Do PE teachers take part in PD?
“Do PE teachers need a university degree?” “Do students learn anything important in PE class? Don’t you just teach them how to run around a gym?” “Students should be focusing on core subjects in school, not playing games.” “PE class is a time to let students burn off some energy, so just let them play.” As an experienced physical and health education (PHE) teacher, I have come across a wide range of questions, perspectives, and opinions from others and what they think about the subject area and what it is like, or should be like, to teach in it. To be fair, our field has a checkered history, and it has contributed to some polarizing experiences ranging from a deep-rooted love filled with exciting memories to a gut-wrenching hatred fueled by humiliating and traumatizing experiences. It is no wonder why the conversations range so widely and seemingly take on…