Careers in teaching physical education Chapter 14 Careers in teaching physical education Kim C. Graber and Thomas J. Templin (with acknowledgments to Darla Castelli, Ben Kern, and Sara Russell)

Chapter Objectives Describe what a physical education teacher does. Provide insights into exciting research. Explain how to remain current in the field. Describe settings in which physical educators teach. Describe highly effective teachers. Provide information about career options.

The Study of the Pedagogy of Physical Activity Pedagogy (sport pedagogy) of physical activity is study of teaching physical activity. Effective instructors understand their subject and know how to convey it in order for all students to be successful. (continued)

The Study of the Pedagogy of Physical Activity (continued) A person with background in pedagogy could answer these questions. How will I get and keep the students’ attention? How much time do I spend talking vs. students practicing? Will my methods work? How do I structure class so students have time to improve fitness? How will I motivate students to engage in physical activity outside school?

Careers for Physical Activity Pedagogues Teachers in public and private schools (elementary, middle, high school; adapted physical education; curriculum specialist) Coaches (see also chapter 16) Recreation leaders Instructors at corporate fitness centers or community recreation centers (continued)

Careers for Physical Activity Pedagogues (continued) Specialists or skill instructors (e.g., golf or tennis pros; swim instructor) Professors Researchers

What Is the Teaching of Physical Education? Influence of experience on your beliefs Certification and continuing education (Praxis I, Praxis II, SHAPE America, PHE Canada) Research on effective teaching Appropriate practice experiences for students Active (engaged) learning time Effective class management and discipline (with-it-ness) (continued)

What Is the Teaching of Physical Education? (continued) Assessment Feedback Alternative curriculums (elective, fitness, sport education model, wilderness and adventure education, social development, teaching games for understanding) Role conflict, burnout, and resilience Read the “Summary of Key Evidence-Based Pedagogical Principles” sidebar. Which principles do you feel are most important? Which are the biggest challenge to you?

Teaching Expertise Requires ongoing education (reading and attending professional conferences are critical). Teaching experience alone does not guarantee expertise (burnout and boredom are potential risks). Requires implementation of research-based best practices into instruction.

Physical Activity and Academic Performance The evidence-based answer (Bangsoo et al., 2016): Students benefit in 21 ways. Relationships between physical activity, fitness, cognition, and academic achievement are outlined in a review sponsored by ACSM. (continued)

Physical Activity and Academic Performance (continued) Cognitive skills and attitudes: basic cognitive abilities such as executive function, memory, attention, information processing, motivation, and self-concept Academic behaviors: on-task behavior, organization, planning, attendance, and emotional control Academic achievement: test scores, formal assessment results, and GPA

Settings for Teaching Physical Education The work life of some physical education teachers characterized by diverse activity and isolation from other adults Teacher effectiveness influenced by differences between students The curriculum of physical education very different from those of other subjects in space, activities, relationships Lack of teacher or program evaluation (“benign neglect”) Expanding physical education (CSPAP, National School Lunch Act)

Figure 14.1

Roles for Physical Education Professionals Typical teaching responsibilities Rewards for outstanding teaching Teaching physical education in a school Teaching in higher education settings Adapted physical education Coaching

Successful Physical Education Teachers Use innovative instructional strategies, novel curriculums. Integrate physical education with other subject matter. Utilize unique ways to promote learning progressions. Promote their programs (public relations). Have supportive colleagues and administrators. (continued)

Successful Physical Education Teachers (continued) Have adequate funding (grants, fundraisers, etc.). Display exemplary classroom management strategies. Engage in professional development activities. Offer after-school programs for students and adults. Model athletic skill and fitness. Promote equitable learning settings.

SHAPE America National Standards for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education Standard 1: Content and foundational knowledge Standard 2: Skillfulness and health-related fitness Standard 3: Planning and implementation  Standard 4: Instructional delivery and management Standard 5: Assessment of student learning Standard 6: Professional responsibility From SHAPE America, 2014, National standards & grade-level outcomes for K-12 physical education.

Trends and Opportunities in Teaching Physical Education Prospects for finding employment are high. More schools are adding physical education to their curriculum. Improve employability by acquiring as many skills as possible.

Advice for Physical Education Students Never stop learning to teach (embrace belief that learning is a lifelong process). Join professional associations (start now with student membership). Remain current on research literature (put research-based best practices into action). Strive to be your best (become the next Teacher of the Year; local, state, national honors).