Teaching physical education is a challenging but rewarding occupation.
Finding a way into the profession can be a daunting task while regular
changes in government policy can make it hard to stay up to date. This
engaging new book explains the process of becoming and being a teacher
of secondary school physical education, from the various routes of entry
into the profession, to the realities of being a qualified PE teacher,
to the ways in which experienced teachers can become teacher educators
and nurture the next generation. It combines rich personal accounts of
teaching in, and being taught, physical education, with practical advice
for trainees, newly qualified teachers and established professionals,
with an emphasis throughout on the importance of critical
self-reflection.
The book begins by exploring the nature and purpose of physical
education and examining the historical development of initial teacher
training. It examines recent changes in training, policy and curriculum,
and offers an overview of the various ways of becoming a PE teacher,
including the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and school
and employment based routes. The book offers advice on what to expect at
interview, meeting the standards for qualifying to teach, and on how to
survive the difficult first year as a newly-qualified teacher. It also
outlines the challenges and rewards of being a qualified teacher, mentor
or curriculum leader, as well as a teacher educator within higher
education.
Concise, helpful, and filled with sensible insights based on real
experiences of teaching physical education, Becoming a Physical
Education Teacher is an essential read for anybody considering entering
the profession, or for students, trainees, newly qualified or
experienced teachers wanting to understand better the process of
becoming, and being, a successful PE teacher.
