Physical Education

Teaching Philosophy

            In this paper, I will talk about several things. Among them is why I want to be a teacher in the Physical Education and the Health Education fields. Also included will be the information I would like my students to learn by being a student in one of my classes, and the approach to teaching I plan on taking.  This is my entire teaching philosophy of being a teacher of young individuals.

First I will address the question as to why I would like to become a teacher of physical education and Health education.  The first and most obvious reason as to why I want to teach Physical Education and Health Education is because I enjoy helping children learn new things and improve. I feel the most rewarding experience to me is seeing a young individual improve at something under my guidance.  In my experiences as a basketball coach I have felt that rewarding experience and it is an incredibly good feeling.  I feel that I could also have that same effect on young individuals as a teacher of Physical Education and Health Education.  Athletics and physical activity has always been an interest of mine and I feel that it was only appropriate that I relay my knowledge of sports and physical activity to young adults.  I also believe that physical activity and health is becoming less and less prominent among today’s youth.  By becoming a teacher of Physical Education and Health Education I may possibly be able to reverse those declining trends of today’s youth.

I have many ideas as to things that I would like my students to take from my classroom.  I feel as a Physical Education and Health teacher I can teach them life skills that can help them in their future.  I think my students would walk out of my class at the end of the year with a better perspective of their health in general. The students would not only know about health and nutrition, but how to improve their lifestyle in order to live long, healthy lives.  There are also other life skills that I believe that students could take from my teaching that could benefit them in the future.  Sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and cooperation are things that I believe that students could improve from my teaching.  All these skills are essential for individuals to learn in order to be successful and respected as adults.  If my students can leave my classroom with these life skills, I believe that I have reached them in a positive manner.

My general approach to teaching Physical Education is a very simple one.  I would like to teach in a relaxed but firm atmosphere. I want an atmosphere that the students want to participate, be involved, and have fun.  I also want a class atmosphere where there is an understanding between the students and I of acceptable behavior and unacceptable behavior and where the line is between them.  I do not want my students to perceive me as some hard nosed teacher that is their enemy but I would like for them to view me as someone that is approachable and understanding.  I would like to use a diverse group of teaching methods in order to increase interest in the activities and to avoid repetitive routines that causes the students to lose focus. I want to implement new games and perhaps even ask the students if they want to try something different.

In conclusion, I feel that it is very important for Physical Education and Health Education to be a part of the curriculum in schools today.  As a teacher I hope to help young individuals improve, learn new things, establish a good understanding with the students and help them learn in any way possible, then I believe I will be a successful teacher.  I feel that with my teaching of Physical Education and/or Health Education I will benefit the students more than just a grade, but in life also.