Building an Outstanding PE Teacher

Physical Education is a subject that can definitely be overlooked when it comes to its value in public schools. PE teachers are especially overlooked when considering their importance. Only outstanding PE teachers, who go above and beyond, seem to be the ones that get respect. But, what does it take to become an outstanding PE teacher?

Curriculum is something that is very important for teachers in all subjects. PE curriculum is no different. PE teachers need to carefully plan each and every unit to reap the most benefit for the students at an early age. In the Journal of School Health, the authors state, “Every effort should be made to sustain an effective PE curriculum during the key period of adolescence.”¹

PE teachers who can design the best units from their curriculum will win the respect of the students, administrators, and parents. The teachers who can make an impact on students through their carefully designed curriculum will in the end gain respect, and earning respect will help increase the value and perception of PE’s powerful impact on a student’s overall educational experience. In the journal Physical Educator, the authors stressed, “Physical educators need to gain as much support as they can to show the administrators and parents the value of physical education on a student’s overall education.”² When the teacher can accomplish this, then the PE teacher can be labeled as outstanding.

Be sure to check back next week when I will discuss how PE teachers should utilize the FITNESSGRAM as a tool instead of as a chore.

¹Van, D., Kelder, S. H., Kohl III, H. W., Ranjit, N., & Perry, C. L. (2011). Associations of physical fitness and academic performance among schoolchildren. Journal of School Health, 81(12), 733-740. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com

²Barney, D., & Deutsch, J. (2009). Elementary classroom teachers attitudes and perspectives of elementary physical education. Physical Educator, 66(3), 114-123. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com