The Master PE Teacher course is an engaging and informative learning experience for educators of all levels and backgrounds. Although the course is geared specifically towards PE teachers at the elementary and middle school levels, there is certainly much to take away regardless of what you teach and the age of students you work with!
Reflection, Takeaways, and Real-Time Application
At the end of each module, there are 6 takeaways that summarize the video you just watched as well as 5 reflection questions for you to think about and personalize the content with. Upon finishing the module, you then have reflection questions you are required to answer. This fosters the opportunity to reflect on the content, and apply it to your own journey. Dr. Pangrazi shares some invaluable information from his experiences and background that I wholeheartedly listened to and absorbed. I took notes in each module and have key takeaways and new ideas that I want to bring to my classroom and incorporate in my teaching and instruction. In fact, this week I have already used two ideas in my direct instruction that I discovered from this course!
Teachers as Leaders and Lifelong Influencers
One part of the course that stood out to me was the importance of teachers as change agents. Dr. Pangrazi mentioned that,“Students are engaged in meaningful time/conversations with their parents for about 12 minutes a day.” That means they spend a lot of time with us! They are around teachers all day long and we are called and expected to improve personal and academic behavior. Our students learn to be responsible from responsible adults. We have to be those responsible adults who are good role models for our students.
The 10,000 Attempt Rule: Growth Through Persistence
In addition, I appreciated the focus and conversation around perceived confidence and what this does for our students. When our students have a positive attitude that they can do something, they will find much success. Dr. Pangrazi mentioned that, “…to develop a skill, it can take up to 10,000 attempts with a skilled trainer watching and correcting you in order for you to develop the skill correctly.” Our job as PE teachers is not a simple one. But, if we can foster an environment where students are safe, happy, and confident, they will be much more likely to continue to take those risks to persevere. This is a huge factor in their success, as well in their ability to see fitness and exercise as a lifetime activity.
Why I’d Recommend This Course to Every PE Educator
As a teacher with 17 years of experience, there was much here for me to experience. I also loved the resources offered in the course, as well as videos of real students and teachers in the classroom. I highly recommend the Master PE Teacher course to all PE teachers, administrators, support teachers, and even coaches, as I believe all who work with students can benefit from this course.
