The start of the next academic year will be here before you know it; however, let me tell you a little secret: YOU GOT THIS! This blog provides a few ideas for preparing for the next school year as a physical educator.
1. Take Inventory of Your PE Equipment
It is important to inventory your equipment, which helps you identify and prioritize equipment your physical education program needs. Gopher has a fantastic inventory spreadsheet tool that will assist you in this. The inventory spreadsheet is easy to share with administrators, parent-teacher organizations, and other organizations that may aid in funding your physical education equipment.
2. Reflect and Create
Reflect on the previous year. Did your long-range plan work? How were your lesson plans? What activities would you add and/or subtract? I think it is important to ask the students what worked and did not work throughout the year. After you have reflected, it is time to start planning for the upcoming school year! Remember to include various whole-school events, such as Stack Up hosted by the World Sport Stacking Association, Project ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously), and Field Day.
3. Collaborate and Lifelong Learning
The summer months are a great time to collaborate with your fellow physical educators. You can collaborate at a summer conference held by your state association or attend one of the SPARK Institutes. In addition, you can invest in online professional development, such as Master PE Teacher, authored by Dr. Robert Pangrazi.
4. Community Support and Enrichment
Does your city have professional sports teams, fitness centers, or sports centers? Would your students enjoy a field trip to see a professional sports venue or rock climbing at your local YMCA? Seeking enrichment opportunities is an excellent way to enrich our students’ experiences outside the physical education environment. The summer is also a great time to look for and apply for grants for your program.
Preparing for the next school year as a PE teacher is an exciting opportunity to reflect, grow, and bring fresh ideas into your program. What are some strategies or resources you use to get ready for a new school year? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to learn from each other!
