1. 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)

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. 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?

5. 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)

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

7. 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)

8. 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?

9. 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.

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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)

13. Figure 14.1

14. 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

15. 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)

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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).