Thankfully as a PE teacher in an international non-profit school I have a curriculum, funds and student body that supports a regular PE program. In many North American public schools, physical education is marginalized and is often one of the speciality areas that is cut or is added to the case load of a homeroom teacher. Even though the research continues to support the need for regular student activity, the funding formulas and financial bottom line often lead to diverging ideals when hard decisions need to be made.
I have always believed that there was a connection between academic and athletics. Personally, a run can clear my mind and make me a more productive and stress free individual. I believe movement is key for students as well and this is echoed in the TED Talk by high school physical education teacher, Paul Zeintarski.
Click here to view the embedded video.
There is an obvious need for daily physical education but also the importance of being relevant to our student communities. A change in emphasis towards fitness and health in addition to traditional team sports will lead to better behaviors and academic performance. These conclusions (based on statistical data) reinforce how exercise helps stimulate brain activity and help students make larger academic gains. Furthermore, technology, inclusive participation and variety were a key to the success of Zeintarski’s schoool program including polar heart rate monitors.
But, on the subject of marginalization I wanted to write about how this can relate to physical education and health teachers. Traditional professional development opportunities are often difficult to find for PE specialists. Many opportunities are related to literacy, math and technology and often it is the teacher who must find ways on relating educational theory to the physical education classroom. However, online PLCs are changing this climate. Many of the connections I have made on Twitter over the last few days are physical education specialists and daily tweets are not only relevant to my instruction but often provide new areas of learning or professional opportunities to connect. I also have a community of educators to ask questions, advise or create partnerships that were not possible in the past.
The importance of professional engagement in physical and health education is important in removing the feeling of marginalization and finding ways to learn outside a traditional workshop or conference that is available locally. Overcoming some aspects of marginalization is happening now through online chats, tweets, webinars and podcasts. It is growing and helping our profession change, stay relevant and challenge the status quo through reflection and discussion.
I do feel the need to state that this online engagement should be combined with practical coaching and instructional practice with other professionals, role modeling with personal fitness pursuits and positive collaboration with colleagues. Online communities are part of the equation but professional development of any physical and health educator needs inclusion of these other components to grow holistically and in a way the benefits students in the best way possible.
Image Credit: Gym by Martin Abegglen (Creative Commons) http://tinyurl.com/owe25p3