Kamora Shelton
McKay Student Ambassador
Physical Education
As physical education majors, we spend a few years learning how to teach motor skills, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage teamwork. But the truth is, the learning doesn’t stop at graduation. The best PE teachers are those who continually seek to grow, adapt, and stay informed about new developments in health, fitness, and education. Being a lifelong learner isn’t just about professional development, it’s about setting the best example for our students and ensuring we provide them with the highest quality education.
Adapting to Changes in Health and Fitness Trends
The world of health, fitness, and physical education is constantly evolving. New research emerges on the most effective training techniques, injury prevention strategies, and ways to improve physical activity engagement among students. If PE teachers don’t stay updated, they risk using outdated methods that may not be as effective or safe for students.
For instance, past PE programs focused heavily on team sports, but recent research highlights the value of lifetime fitness activities like yoga and outdoor recreation. In middle school, I remember how structured PE was around sports like basketball and soccer, often leaving less athletic students feeling excluded. As a future PE teacher, I plan to incorporate a variety of activities so every student can find something they enjoy. Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and my goal is to create a more inclusive and engaging environment.
Leading by Example
As PE teachers, we’re not just teaching skills, we’re also modeling a healthy, active lifestyle. When students see their teachers continuously learning new exercises, fitness techniques, or even participating in professional development, it reinforces the idea that growth and improvement never stops.
For instance, in class I learned 3 new cues for passing a basketball and I decided to incorporate them into my practicum teaching. I demonstrated to the students how to pass a basketball a few times and focused on the new cues. By using the new cues for passing a basketball and providing an example, it was easier for the students to understand and execute the skill. Leading by example means continuously refining our methods and showing students that learning is an ongoing process.
Preventing Burnout
Teaching PE is rewarding, but it can also be physically and mentally demanding. Without fresh ideas and new approaches, it’s easy to fall into a routine and lose enthusiasm. Lifelong learning, whether it’s attending a coaching clinic, taking a sports science course, or reading up on the latest fitness trends, keeps things exciting.
There was a point during my teaching practicum when I felt burnt out. I found myself repeating the same drills and makinghalf-prepared lesson plans. To reignite my enthusiasm, I looked for new resources and talked to other PE teachers to find new engaging lesson activities. That small change made a huge difference. By constantly learning, PE teachers bring renewed energy into their classes, which directly impacts student engagement. If we stay excited about what we’re teaching, students are more likely to be excited about participating.
Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
Every student is different. Some may thrive in competitive sports, while others may prefer individual fitness activities. Some may have physical limitations or need adaptive PE strategies to fully participate. Lifelong learning helps teachers develop the skills to accommodate all students and create an inclusive environment.
For example, taking a course on adaptive physical education can equip PE teachers with the tools to better support students with disabilities or those facing personal challenges. I am in an adapted PE class right now and it has been very helpful. I have learned adaptations I can make and teaching tips to help all of my students be able to participate to their full capacity. After this class, I will keep learning new ways to help the needs of diverse learners because the more we learn, the better we can teach every student who enters our gym or field.
Practical Ways to Stay a Lifelong Learner in PE
Being a lifelong learner doesn’t mean you need to go back to school for another degree. There are plenty of ways to continue to learn. Here are a few ways:
Attend PE Conferences and Workshops: Stay updated on best practices and talk with other educators who share new ideas and strategies.
Follow Research and Trends: Read journals, blogs, and books on physical education, coaching, and sports science.
Collaborate with Other Educators: Join and be active in your schools PLC group.
Pursue Additional Certifications: Consider getting certified in areas like strength and conditioning, adaptive PE, or sports psychology to broaden your knowledge.
Experiment with New Activities: Try incorporating emerging fitness trends into your curriculum.
Engage in Professional Development: Many school districts offer training opportunities for PE teachers. Take advantage of these to enhance your teaching methods.
Lifelong learning is essential for PE teachers who want to stay effective, motivated, and impactful. By continually adapting to new trends, leading by example, preventing burnout, and meeting the needs of diverse learners, we ensure that our students receive the best possible education. Staying informed and engaged not only benefits us as educators but also inspires our students to develop a lifelong love of movement and fitness.
No matter where we are in our teaching journey, there is always room to grow. The best teachers are the ones who never stop learning.
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!
Comments