on structure and argument, then writes substantive evaluative judgments independently before returning grades Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Adaptive instructional strategy design — consults an AI tool to identify evidence-based learning strategies matched to specific student cohort needs, integrating recommendations into course redesign decisions WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab. Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Multimodal content production — orchestrates an AI workflow to produce slide decks, reading summaries, and supplementary handouts in parallel, cutting preparation time substantially while maintaining scholarly tone Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Curriculum-level AI integration — leads department-wide adoption of AI-assisted instructional workflows, setting protocols for responsible use, evaluating tool outputs against accreditation standards, and training colleagues on Human-Technology Interaction best practices WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab. Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Pedagogy–automation boundary stewardship — authoritatively distinguishes which teaching tasks benefit from AI delegation versus which require irreducibly human facilitation and oral instruction, drawing on the Q2 augmented-skill positioning of Speaking in the AI Impact Matrix to guide faculty policy Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Research-informed AI tool evaluation — critically benchmarks emerging AI tools against disciplinary outcomes in recreation and fitness education, synthesizing usage evidence and automation feasibility data to recommend or retire tools at the program level Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 6563
Augment share: 95%
Time saved: 83%
AI autonomy: 3.05
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Speaking
Score: 48.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Lecture delivery — presents foundational concepts in anatomy or conditioning theory to undergraduate students using structured notes and prepared slides Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Syllabus communication — drafts course syllabi that outline learning objectives, grading criteria, and assignment schedules in clear written language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Classroom discussion facilitation — guides student conversations on recreation therapy or fitness principles by posing open-ended questions and redirecting off-topic exchanges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assignment feedback — provides written commentary on student papers and projects that identifies specific strengths and areas for improvement in exercise science or therapeutic recreation content O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Instructional delivery — delivers lectures on topics such as kinesiology, sport psychology, or therapeutic recreation to undergraduate and graduate cohorts, adjusting vocabulary and examples to audience expertise level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Active listening in advising — elicits student concerns about course material or career pathways through attentive, non-interruptive dialogue and reflective paraphrasing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional writing — composes grant proposals, conference abstracts, and peer-reviewed manuscripts grounded in recreation and fitness research for specialist audiences O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-audience translation — communicates complex biomechanical or public-health research findings to lay community partners, university administrators, and specialist colleagues with equal clarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Discussion moderation leadership — models and coaches junior faculty in Socratic facilitation techniques applied to recreation and fitness seminar courses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Scholarly publication — disseminates original research on fitness pedagogy or therapeutic recreation outcomes through peer-reviewed journals, shaping field-wide discourse O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Classroom initiative — takes responsibility for meeting daily instructional goals in fitness or recreation courses by managing pacing and resource distribution without direct supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Curriculum committee participation — contributes ideas for updating recreation and fitness studies course sequences during departmental curriculum review meetings O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student mentorship — guides undergraduate or graduate advisees through research project design in exercise science or therapeutic recreation, providing structured feedback milestones Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Course ownership — assumes full accountability for planning, executing, and revising all components of assigned recreation and fitness studies courses, including content, assessments, and student outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Program development leadership — leads revision of degree or certificate program curricula by coordinating faculty input, aligning content with accreditation standards, and implementing evidence-based instructional changes O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Departmental vision — champions innovative fitness and recreation studies programming at the institutional level, influencing resource allocation and hiring priorities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Faculty development leadership — designs and facilitates professional development workshops for colleague instructors on active learning strategies in health and fitness education Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Field leadership — holds elected or appointed roles in professional organizations such as NIRSA or AAALF, shaping standards and advocacy for postsecondary recreation education O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition7 statements
Emerging
  1. Instructional self-monitoring — reflects on lecture delivery effectiveness in fitness or anatomy courses by reviewing student response patterns and informal feedback after each class session Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Teaching strategy awareness — identifies which pedagogical approaches—such as case studies versus lab demonstrations—produce stronger student comprehension of conditioning theory, and adjusts future lessons accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning gap recognition — recognizes personal knowledge boundaries in emerging fitness research areas and selects targeted professional literature to address those gaps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Exam analysis reflection — analyzes patterns in student examination performance to evaluate alignment between instructional methods and stated learning outcomes in recreation and fitness courses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scholarly self-regulation — monitors progress on research and publication goals, adjusting writing schedules and inquiry focus based on candid assessment of output quality and timeline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Pedagogical experimentation evaluation — systematically tests new instructional models—such as flipped classroom or simulation-based learning in therapeutic recreation—collects outcome data, and revises practice based on evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship metacognition — coaches graduate students to develop their own self-monitoring habits in fitness research and teaching, modeling explicit think-aloud strategies during supervision sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
Developing
  1. Assessment design critique — evaluates whether examination questions and rubrics accurately measure stated learning outcomes in anatomy or sport psychology courses and revises misaligned items Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Case analysis facilitation — guides students in dissecting therapeutic recreation intervention scenarios by identifying assumptions, weighing evidence, and drawing defensible conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Curriculum logic evaluation — assesses coherence and rigor of course sequences in the recreation and fitness studies program by mapping prerequisite knowledge, skill progression, and outcome alignment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research methodology judgment — evaluates methodological quality of studies on conditioning, sport performance, or leisure behavior when selecting evidence to inform course content or scholarly work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Grading decision-making — applies consistent, criteria-referenced judgment when evaluating ambiguous student submissions in fitness practicum or written analysis assignments O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field critique — publishes or presents critical analyses of prevailing theories in recreation therapy or exercise science, identifying conceptual gaps and proposing alternative frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional problem analysis — diagnoses root causes of low student retention or program accreditation concerns by synthesizing enrollment data, course outcomes, and stakeholder feedback into actionable recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Peer coordination — shares instructional materials and scheduling information with fellow recreation and fitness faculty to ensure curricular consistency across course sections Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Interdisciplinary co-teaching — collaborates with kinesiology, nursing, or psychology colleagues to develop integrative course modules that address shared learning outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student group facilitation — structures cooperative learning activities in fitness or recreation courses so that diverse student teams contribute equitably to project outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Curriculum committee collaboration — works with departmental faculty and external advisory board members to revise program competencies and course content based on employer and accreditation input O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Community partnership development — collaborates with campus recreation centers, clinical sites, or community fitness organizations to create experiential learning opportunities for students O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Co-authorship — partners with research colleagues to design studies, collect data, and produce publications on recreation, fitness, or health promotion topics O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-institutional consortium leadership — coordinates multi-campus collaborative projects or articulation agreements in recreation and fitness education, navigating differing institutional cultures and priorities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Interprofessional research team leadership — leads interdisciplinary research teams combining expertise from exercise science, public health, and psychology to address complex population health questions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Academic integrity modeling — consistently enforces and explains plagiarism and academic honesty policies in recreation and fitness studies courses, setting clear behavioral expectations from day one Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Equitable grading practice — applies rubrics consistently and transparently across all student submissions in fitness practicum and lecture courses, documenting rationale to support grade appeals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Confidentiality maintenance — protects student attendance records, grades, and personal disclosures in compliance with FERPA and institutional policy O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Professional accountability — meets all deadlines for grade submission, curriculum documentation, and committee responsibilities, and proactively communicates when constraints arise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical research conduct — designs and executes human-subjects research in fitness and recreation in full compliance with IRB protocols and professional ethical codes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Inclusive professionalism — models respectful, bias-aware behavior in classroom discussions on diverse populations' fitness needs and therapeutic recreation access Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership in the field — serves on ethics committees within recreation and fitness professional associations, contributing to the development of field-wide standards of conduct Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Integrity under pressure — transparently addresses academic misconduct or grade disputes at the institutional level, upholding policy principles even when outcomes are contested by students or administrators Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity7 statements
Emerging
  1. Instructional resource adaptation — modifies existing fitness demonstration videos, case studies, or simulations to better fit the specific learning objectives of a recreation studies course Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Novel assessment design — creates performance-based assessments—such as fitness program design projects or therapeutic recreation intervention plans—that replace traditional examinations with authentic application tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Engaging lecture construction — integrates storytelling, current events in sport, and interactive polling into anatomy or conditioning theory lectures to sustain student engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Curriculum innovation — designs new course modules or elective courses in emerging areas such as esports wellness, adaptive fitness, or nature-based therapeutic recreation to respond to field trends Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Pedagogical experimentation — pilots flipped-classroom, game-based, or problem-based learning formats in recreation and fitness studies courses and evaluates their impact on student outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research innovation — generates original theoretical frameworks or intervention models in recreational therapy or exercise science that open new lines of scholarly inquiry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Program design creativity — conceives and launches distinctive degree concentrations or interdisciplinary certificates in recreation and fitness that differentiate the institution's academic portfolio Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset7 statements
Emerging
  1. Professional literature engagement — reads current journals in exercise science, therapeutic recreation, or sport pedagogy to stay current with evolving evidence and practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Feedback integration — solicits mid-semester student evaluations of recreation and fitness courses and uses specific comments to adjust instructional pacing, tone, or assessment design before the term ends Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conference participation — attends professional conferences in recreation, fitness, or higher education to acquire new instructional strategies and research insights O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Pedagogical skill building — pursues formal professional development in instructional technology, inclusive teaching, or online course design to strengthen effectiveness across recreation and fitness studies delivery formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research persistence — continues scholarly inquiry through grant rejections, peer-review revisions, and data collection setbacks, treating each obstacle as a source of methodological refinement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field evolution leadership — proactively identifies paradigm shifts in fitness science or therapeutic recreation and restructures course content and research agenda ahead of widespread adoption in postsecondary curricula Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Growth culture cultivation — institutionalizes peer observation and teaching circle programs within the department, normalizing continuous instructional improvement for all recreation and fitness faculty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness7 statements
Emerging
  1. Classroom presence — enters each recreation or fitness lecture with deliberate attention to student energy and engagement level, adjusting opening activities to meet the room's actual state Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Emotional regulation in grading — maintains evaluative objectivity and emotional neutrality when assessing student work on sensitive topics such as eating behavior, body image, or disability in therapeutic recreation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Student distress awareness — recognizes verbal and nonverbal cues indicating student stress or disengagement during fitness practicum or lecture and responds with intentional, timely support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional discussion moderation — paces classroom conversations on contested topics in sport, fitness culture, or health equity by pausing to gauge group dynamics before redirecting or deepening inquiry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Workload boundary management — applies deliberate attention to balancing teaching, research, service, and personal well-being across the academic year, modeling sustainable professional practice for students Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindfulness integration in curriculum — embeds evidence-based mindfulness and stress-regulation content into therapeutic recreation or health promotion courses, drawing on personal reflective practice to teach authentically Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis-aware leadership — maintains composure and strategic focus during high-stakes institutional moments—such as accreditation reviews or program elimination threats—enabling the department to respond with clarity rather than reactivity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude7 statements
Emerging
  1. Classroom adversity response — continues effective instructional delivery in recreation and fitness courses when faced with low student preparation, technology failures, or scheduling disruptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research setback persistence — revises and resubmits grant applications or manuscripts in fitness and recreation studies after rejection, incorporating reviewer feedback without abandoning the scholarly agenda Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult student navigation — addresses persistent behavioral or academic integrity challenges in fitness practicum settings through consistent, documented, policy-grounded intervention Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Curriculum defense — advocates firmly for evidence-based course content and rigorous academic standards in recreation and fitness studies when facing administrative pressure to reduce requirements or lower grading expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Change endurance — sustains instructional quality and student support through institutional transitions such as department mergers, accreditation cycles, or rapid shifts to online delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Long-term program building — sustains multi-year commitment to developing a research program or degree concentration in recreation and fitness studies through funding gaps, faculty turnover, and shifting enrollment patterns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous advocacy — publicly challenges inequitable policies affecting student access to recreation and fitness education—such as inequitable resource distribution or discriminatory admissions barriers—at departmental or institutional forums Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors64 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Adjunct Instructor · Adjunct Professor · Aquatic Instructor · Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Athletic Instructor · College Faculty Member · College Professor · Education Programs Professional · Exercise Instructor · Exercise Science Instructor · Exercise Science Professor
RAPIDS apprenticeships
O*NET skills
SpeakingInstructingActive ListeningWritingReading ComprehensionLearning StrategiesCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningSystems AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationService OrientationSystems Evaluation
Knowledge domains
Education and TrainingEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsPsychologyBiologyCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementMathematicsTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaMedicine and Dentistry
Abilities
Oral ExpressionSpeech ClarityWritten ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningNear VisionSpeech RecognitionFluency of Ideas
Work styles
DependabilityIntellectual CuriositySocial OrientationAchievement OrientationCooperationEmpathy
Technology
Computer based training softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareWord processing softwareVideo creation and editing softwareInformation retrieval or search softwareElectronic mail softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareOptical character reader OCR or scanning softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  2. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  3. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  4. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  5. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as anatomy, therapeutic recreation, and conditioning theory.
  6. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  7. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  8. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
CIP education codes
13.131431.010131.050131.050431.0508

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.