Education

2008 Wayne State University, B.S.
2012 University of South Florida, M.A.
2014 Concordia University, M.A.
2018 Liberty University, Ed.S.
2023 Liberty University, Ed.D.

Courses Taught

Physical Education and Fitness for Special Populations
Coaching and Teaching of Soccer and Field Hockey
Adult Fitness
Personal and Family Health

Career Specialties

Reflective practice and perspectives of learners towards individuals with unique needs in various fields of study. focusing my attention on the following: a) prior experiences with individuals with disabilities; b) confronting misconceptions and biases towards individuals with disabilities; c) beliefs of inclusionary practices in academic settings and physical activities; d) benefits of social interactions with typical and atypical students; e) empathy and knowledge of societal and academic obstacles presented to individuals with unique needs; f) building trusting relationships between teacher, student, and families for increased academic success. To achieve this goal, more information needs to be gathered from students. In addition, Rabe has provided opportunities for mindful collaboration with local professionals and community citizens.

Professional and Community Activities

Rabe's key beliefs embody the concepts of inclusion, social justice, and equity. He believes that all students can learn when instruction is delivered at the present level of academic functioning. Rabe welcomes diverse thoughts of inquiry and teaches multiple perspectives.  He recognizes identity and culture to address specific needs. His teaching philosophy promotes the dismantling of educational roadblocks for all students (gender, identity, ability, size) with diverse backgrounds in physical activity and education through racial awareness, social justice research, equity-minded teaching, fostering community partnership, and thoughtful advocacy. 

Rabe implements theoretical frameworks of experiential learning and the constructivist approach in designing lectures and activities for courses. This allows individuals to actively learn through collaboration and inquire by experiencing situations through the senses. This is achieved through the multi-sensory approach of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learning. In the coaching course, students participate in skill progression activities that are modeled by the instructor. Students then design and replicate skills in an activity for others. In the special populations course, students experience limitations of specific senses to gain understanding and empathy for various disabilities. Students create physical activities that support the needs of a specific disability while ensuring everyone participates. Capstone for doctorate focused on Recommendations to Solve the Problem of Below Healthy Fitness Zone Scores on the FitnessGram 20-Meter Pacer Test at Hillsborough County Middle School.   

Rabe's teaching pedagogy strives to meet the basic and psychological needs of all learners to reach self-actualization. At the core of this approach is ensuring all students belong and matter to the group. This is achieved by intertwining social interactions with processing course content to create a strong sense of classroom community. This is then reinforced with community-based instruction which places students in the natural world to challenge perspectives and concepts learned. For the past three years, he has collaborated with All People's Life Center in Hillsborough County to provide UT students with the opportunity to participate in wheelchair sports with disabled athletes. 

Honors and Awards

2022-2023 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty, The University of Tampa
2018-2019 Teacher of the Year, West Tampa Elementary 
2012-2013 Teacher of the Year, West Tampa Elementary
2009(January) Teacher of the Month, Boulan Park Middle School
2001 Employee of the Year, Children's Home of Detroit
2001(December) Employee of the Month, Children's Home of Detroit