Kamora Shelton
McKay Student Ambassador
Physical Education
There are many joys and challenges I have experienced while studying to become a physical education (PE) teacher. Teaching PE combines my love for sports and my desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. While each day is a little different, each moment reaffirms why I chose path of education. Here are a few of the joys and challenges of being a PE major.
JOYS
Smiling Faces
One of the most rewarding parts of being a PE major is watching students light up as they
play sports or participate in activities. At the beginning of the classes I have taught or participated in, some students didn’t want to be there or were not in the mood to do physical activity. As the class period goes on, students tend to enjoy it more and start having fun. This is one of my favorite parts of teaching because you get to see the impact your class is having on the students. My goal is to have all of my students leave PE class with flushed faces to show they worked hard and smiling to show they had fun while working hard. Physical education is about more than fitness; it’s about creating joy and building a sense of community.
Learning from Christ, The Master Teacher
This joy is more specific to the McKay School. Here in the McKay school, we have the opportunity to learn how Christ taught and to follow his example. Christ taught with patience, kindness, and a deep understanding of individuals.The Mckay School focuses on Christ as the Master Teacher has helped me view each student as a child of God with divine worth. It has helped me remember my purpose or reason for majoring in education, which has helped me not burn out.
Watching Confidence Grow
In PE, you teach skills that can be new to a lot of kids. Seeing their confidence grow as they practice and succeed and new skills is another joy in teaching for me. I also get to see my confidence grow with each lesson I teach. I learn how to connect better with students, explain concepts more clearly, and guide them toward success.
Playing Sports in Class
I can't write about the joys of my major without including sports! Every Monday and Wednesday I get to play sports in class to learn how to teach them and it is so much fun. I have been able to connect with my classmates and professors better in these classes, learn new sports, and exercise to start my day off right!
CHALLENGES:
Staying Up-to-Date on Research
The field of physical education is always evolving. New studies, strategies, and techniques constantly emerge, and staying current can feel overwhelming. From learning about the latest fitness trends to understanding how exercise affects mental health, there’s so much to keep up with. However, this challenge is also an opportunity to grow, learn more and ensure that my teaching remains effective and relevant.
Lesson Planning for Diverse Needs
Planning lessons that cater to all students is one of the biggest challenges in physical education. Every student is unique, with different learning styles, skill levels, and interests. How do I create activities that engage the seasoned athlete and the student who’s never played that sport? It takes careful thought and time to design lessons that help every student feel included and supported; but when a it comes together, it’s worth all the effort.
Classroom Management
Managing a gym full of energetic students is not a small task. It’s a challenge to balance creating a fun and friendly environment with maintaining order and safety. There are moments when students don’t listen or when games become chaotic, and it’s up to me to get the class back on task. This can be very daunting, but we are taught in class what to do when situations like these arise. Classroom management is a skill I’m still developing, but every time I get to teach I get a little better.
Being a physical education major is both challenging and rewarding. The joys far outweigh the challenges, and even the tough moments are opportunities to learn and grow. Through my experiences, I’ve learned to see the divine nature in every student and strive to help them recognize their potential, just as Christ does.
For anyone considering a career in education, I encourage you to try it! If you have any questions about majoring in education click here to schedule an appointment with a student ambassador!
Commentaires