Introduction
Every year, after school has ended, I sit down and evaluate
my year. I go over in my head what it takes to be an effective
teacher. More specifically, I sit and think about all the
characteristics it takes to be an effective physical education
teacher. The lists of characteristics that I keep coming back
to are: role model, organized,
flexible, creative, motivated,
patient, safety oriented,
communicator, leader, and
fun.
I believe that an individual who owns these characteristics
will thrive as an elementary physical education teacher. Not
only will the teacher thrive, but the students will also.
In this article we are going to dig deeper into each of these
characteristics, and see what it takes to be a well rounded
elementary physical education teacher.
Role Model
Let's say you wake up early, and head to the gym in time to
make it to that 5:30am spin class. In walks the teacher, who
is overweight and still in pajamas. It's possible you have
now lost some of your desire to be in that class, and that
teacher may have lost a lot of credibility with the students
and fellow staff members. It is important to remember that
every day we step onto the blacktop we are representing the
physical education profession.
Looking like a professional brings respect from parents and
staff. As physical education teachers we are the "face"
of a healthy lifestyle to our students. They look at us and
see what they are trying to achieve, a healthy person with
a healthy lifestyle. Being able to walk the talk is a big
deal when it comes to physical education. Physical
education teachers should be physically fit.
I often say: How are you able to tell students that a healthy
lifestyle is important, but you yourself are not leading that
type of life?
Organized
As an elementary physical education teacher you will constantly
be having a stream of students coming to see you. Without
the ability to stay organized you will struggle in assessments
and classroom-management. Being organized allows for quick
transitions and less down time, which in return means less
behavioral problems. When elementary students go outside to
your classroom without walls, energy levels rise and it's
necessary to focus that energy in a productive way.
Flexible
Here in California there are no elementary gyms for physical
education. On any given day, if the weather is not cooperating,
you might be forced to be in a hallway, closet, or classroom.
You need to be a flexible teacher that can make adaptations
to your lessons quickly, and quickly adjust to any new situation.
Creative
Being a physical education teacher means that you are creating
activities that are designed to master skills within a productive
learning environment. This means that at any given moment
an opportunity can arise to discover ideas for your classroom.
You never know where your latest inspiration will come from.
It can come from a T.V. show or watching your child's gymnastics
class. Being able to take an idea, and evolve it into a fun
and exciting activity that your students will enjoy, creates
a "buy in" from students and makes you a successful
teacher.
Motivated
Unfortunately, many parents that I talk to refer to the physical
education programs that they experienced as kids with many
negatives. Teachers need to stay motivated and eager to learn
and grow as educators. A motivated teacher takes opportunities
to learn new things and tries to be a leader in the field.
Teachers that attend conferences/workshops tend to have students
who experience a more positive physical education environment.
Overall, motivated teachers extend their education, look for
opportunities for growth, seek out those who are successful
and try to learn from them, and see what can they work into
their programs.
Patient
This is one of the most important characteristics discussed
in this article. As an elementary school physical education
teacher you are going to see a wide range of skill levels
and abilities from students. The first time I ever taught
first graders I was not sure if I would be able to survive
them. They were more concerned about the butterflies than
what was going on in class. However, with patience and classroom
management the younger grades bring great joy to your classroom.
Every elementary teacher needs to remember that skill development
at younger ages is extremely important, as it is the foundation
for the rest of their lives.
Safety Oriented
Physical education is an activity type of classroom where
students are constantly moving, and therefore the probability
of injury is higher. Teachers need to foresee how something
might go wrong, and take the steps to make sure that the situation
doesn't occur. A class that is safe, and still exciting, gains
the favor of the school administration and office staff. Having
these individuals on your side is huge
for any program.
Communicator
Being an effective communicator with classroom teachers about
your program is very important. Open communication with them
will increase the credibility of your program and everything
you do on a daily basis. If the classroom teacher "buys
into" your physical education program, the rewards of
this partnership transfer to the students and everyone.
Creating a website, and using other communication tools,
allow the school community to discover all the great things
that go on in your physical education class. Asking your principal
for opportunities to share your program at PTA meetings is
a great way for you to share with parents what is going on
in your class, and for them to become enthused about what
their child is learning and experiencing in your class. Overall,
being an effective communicator with the school community
can lead to fundraising, grants, and many opportunities for
growth in your program.
Leader
As a physical education teacher you have potential to get
students enthused about many different things in school.
Students tend to gravitate towards the P.E. teacher, looking
for guidance on what is, and isn't, fun and exciting. Be excited!
And, help the school by getting the student population enthused
about learning. Most elementary physical education teachers
see most of the student population. So, because you are one
of the few teachers on campus that knows all the students,
when issues arise the administration may look to you for information.
This position puts you in a unique spot to provide needed
feedback to administration. Volunteer for leadership opportunities.
Nothing looks better for your program than if you are helping
lead the school in committees and in the class.
Fun
The last, but not least, important characteristic is that
you need to be a fun person. If you are not having fun, how
are your students supposed to get excited about learning and
moving? Your job is to get these students interested in the
activities they do so that they will want to continue doing
them for the rest of their lives.
Don't worry about looking funny teaching a silly dance.
Retention "goes out the window" if students aren't
having fun, and then your lesson will be pointless. If you
are not worried about trying something new, even if you look
funny doing it, then your students will feel more free to
try new things without fear of failure. This will make your
classroom a safe place for everyone to try new activities,
a place to not be afraid to try new things, and a place to
have fun doing new activities.
Conclusion
At the end of each year this self-evaluation has become a
habit. It allows me to reflect on what has worked, and what
has not. But most importantly it allows me to evaluate the
direction I am going as a physical education teacher. What
my goals are and where I want to take my program.
It is very important for teachers to think about these characteristics
daily, which will help you make sure your lessons are of most
benefit to your students. Remember, not all elementary physical
education teachers begin their careers with these characteristics,
but grow into them as their experience grows.
It is important to remember that teaching is not
a sprint, but a marathon.
Biography
This is my 6th year of teaching physical education. I have
been teaching at Tassajara Hills Elementary in Danville California
for the past 3 years. Before teaching at Tassajara Hills,
I was a district wide elementary physical education teacher,
teaching at 6 different schools. I have a B.S. and an M.A.
in Kinesiology, and also have my certificate of eligibility
for my administrative credential. I am married with three
children. When I am not teaching I enjoy hiking, running,
biking, and spending time with my family.
Introduction